The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with QDance Centre, is set to launch the inaugural International Cultural Festival, dubbed “Afropolis 2024,” starting October 26. This year’s theme is “We Need New Myth.”
The festival will showcase a diverse array of African cultures from across Nigeria and the continent, running for nine days at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos Island, and its surrounding areas.
Afropolis is an international celebration of arts, creativity, and innovation, drawing visitors and artists from Nigeria and various countries, including Ghana, Senegal, Lome, Addis Ababa, São Paulo, Amsterdam, Bologna, and the US, among others.
Inspired by internationally renowned festivals such as the Nottingham Carnival in the UK, Afropolis aims to attract thousands of visitors to Lagos each year.
At a briefing on Wednesday to announce the festival’s activities, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described Afropolis as groundbreaking, emphasizing its role in highlighting the rich cultural heritage and creative spirit of the Lagos metropolis.
“Afropolis is not just an event; it is a celebration of our identity, a showcase of our talents, and a testament to the power of creativity to unite and inspire. From October 26 to November 3, Lagos will become the epicentre of African creativity, welcoming artists, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond,” she stated.
Scheduled activities include a VIP preview and cocktail on October 26, followed by a grand opening ceremony at The Vibez Stage, and a fireside chat with Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat on the same day.
On October 27, a carnival procession will take place along several streets of Lagos Island during the official opening of the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will lead a tour of the centre on October 28.
The festival will also feature daily film programmes, interactive art installations, and cultural dance performances. The closing weekend will showcase an International Performance, culminating in a grand finale Afro House and EDM Rave on November 3.
“Afropolis is more than just a festival; it is a platform for African creatives to connect, showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and collaborate on innovative projects. It celebrates Lagos as the largest Black cultural melting pot in the world, a city leading in various creative sectors such as music, fashion, gaming, technology, design, film, dance, AI, and research,” Benson-Awoyinka added.
Qudus Onikeku, the Artistic Director of Afropolis 2024, described the festival as a dream come true, noting that Lagos, as the world’s largest Black capital, deserves a world-class cultural festival.
“Lagos is the creative capital of the world. We are ready to compete on a global stage. Afropolis is an African and diaspora festival that we have envisioned for over a year to establish an international festival in Lagos,” he remarked.
Onikeku also highlighted the festival’s potential to boost the state’s GDP by enhancing the local economy, with vendors showcasing a variety of goods, from food to artistic materials.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, expressed confidence that Afropolis 2024 would pave the way for replicating other international festivals in the state.
“We have everything needed to draw the world to experience African culture,” Omotoso stated.
