The much-anticipated Afropolis Lagos Festival, a global celebration of African arts, culture, and innovation, has officially commenced. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, declared the festival open on Saturday at the JK Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.
In his opening remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the Lagos State Government’s commitment to showcasing African culture and creativity. He highlighted the festival’s inaugural theme, “The New Myth”, as a profound invitation for Africans to redefine their heritage and envision their future.
“This festival has become a unique gathering for us,” Sanwo-Olu stated, “a melting point of ideas where tradition and modernity converge, underscoring the belief that the past shapes the future.”
He added that the chosen theme calls for a reexamination and renewal of African identity, emphasizing the need to forge new stories that both honor African heritage and speak to contemporary African experiences.
Sanwo-Olu explained that while traditional myths form the bedrock of African identity, the evolving global landscape calls for narratives that reflect Africa’s modernity, diversity, and resilience. “New myths are not just fantasies,” he said, “they represent possibilities—visions painted in bold colors where the future of Africa can be articulated.”
These narratives, he continued, should challenge stereotypes, break boundaries, and showcase the innovation and creativity intrinsic to the African spirit.
Festival Highlights and Vision
The festival, which runs from October 26 to November 3, promises an array of immersive experiences, including cultural performances, exhibitions, panel discussions, music, dance, and more.
Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, urged festivalgoers to expect “an electrifying season,” emphasizing that the festival celebrates not only Lagos’s rich cultural heritage but also its achievements in technology and creative industries.
“This festival is about us,” Benson-Awoyinka said. “Lagos is more than engineering or science; we are music, dance, and vibrant culture.” She noted that Afropolis would feature film screenings, comedy, poetry, games, and a variety of artistic performances aimed at celebrating African creativity.
Power of Collaboration
The Afropolis Festival was spearheaded by QDance Centre founder Qudus Onikeku, who highlighted the collaborative spirit that brought the festival to fruition, aligning with Lagos’s slogan, “Eko o ni baje” (Lagos will thrive).
Onikeku noted the support from various brands and the Lagos State Government, with dedicated spaces such as the Vibe Stage, Groove Stage, Film Lab, and Gemini Gallery, among others, enhancing the event’s offerings
“Without collaboration, Lagos would not be as great as it is,” Onikeku remarked. “This festival is our way of making Lagos a local hub for creative energy.” He added that participants from 11 countries—including Dakar, Cotonou, Colombia, and Canada—had traveled to Lagos for the event.
Performances and Cultural Displays
The festival’s opening featured a series of captivating performances, including the drama production Ijuba by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and dance displays by the Q Dance Centre.
The performances, such as the Oya dance and others themed around reincarnation, paid homage to Yoruba spirituality and the concept of ancestral continuity.
Governor Sanwo-Olu encouraged attendees to fully engage with the festival’s diverse events, from exhibitions to performances.
“Let us immerse ourselves in our diverse cultures, learn from each other’s perspectives, and leave this festival with a renewed purpose—to craft new myths that will inspire generations to come,” he urged.
As Afropolis Lagos 2024 unfolds, it stands as a testament to Lagos’s thriving cultural scene and its potential as a global center for African arts and innovation, bringing together talent from across the world in a vibrant celebration of identity and progress.
