Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State government in partnership with QDance Center will, on October 26 begins the maiden international cultural festival tagged Afropolis 2024.
The festival will feature displays of various Africa cultures from different parts of the country and Africa and wil last for nine days at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan Lagos Island and its environs.
Afropolis is an international festival of arts, creativity and innovation with visitors and artistes expected from Nigeria and different parts of the world such as Kaduna, Kabo, Jos, Ghana, Senegal, Lome, Addis Ababa, Sao Paulo, Amsterdam, Bologna, US among other European and South American countries.
The festival is modeled after internationally recognised festivals such as the Nottingham Carnival in UK which will attract thousands of visitors annually to Lagos.
While speaking at a briefing on Wednesday to introduce activities lines up for the nine days festival, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka described the festival as groundbreaking adding that the rich cultural heritage and creative spirit that defines Lagos metropolis will be projected for the period of nine days.
“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 26th to November 3rd, Lagos will become the epicentre of African creativity, welcoming artists, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond,” she said.
According to her, activities scheduled for the festival includes a VIP preview and cocktail on October 26 followed by a grand opening ceremony at The Vibez Stage.
Also there will be a fireside chat with the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat on the same day.
On October 27, a carnival procession will be held in many streets on the island while the official opening ceremony of J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.
will take place on October 28th with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu leading a tour of the centre.
The Commissioner further said there will be a daily film programs, interactive art installations, and cultural dance performances.
The closing weekend on November 3rd will feature an International Performance Weekend followed by a grand finale Afro House and EDM Rave on November 3rd.
“Afropolis is more than a festival; it is a platform for African creatives to come together, showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and collaborate on groundbreaking projects.
It is a celebration of Lagos as the largest black cultural melting pot in the world, a city that continues to lead in various creative sectors such as music, fashion, gaming, tech, design, film, dance, AI, and research,” she said.
The Artistic Director, Afropolis 2024, Qudus Onikeku said the festival is a dream come true adding that Lagos being the biggest black capital of the world deserves to have world class cultural festival.
“Lagos is a creative capital of the world. We are ready to compete with the world. Afropolis is an African/diaspora festival. We have been dreaming about this for over a year ago to give Lagos an international festival,”he said.
Onikeku noted that the festival will.boost the GDP of the state as it will improve local economy of the state with local vendors selling and displaying their goods ranging from food to artistic materials among others.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso said with Afropolis 2024, the state government will be able to replicate other international festivals in the state.
“We have everything than can bring the world to come and learn about Africa culture,’Omotoso said.
