IBRAHIM QUADRI
Over 20,000 participants are expected to converge in Lagos State for Afropolis 2024 to celebrate African cultural heritage.
The festival which is organized by the Lagos State ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in partnership with QDance, meant to open doors to new possibilities, fostering connections that transcend borders, and showcasing the incredible potential of the creative industries to drive economic growth and cultural exchange.
Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka announced this during a press briefing at J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan Lagos.
Afropolis Lagos 2024 with the theme, ‘We need new myths,’ will take place from Wednesday 23rd October 2024.
Participants are expected to pay N3,000 per day but N15,000 will be paid by those who are willing to pay for the nine days.
The activities lined up for the nine-day event include, the opening day, October 26th which will kick off with a VIP preview and cocktail, followed by a grand opening ceremony at The Vibez Stage. The State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat will explore Lagos’ role as a hub for the global African creative economy.
On October 27th, the streets of Lagos Island will come alive with a vibrant carnival procession, embodying the spirit and energy of the people which will culminate in the Afropolis G.A.V.E (Global African Vibez Exchange).
October 28th, the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu will lead a tour of the J. Randle Centre as a significant cultural landmark.
The festival will host daily film programs, interactive art installations, and performances that span the spectrum of African creativity from traditional to contemporary dance to music including visual arts to technology.
The closing weekend will feature an International Performance Weekend, showcasing the incredible talents of Afropolis Tribe of 2024, followed by a grand finale Afro House and EDM Rave on November 3rd.
Awoyinka said, “As we prepare to embark on this extraordinary creative journey, I am filled with pride and convinced that the rich cultural heritage and creative spirit that defines Lagos metropolis and our lovely nation will further be projected for this 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 added, “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.”
In his comments, the Artistic Director of Afropolis, Mr Qudus Onikeku said, “Afropolis is something we have been dreaming about over one year, we have been working hard to give an international festival. As we know, Lagos is the biggest black capital of the world. There is need to make it creative capital of Africa but we don’t have a project to mark Africa day, so we have to collaborate with other big cities.
“The programmes we have put together is for international artistes. We have to close down J Randle to celebrate with visual artists, exhibition, children games, musicians, dancers among others.”
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