This year’s Culturati Festival, Africa’s largest cultural fusion event, attracted dignitaries and celebrities offering spellbinding cultural vibes from fashion, art, food entertainment and culture.
The four-day festival kicked-off with a pre-event symposium titled Enhancing Africa’s Economy Through Investments in Culture, Arts and Tourism. It was followed by a two-day exhibition of food, art works, African fashion and accessories with side attractions featuring wrestling competition, music and traditional dance performances at the Sol Beach, Oniru, Lagos.
Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, who was at the beach exhibition, said the event was not just another excuse for a good time. But that it was a vehicle for empowering youths, promoting tourism and other economic initiatives that resonate with global sustainable development goals (SDGs), given the latent economic potential therein.
“We are so much interested in this because we believe that it is an opportunity to connect back to our roots and most importantly to engage our youths,” he said, ignoring the noise from the surround sound system.
“If you look around, there are lots of youths who are showcasing their energy and talent and we keep inspiring them to do more with their passion. Most importantly, it is to turn their passion into profit. Some of them depend on this type of initiative. We are telling our story and showing the strength of Africa.”
The grand finale of the festival, which held at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, not only garnered dignitaries and celebrities, it also showcased the magnificence of African heritage while delving into insight discussions about the future of African culture and it’s pivotal role in fostering tourism.
Several vintage cars from the 70s and 80s were exhibited at the entrance of the hall before the event kicked off.
Guests were dressed in different African styles.
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The night which was glamorous and electrifying from start to finish also featured various displays of African culture including Eyo drum performances, traditional masquerade appearances, cultural dances, comedy acts, and fashion shows took centre stage creating a tapestry of African excellence.
Speaking on the ideology behind the event, Aregbe, who is also the Convener of the yearly event, said the dire unemployment situation in Nigeria precipitated the cultural movement SISI-OGE in 2006 to bring attention to the potentials in African culture.
“Over the course of a decade, SISI-OGE metamorphosed into Culturati and continually creating business opportunities for many young cultural buffs to leverage on, rewarding cultural excellence while celebrating Africa’s rich and diverse heritage.”
He noted that this year’s edition was a lot more robust as it was targeted at opening up economic opportunities in African culture for youth empowerment, tourism promotion and general economic development.
The finale was attended by Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunnoye 11, the Olofin of Isheri Awori, Oba Sulaiman Adekunle among others. Celebrities and entertainers included Iyabo Ojo, Alibaba Akpobone, and Waris Olayinka. It was hosted by Nollywood actress Nancy Isime and Gbenga Adeyinka.
