The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has officially announced preparations for the highly anticipated Afropolis Lagos 2024, a nine-day festival that will bring together 20,000 international and local participants to celebrate and showcase African heritage.
Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, shared details of the upcoming event during a press briefing held on Wednesday at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos. Themed “We Need New Myths,” Afropolis Lagos 2024 is set to take place from October 26 to November 3, 2024, and is in collaboration with QDance, a partner committed to opening new possibilities and fostering global connections through the creative industries.
Benson-Awoyinka emphasized the festival’s purpose of highlighting the dynamic power of African creativity as a key driver of economic growth and cultural exchange. Afropolis Lagos 2024 promises to be an event of immense cultural significance, blending diverse elements of African tradition and modernity.
The nine-day festival will feature a packed calendar of events beginning on October 26 with a VIP preview and cocktail reception, followed by an exciting grand opening ceremony at The Vibez Stage. The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, will take center stage on the opening day to discuss Lagos’ prominent role in the global African creative economy.
Lagos Set to Host Afropolis Lagos 2024: A Celebration of African Heritage and Creativity
On October 27, the vibrant streets of Lagos Island will host a carnival procession, capturing the city’s pulsating energy, and leading into the Afropolis Global African Vibez Exchange (G.A.V.E). The following day, October 28, will see Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, guide visitors on a tour of the J. Randle Centre, a cultural landmark.
Throughout the festival, attendees will experience a diverse range of daily activities including film screenings, interactive art installations, and performances across various creative fields—traditional and contemporary dance, music, visual arts, and even technology.
The final weekend of Afropolis Lagos 2024 will spotlight an International Performance Weekend, featuring the incredible talents of the Afropolis Tribe of 2024. The grand finale will culminate in a high-energy Afro House and EDM rave on November 3rd, promising to deliver an unforgettable celebration.
Benson-Awoyinka expressed her excitement about the festival, saying, “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 epicenter of African creativity, welcoming artists, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond.”
Benson-Awoyinka further added that Afropolis is not just a festival, but a significant platform for African creatives to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on groundbreaking projects. “Lagos is the largest Black cultural melting pot in the world, a city that continues to lead in creative sectors such as music, fashion, gaming, tech, design, film, dance, AI, and research,” she noted.
Qudus Onikeku, the Artistic Director of Afropolis, shared his vision for the event, describing it as a dream project over a year in the making. “We are creating an international festival for Lagos, a city that is not only the biggest Black capital of the world but also has the potential to become Africa’s creative capital. We need to collaborate with other global cities to make this happen,” Onikeku explained.
Afropolis Lagos 2024 is poised to deliver a spectacular celebration of African creativity and cultural unity. As the city transforms into a vibrant nexus for global artistic exchange, Lagos will shine as a beacon for creativity and innovation, welcoming artists, audiences, and innovators to witness the boundless potential of African heritage in the contemporary world.
