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    Afrochella rebrands as AfroFuture Fest for Detty December 2023

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    Affectionately known as Detty December, this is the month that the Western region of Africa hosts a season-long lineup of festival-hopping partygoers at carnivals and concerts, inspiring thousands of people from across the diaspora to flock to their ancestral land for the holidays.

    Though many aren’t quite sure how Detty December originated, what was once a tradition reserved for people on the continent has become a time when overseas visitors, including Black Americans, are choosing “home” away from home and making it their own.

    Some say this particular holiday custom emerged during the inaugural Calabar Carnival in 2004, in the south-eastern Nigeria region; others claim it became popularised during Ghana’s 2019 “Year of Return.” The campaign, launched by the Ghana Tourism Authority, encouraged brothers and sisters of African descent to make the voyage to Ghana and unite as family of the diaspora. Since then, the actual number of visitors has far exceeded expectations, with about a million people making the trek in 2019—a rise of 45% from the previous year, which reflected a significant increase in travellers from the United States and the United Kingdom, according to the BBC.

    Yet even as tourists converged on the continent in ever-rising numbers, few could have predicted that Detty December would become an annual pilgrimage for so many global travellers, who come to the city hot spots of Lagos and Accra for a month of music, arts, culture and entertainment.

    One event in particular, Afrochella—which has now been rebranded as AfroFuture—is sandwiched between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Held at the peak of Detty December in the city of Accra, the music and cultural festival is staged annually at Accra’s El Wak Stadium. It was first launched in 2017 as the brainchild of Abdul Karim Abdullah, AfroFuture’s New York–born CEO and cofounder.

    What started as an idea for a food festival became a 4,000-attendee event in its first year. It has since exploded into one of the most-lauded events during the holiday season in Africa, with attendance numbers hitting 31,000 in 2022.

    While this year marks the first time that the festival will not be under its original Afrochella imprint, the occasion is sure to be just as magical, if not more so. The renaming of the festival comes on the heels of Coachella organisers suing Afrochella for trademark infringement, citing a confusion between the competing brands. But make no mistake, whether “chella” is in the title or not, this event remains deeply relevant for Black attendees, especially those travelling to the continent from abroad.

    AfroFuture Fest occupies its own unique lane, and by design, it shares the beauty of Ghana’s cultural identity with the world. But what makes this festival so distinctive is its organisers’ ability and determination to support the Ghanaian economy.

    Abdullah, whose business partners are based in Ghana, strives to ensure that everyone—from production staff and event designers to maintenance workers and vendors—is from the country, and that every extra dollar poured into the festival goes directly into local hands.

    As a result, the economic impact has been staggering, with approximately 16% of Ghanaian tourism income for the year of 2019 coming from AfroFuture Fest, and an average of $2,650 spent by each festival attendee.

    “Our numbers have grown since we launched, so we know that our impact is very visible on the continent,” says Bronx native Abdullah.

    “We are excited by the transition of Afrochella to AfroFuture Fest,” says Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority. “The event has become a flagship of our December in Ghana programme. It brings in a lot of visitors and, with them, attendant economic benefits for our industry and our country. Hotels peak in occupancy; airlines are fully booked; and the entire value chain of tourism thrives during the period.”

    With attendees representing people of African descent from regions as far flung as the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland, the brand has expanded to speak to these patrons, with spin-offs being held this year in New York, South Africa and London.

    “Our goal is to be able to touch all parts of the continent,” explains Abdullah. “So we’re also doing a lot more events involving Francophone Africa and Southern Africa. A lot of our global markets don’t have experiences that are similar to what we’re doing in Ghana, so this is our opportunity to market to the festival more broadly and tell them about what’s happening and what we’re doing.”

    Carrying the torch of Black nationalists and civil rights leaders such as Marcus Garvey—who consistently preached that Black Americans should “go back to Africa”—AfroFuture Fest has given this message of returning to the ancestral homeland a new meaning.

    “We want to grow and do a lot more storytelling,” says Abdullah. “It’s one thing for the diaspora to come together to enjoy music, fashion, food and art, and have a great time in Ghana, but it’s another thing for us to be able to uniquely tell the nuanced story of the continent.

    “We don’t know enough about each other—and that fosters competition rather than collaboration. By telling more stories, and sharing our culture and uplifting what each culture means, it gives us an opportunity to build alliances and increase the appreciation for all those cultures that show up at our festival.”

    There is something incredibly special about celebrating on African soil in December—but there’s something even more special about a “for us, by us” festival accompanied by warm sun, sweet food and welcoming people.

    AfroFuture Fest has not only changed the tourism outlook on the continent, but it has also expanded the world’s view of what it means to vacation at the beach while celebrating Black culture. This is for Ghana—and by extension, for the entire diaspora.

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    Festivals

    Tourists flock to Afon for annual fishing festival, boosting Kwara’s tourism scene

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    March 20, 2025

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    Afon Fishing Festival Kwara tourism

    Tourists and government officials gather in Afon, Kwara, for the annual fishing festival, marking a major step in promoting local tourism

     

    Tourists from 10 states across Nigeria recently gathered in Afon, the headquarters of Asa Local Government Area in Kwara State, for the community’s highly anticipated annual fishing festival.

    The vibrant event, which took place on the banks of the Asa River, drew not only local visitors but also content creators, key government officials, and tourism enthusiasts.

    The Afon Fishing Festival, a centuries-old tradition, has been gaining national attention, particularly after efforts to incorporate modern tourism elements.

    In 2023, the festival’s profile was significantly raised when Jamiu Balogun, an indigene of Afon, partnered with Visit Kwara, a tourism promotion platform, to elevate the event’s status.

    Balogun, the lead organiser, highlighted how the festival has steadily gained in popularity, thanks to the infusion of tourism strategies.

    However, Balogun emphasised the importance of continued support from both national and international tourism organisations to ensure the festival’s sustained growth.

    “The Afon Fishing Festival has the potential to become a major international attraction, but it requires greater collaboration from various tourism bodies,” he remarked.

    The district head of Afon, Mal. Hanafi Balogun, reiterated the significance of the festival in preserving the community’s rich cultural heritage.

    He revealed that ongoing discussions with the state government are aimed at promoting the event on a global scale, with the presence of government officials underscoring the festival’s increasing importance.

    Alh. Shehu Yahaya, the chairman of Asa Local Government Area, also praised the role of tourism in stimulating the local economy, noting that the Afon Fishing Festival plays a central role in boosting the area’s visibility. He reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to supporting the festival and its future endeavours.

    One of the highlights of the festival was the participation of the chief fisher head, Alh. Abdullahi Laraba, who expressed his pride in the festival’s development under his leadership.

    He committed to ensuring that the tradition is preserved for future generations, pointing to its growing prominence as a vital community asset.

    The festival’s appeal extended beyond fishing, with a mountain climbing tour that offered tourists the chance to explore the scenic beauty of the Odoode Hills in Afon district.

    The tour attracted a diverse crowd of safari enthusiasts, content creators, and government officials eager to uncover more of Kwara’s untapped tourist potential.

    Brighton Udezi, a member of BMW GS Nigeria, a biking safari group, was among those who marveled at the panoramic views during their expedition to the hills. His team enjoyed a thrilling ride through the stunning terrain, further reinforcing the area’s potential as a unique tourism destination.

    As the Afon Fishing Festival continues to grow in prominence, it is clear that this centuries-old tradition is rapidly becoming a key player in Kwara State’s broader tourism strategy, attracting both local and international visitors.

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    Lagos seafood festival to boost maritime economy, celebrate aquatic heritage

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    March 18, 2025

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    Lagos Seafood Festival

    Lagos Seafood Festival, set for April 24-26, will showcase Lagos’ maritime heritage, promoting sustainable seafood businesses and tourism

     

    The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, is set to redefine the state’s maritime economy with the upcoming **Lagos Seafood Festival**.

    Also read: Lagos Government commits to growth of hospitality sector at institute of hospitality AGM

    Scheduled to take place from April 24th to 26th, 2025, the festival will celebrate Lagos as an aquatic wonder and highlight the commercial potential of its thriving seafood industry.

    Themed “Buy, Eat, Party,” the event will be held across three locations in the state: Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island; Anuoluwapo Fish Market, Law School, Victoria Island; and Oluwo Fish Market, Epe.

    The primary focus of the festival is to promote aquaculture and culinary tourism, while preserving Lagos’ rich seafood trade. The event aims to foster sustainable business strategies and reinforce the state’s position as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.

    The **Lagos Seafood Festival** will feature a blend of culinary experiences, cultural celebrations, and business networking opportunities designed to elevate the seafood industry.

    Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, described the initiative as a groundbreaking approach to celebrating Lagos’ indigenous lifestyle.

    According to Aregbe, the festival will not only empower seafood businesses but will also attract international buyers, thereby boosting the local economy.

    “This is beyond a festivity; it is a celebration of our heritage and a strategic opportunity for the seafood industry in Lagos. We will empower seafood merchants, attract international buyers, and amplify Lagos’ maritime story,” he said.

    The Lagos Seafood Festival promises an exciting array of activities for attendees, including gourmet seafood experiences, cooking demonstrations, tastings by renowned chefs, market tours, cultural exhibitions, and workshops.

    The festival will also provide vital business networking opportunities, making it an essential event for seafood business owners. Aregbe added that the initiative aligns with the state government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda to position Lagos as a global tourism and business hub while promoting economic growth in the seafood sector.

    The Lagos Seafood Festival is positioned as a strategic campaign to promote Lagos as an aquatic splendour, market the seafood industry, and support sustainable businesses.

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    Festivals

    Brazil celebrates yoruba heritage at 2025 rio carnival: NICO applauds cultural showcase

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    March 17, 2025

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    Yoruba culture at Rio Carnival 2025

    Brazil’s 2025 Rio Carnival celebrates Yoruba heritage with Orisa chants and themes, strengthening ties between Nigeria and Brazil

     

    The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has praised Brazil for its vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture during the 2025 Rio de Janeiro Carnival, recognising the powerful display of Nigerian heritage that resonated with millions of people worldwide.

    Also read: Osun State Targets Brazil for Investment, Tourism Boost

    The commendation came from Chief Biodun Ajiboye, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, who expressed his appreciation in a statement from Abuja.

    The carnival, held from February 28 to March 8, at the famed Sambadrome, drew an estimated eight million visitors from across the globe.

    Ajiboye highlighted Brazil’s commitment to promoting Nigerian culture through the pulsating Orisa chants and Yoruba-inspired themes that dominated the carnival.

    He stated that these performances not only captivated the audience but also reinforced the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two nations.

    “We are inspired by what our Brazilian brothers and sisters are doing, as the Orisa tradition originates from Nigeria; all Orisas have their base here,” Ajiboye said.

    “It is heart-warming to see that despite being taken forcefully as slaves, our ancestors kept the flames alive, and their descendants have continued to preserve and celebrate it with such grandeur.”

    He praised Brazil’s dedication to preserving Yoruba traditions and recognised the country’s remarkable celebration of its African heritage. “You have shown that you are truly the children of kings and queens; you are not bastards but true heirs of our heritage,” Ajiboye added.

    Ajiboye also commended Brazil for its progressive stance on religious tolerance and cultural inclusivity. He described Brazil’s efforts to elevate Yoruba traditions as an inspiration to the world, underscoring the need for global cooperation in preserving cultural legacies.

    Looking forward, Ajiboye emphasised that the Nigerian government is committed to deepening cultural ties between the two nations. He revealed that high-level cultural conferences would be planned in both Nigeria and Brazil to strengthen historical connections, promote tourism, and foster religious harmony.

    In line with this, NICO is spearheading plans for the World Orisa Congress, an annual event designed to bring Orisa devotees from around the world to Nigeria.

    The congress will serve as a platform for scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and government representatives to explore sustainable strategies for cultural preservation and global engagement.

    Ajiboye highlighted the Orisa spiritual system as a significant global force, with an estimated 450 million adherents worldwide. He expressed Nigeria’s desire to position itself as the epicentre of Orisa worship, much like Mecca for Muslims or Jerusalem for Jews.

    The Executive Secretary also noted that NICO is working on creating a platform to unite devotees from across the world, including Brazil, Cuba, the United States, the UK, and many other nations, to continue the celebration and preservation of Yoruba culture.

    Ajiboye expressed hope that through continued collaboration, Nigeria and Brazil could forge new pathways for enhancing cultural understanding and preserving the Yoruba heritage.

    He applauded the Brazilian government for its unwavering support for cultural diversity and religious tolerance, encouraging both countries to continue building bridges for future generations.

    The Rio de Janeiro Carnival, which dates back to 1723, is recognised as the world’s largest carnival, attracting millions of revellers each year.

    In 2025, an estimated two million people per day filled the streets to enjoy floats, samba schools, and elaborate costumes, celebrating Brazil’s rich cultural diversity.

    A samba school consists of a community of local neighbours with shared regional or geographical backgrounds, showcasing their cultural heritage through lively performances.

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