Culture

Egbe omo Yoruba Mantova City in Italy Launch Promotes Cultural Heritage and Roots

Published

2 years ago

October 14, 2024

The launch of Egbe Omo Yoruba Mantova City in Italy offers a chance for African descendants to reconnect with their roots, promote cultural heritage, and support national development.

The official launch of Egbe Omo Yoruba Mantova City in Italy took place on Saturday, marking a significant moment for Africans, particularly those of Yoruba descent, to reconnect with their ancestral roots.

Prince Oladele Kolawole, President of the Yoruba National Community Italy, highlighted the event as a means for the descendants of those lost to the transatlantic slave trade to retrace their history.

Also read: Dare Herald: Visual Art Promotes, Preserves Our Cultural Heritage

He expressed hope that associations like Egbe Omo Yoruba would foster a deeper understanding of African heritage and aid in the growth of tourism in Nigeria.

Kolawole underscored that modern technology, such as DNA testing, is enabling black Americans and Caribbeans to locate their roots in Africa.

He stressed the importance of creating associations that promote Yoruba culture, unity, and national development.

He believes these organisations can serve as a bridge between African descendants and their homeland, potentially encouraging future generations to explore Nigeria as a viable place to live and invest.

Mr. Abolaji Adedayo, President of Egbe Omo Yoruba Mantova, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need to preserve and promote Yoruba culture.

The association aims to pass on the rich traditions and values of the Yoruba people to future generations, ensuring their continued relevance in the diaspora and beyond.

Adedayo highlighted the vital role of language in preserving cultural identity and called for its promotion through Yoruba language classes.

Both leaders stressed that the younger generation is key to the future, with a large percentage of Nigeria’s population being under 30, many of whom are of Yoruba descent.

They called for investment in youth development to preserve the strength and wisdom of the Yoruba nation.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”