Culture

Eko Fiesta Promises to Blend Culture, Commerce, Celebration

Published

10 months ago

October 29, 2025

Eko Fiesta aims to merge culture, commerce, and celebration in Lagos this December, empowering small businesses and showcasing local creativity

The organisers of the forthcoming Eko Fiesta, Dosh and Wales Company, have described the project as a creative and economic platform designed to celebrate Lagos’ vibrant culture while promoting local businesses and artistic talent.

Also read: Lagos Ministry Backs Eko Fiesta Cultural Showcase

According to a statement signed by the event’s Media Coordinator, Afolayan Adebiyi, and endorsed by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, the three-day fiesta seeks to create a lively, inclusive hub “where celebration meets commerce.”

Promoters Damilare Osho and Wale Oyebanji explained that Eko Fiesta was conceived to fill a noticeable gap in Lagos’ “Detty December” calendar by offering more than just entertainment.

They said many Nigerians in the diaspora and visitors to Lagos often struggle to find a one-stop venue that combines cultural experiences, shopping, entertainment, and networking opportunities.

“While Lagos in December is filled with concerts and parties, there’s been a need for something that blends celebration with purpose,” the organisers said.

“Eko Fiesta bridges that gap by creating a space where people can enjoy music, art and culture while discovering local brands and artisans.”

The event, scheduled for 22 to 24 December 2025, aims to spotlight small businesses, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs, helping them gain visibility and connect with new audiences.

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has endorsed the initiative, with Aregbe noting that the fiesta aligns closely with the ministry’s mission to promote creativity, culture, and economic inclusion.

“What drew us in was the creative synergy — the way music, art, culture, and commerce blend to tell a powerful Lagos story,” Aregbe said. “That harmony perfectly reflects what we stand for.”

He added that the ministry’s support was based on the project’s structure and potential for impact. “Our role as a Ministry is to identify and back projects that have the potential to make real impact.

As long as a project conveys a positive message and honours our cultural identity, we’re always open to supporting it.”

Aregbe further noted that Eko Fiesta aligns with Lagos’ broader economic and cultural vision. “An event shouldn’t just entertain; it should empower,” he said.

“By giving entrepreneurs access to diverse markets, Eko Fiesta strengthens the state’s creative economy and encourages sustainable growth.”

He emphasised that initiatives like this contribute directly to job creation and economic vitality. “Every time the Ministry supports commerce, we support livelihoods. When creativity thrives, the economy follows.”

Describing Detty December as now a defining part of Lagos’ cultural identity, Aregbe said the state remains committed to supporting events that celebrate both entertainment and the deeper spirit of Lagos.

Also read: Eko Fiesta 2025: Lagos prepares for immersive cultural, economic showcase

“Eko Fiesta achieves exactly that — a joyful convergence of culture, creativity, and commerce that tells the authentic Lagos story,” he said.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks 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.”