Culture

KANFEST 2025 Ignites Kano with Cultural Rebirth

Published

11 months ago

October 25, 2025

KANFEST 2025 to celebrate Kano’s rich culture and creativity, fostering unity, tourism, and economic growth through arts and heritage

KANFEST 2025 has been officially announced by the Kano State Government as a grand celebration of art, culture, and heritage aimed at promoting peace, unity, and economic growth across the state.

Also read: Kano Traditional Craftsmanship Thrives as a Proud Cultural, Economic Heritage

The three-day cultural spectacle, themed “Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future,” will take place from October 25 to 27, 2025, at the Kano Trade Fair Complex.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, in a statement released on Wednesday.

Waiya revealed that the festival—organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and coordinated by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo—is expected to attract artists, cultural groups, investors, and visitors from within Nigeria and abroad.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Kano State, I am delighted to announce the maiden edition of KANFEST, a festival of arts and culture that celebrates our rich heritage, creativity, and identity,” Waiya said.

According to him, KANFEST 2025 represents a bold effort by the government to preserve cultural values, promote creative innovation, and build bridges between the past and the future.

He explained that the event’s highlights will include ‘Wrestling the Old Kano Way’, ‘Majema Tanning Artistry Revealed’, ‘Dukawa Leather Craftsmanship’, and ‘All Tribes, One Stage’—each showcasing the strength of Kano’s unity in diversity.

“KANFEST is more than entertainment; it is a cultural rebirth. It’s about honouring our heritage and empowering the future. Culture is our identity, and it must be celebrated,” he said passionately.

Waiya added that the festival will boost tourism, create jobs, and attract foreign investments, positioning Kano as the cradle of Hausa civilisation and a cultural destination for Africa.

“As we open our doors to the world, we invite everyone to join us in this cultural movement. The world is coming to Kano through culture,” he added.

Meanwhile, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reaffirmed his unwavering bond with his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stressing that no individual or group can divide them.

He described Kwankwaso as “a selfless leader devoted to service, progress, and the empowerment of the people.”

“Our unity in the Kwankwasiyya Movement remains strong. No enemy can come between us,” Yusuf said during Kwankwaso’s 69th birthday celebration in Kano.

Kwankwaso, in his remarks, urged NNPP members nationwide to remain steadfast and united in pursuit of progress.

Also read: Kano Converts Historic Kurmawa Prison into Cultural Museum

The twin developments—KANFEST 2025’s announcement and the public reaffirmation of political unity—mark a defining moment for Kano, where culture and leadership intersect to promote stability, creativity, and a renewed sense of pride among the people.

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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.”