Events

Lagos Set to Host Culturella Festival, Unveils New Leadership to Drive Creative Economy and Project Africa in Positive Light

Published

2 years ago

August 16, 2024

Lagos Set to Host Culturella Festival, Unveils New Leadership to Drive Creative Economy and Project Africa in Positive Light

Plan is underway to celebrate this year’s Culturella festival in Lagos under the new leadership of Culturati Africa.

Culturati Africa which is the brainchild of the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, for over eighteen years, is aimed at redefining the image of Africa continent especially Nigeria in a positive light to drive creative economy.

At a news conference in Victoria Island, the new leadership of the brand was unveiled as Ms Dolamu Badejo was announced as the Chief Executive Officer succeeding Mr Aregbe who was the former CEO.

In her acceptance speech, Ms Badejo promised to build on the legacy of her predecessor to showcase Africa’s rich culture and heritage through arts, crafts, cultural displays, gastronomy, tourism fashion film and entertainment.

Ms Badejo who is a certified Therapeutic Art life Coach, noted that this year’s Culturella festival mission is to leverage on culture and arts as pivotal tool for enhancing international relations, fostering youths development, promoting social cohesion and unifying the continent to drive economic growth.

“I received the appointment to lead the organization, but know that it takes a village to achieve changes, I count on the shoulders of giants and pillars across the industry to collectively join to reimagining the Africa of our dreams, return cultural awareness and sound values”.

The former CEO, Mr Idris Aregbe who was represented by Mrs Olufunke Adu, stated that the Lagos State government is collaborating to boost youth engagement and empowerment by investing in the creative sector and vocational skills and training for youths in Lagos.

He urged Nigerians especially youths to portray the image of the country positively on social media and avoid derogatory painting of Africa as poor and dirty.

“Lagos has been doing its best under Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu to empower the youths and that is why there are vocational schools of entertainment to engage them and bring about the desired change, while youths must also speaks positively about their country Nigeria to the international community.”

This year’s Culturella festival will bring together Africans from across the globe and lovers of the continent to explore and celebrate the diverse traditions, cultural expression and artisanal craftsmanship across Africa.

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Events

Rechael Okonkwo’s Carnival Brings Free Healthcare to 5,000 Residents

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Rechael Okonkwo’s carnival provided free healthcare to over 5,000 Nsukka residents, alongside support for widows and children (more…)

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

3 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.”