Culture

NAFEST 2024: connecting cultures and boosting Nigeria’s creative economy

Published

2 years ago

November 28, 2024

NAFEST 2024 unites Nigeria’s diversity, fostering unity and showcasing rich cultural heritage for global recognition and economic growth.

The 36th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) commenced in Abuja on November 22, 2024, with a renewed focus on fostering unity and leveraging Nigeria’s cultural diversity for economic growth.

Organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, this year’s festival, themed “Connected Culture,” runs until November 30.

Also read: NAFEST 2024 To Hold In FCT

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, represented by Dr Shaibu Husseini, highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to nurturing the arts and culture sector to enhance its revenue-generating capacity.

She emphasised that Nigeria’s cultural richness and resilience present a unique opportunity for growth, urging citizens to embrace unity and collaboration.

First held in 1970 to promote national integration after the civil war, NAFEST remains a vital platform for celebrating Nigeria’s diversity.

Obi Asika, the NCAC Director-General, described this year’s edition as the most innovative yet.

He noted that the festival’s revamped approach seeks to broaden its audience base, including the Nigerian diaspora, and unlock the economic potential of the nation’s cultural assets.

“Nigeria’s culture is an asset that can be monetised and made profitable. What binds us as Nigerians is far greater than what divides us,” Asika remarked.

Asika’s extensive background in the media and entertainment industries—including founding Storm 360, a key player in Nigeria’s music scene—underscores his vision for merging cultural heritage with economic development.

The festival’s opening ceremony featured a vibrant parade of cultural dance performances by contingents from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Adorned in traditional attire, dancers showcased unique moves that reflected their heritage, symbolising the unity in diversity that defines NAFEST.

Programmes during the nine-day event include arts and crafts exhibitions, music and dance performances, and discussions on enhancing global recognition of Nigerian culture.

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Iti Orugbani, praised the federal government’s renewed focus on positioning Nigeria’s creative industry within the global value chain.

Participants like Saaniyol Akiga of Benue State’s Council for Arts and Culture expressed excitement about the festival’s new direction.

“This initiative to ensure global recognition of NAFEST is timely and necessary,” Akiga said, adding that Benue’s contingent aims to uphold their tradition of excellence.

With NAFEST 2024, the Federal Government seeks to not only celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage but also harness its potential for driving economic growth.

By re-tuning its art and culture sector, the government aims to establish Nigeria as a global hub for creative and cultural excellence.

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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.”