Events

Nigeria showcases rich royal legacy at Kings and Queens of Africa exhibition

Published

2 years ago

January 29, 2025

Nigeria Kings and Queens of Africa Exhibition

Nigeria’s royal legacy takes centre stage at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in a breathtaking exhibition exploring African heritage from January 28–30, 2025

The cultural heritage of Nigeria will take centre stage at the highly anticipated *Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power* exhibition, scheduled to run from January 28 to 30, 2025, at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

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This extraordinary event is part of the broader *African Museums Today and Tomorrow* programme, which aims to highlight the richness of Africa’s cultural contributions to global heritage.

The exhibition will feature a remarkable collection of approximately 300 objects, offering an in-depth exploration of African royalty, with a special focus on Nigeria’s iconic kingdoms.

Representing Nigeria at this prestigious event, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, emphasised the nation’s significant role in shaping the global cultural narrative.

“This exhibition is not only a celebration of Nigeria’s kingdoms, but also serves to elevate our nation’s position in the global conversation about African heritage and cultural preservation,” Musawa stated.

She described the exhibition as an opportunity to showcase the powerful symbolism, spirituality, and artistry of Nigerian royal traditions, from the ancient Yoruba Kingdoms to the Benin and Hausa Kingdoms.

The exhibition will present a stunning array of artifacts, many of which have been loaned through the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and form part of Nigeria’s national collection.

These treasures, spanning centuries of royal history, offer visitors an intimate look at the cultural and artistic achievements of Nigerian monarchies.

Key highlights will include objects from the Yoruba Kingdoms of Ife, Owo, and Ijebu. These items include intricate terracotta portraits of royal figures and depictions of Queen Oluwo, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of Yoruba artists in the 12th to 15th centuries.

In addition to the Yoruba pieces, the exhibition will also shine a spotlight on the Benin Kingdom. Known for its sophisticated copper alloy and ivory works, the Benin Kingdom’s artifacts demonstrate the exceptional artistry that defined the Edo dynasty.

These objects reflect the powerful royal authority of the Benin kings and the kingdom’s lasting influence on global art traditions.

Furthermore, the exhibition will feature objects from the Hausa Kingdoms, underscoring the region’s complex societal structures and its broad cultural and political impact across Africa.

These items highlight the intricate royal traditions and artistic achievements that have shaped African heritage over centuries.

Musawa noted that the exhibition represents Nigeria’s continued commitment to cultural diplomacy and international collaboration.

By lending these significant objects to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Nigeria reinforces its dedication to sharing its cultural treasures with the world and promoting a deeper understanding of African heritage.

The exhibition also serves to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, fostering cooperation in art, culture, and tourism.

“This collaboration not only highlights Nigeria’s rich cultural assets but also enhances our international standing, creating lasting connections between Africa and global audiences,” Musawa added.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”