Festivals

Osun First Lady, Dabiri-Erewa, others to attend Pan-Afrika Drum Festival

Published

3 months ago

June 24, 2024

Osun First Lady, Dabiri-Erewa, others to attend Pan-Afrika Drum Festival

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Chief (Mrs) Ngozi Adeleke, wife of Osun Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; other prominent and important personalities will be featuring alongside Afro-Canadians, Canadians, culture enthusiasts and tourists at the second edition of the annual Pan-Afrika

Drum Festival as preparations and planning towards the event, holding in Canada commence.

Convener of the event, Prince Segun Akanni, made this known in a statement, copy of which was made available to newsmen, saying that every arrangement had been made to have another remarkable and astounding cultural fiesta, which would be declared open by representatives of Government of Canada and Ontario, including Mayors Olivia Chow and Patrick Brown; diplomats, royal fathers, among others.

According to Akanni, who is also the publisher of the

Drum Online Media Incorporation, the Keynote Speaker is Hon. Dabiri-Erewa, while Chief (Mrs) Adeleke is the Mother of the Day, with many personalities who have contributed to the development of the society slated to be honored with Awards of Excellence, saying that every arrangement had been made to have another remarkable and astounding cultural fiesta in Canada.

African Drum Festivals into a unified festival, regarded as the prestigious and foremost cultural fiesta in North America, and scheduled to hold on Friday, June 28th, would be held in collaboration with the Global Forum for Human Rights and Sustainable Development (GFHRSD), a United Nations (UN) recognized non-governmental organisation.

This was just as he quickly recalled that the first edition, Ayangalu

Drum Festival was hugely successful and “remained unforgettable in our hearts,” with goodwill messages from prominent figures, including the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau; Ontario Premier, Hon. Doug Ford; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada, Adeyinka Asekun; Brampton Mayor, Patrick Brown and Former Canadian Secretary of State and Minister of Immigration, Gerry Weiner.

Others who were at the first edition, according to him, were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Babatunde Adeyeye; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Olota of Otta Awori Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege, and Councillor Ayo Owodunni, among others.

“The second edition of the Pan-Afrika Drum Festival will be celebrated in commemoration of the Canadian Multicultural Day and it is themed ‘Exploring the Dynamism of African Drums and Canadian Multiculturalism for Global Unity, Inclusivity and Development.’

“The re-christening was borne out of the desire to integrate other African Drum Festivals into a unified festival, which will serve as a platform that affords all the opportunity to showcase their rich and diverse cultural values and aesthetics on a global stage,” Akanni said.

“We anticipate that this prestigious event will attract distinguished gathering, including celebrities, political leaders, cultural icons, traditional custodians, drum aficionados, tourism enthusiasts, industry leaders, renowned percussionists, and media personalities from Europe, the Caribbean, the Pacific, Africa, and North America as well as Latin America.

“The grand finale promises to be captivating and exhilarating, featuring historic activities and programs such as drum-beating competitions, art exhibitions, fashion shows, and beauty pageants.

“Many prominent dignitaries have signified their interests to be part of the cultural fiesta. The event is going to be an unforgettable evening of celebration, drumming, dancing, drinking, food, entertainment and insightful conversation,” he added.

He, therefore, enjoined the Afro-Canadians to join the festival to identify with their root and embrace the essence of African culture, heritage, and values.

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Festivals

Durbar festival: key to cultural unity and economic growth in Ilorin

Published

18 hours ago

September 12, 2024

Lanre

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union highlights the Durbar festival’s role in addressing cultural and social issues, promoting unity, and boosting the local economy.

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has emphasised the significance of the Durbar festival in Ilorin.

Alhaji AbdulMumini AbdulMalik, President of the union, revealed that the festival was introduced by the Emir of Ilorin as part of a cultural revival effort aimed at addressing both cultural and social issues.

Also read: Arochukwu kingdom prepares for unique 2024 Ikeji festival in September

The Durbar festival is designed to counteract the negative effects of external influences on local youth by fostering unity and encouraging positive social interactions.

It strengthens community bonds and supports the local economy, particularly in tourism and hospitality sectors.

By providing a cultural alternative to un-Islamic and traditional carnivals, the Durbar festival offers a constructive outlet for youth.

AbdulMalik also praised State Governor Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq for his development efforts, which are enhancing Ilorin’s status as a prominent state capital.

Festivals

Over 1,100 entries for 2024 Lagos international festival of animation

Published

4 days ago

September 9, 2024

Lanre

The 2024 Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) will showcase over 1,100 entries from 112 countries. The festival, held from October 29 to 31, highlights global and African talent, with significant submissions from the US, Nigeria, and France.

The 2024 Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) is set to feature an impressive 1,106 entries from 112 countries, marking its position as one of Africa’s premier animation festivals.

The festival will run from October 29 to 31 and promises to be a significant event for showcasing animation talent on a global scale.

Also read: Lagos shines at sango festival celebration in Oyo

The United States has led with the highest number of submissions, contributing 142 short films, while Nigeria tops the list of African countries with 28 entries.

South Africa follows with 19 submissions. In Europe, France leads with 62 entries, with the United Kingdom trailing with 46 submissions.

Festival founder and director Muyiwa Kayode expressed gratitude for the continued support of the Bank of Industry, which is sponsoring the event for the second consecutive year.

Kayode emphasized that this support highlights the bank’s recognition of the creative industry as a vital economic growth sector.

LIFANIMA, established in 2016, aims to promote African animation and is endorsed by the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB).

In collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the festival covers various animation forms and visual effects, awarding entries in five categories: 2D animation, 3D animation, stop motion animation, visual effects, and animation commercials.

The festival will feature screenings of selected works, award presentations, networking opportunities, and entertainment.

As the second-largest animation film festival in Africa, LIFANIMA continues to play a crucial role in celebrating and advancing the animation industry on the continent.

Festivals

Arochukwu kingdom prepares for unique 2024 Ikeji festival in September

Published

7 days ago

September 6, 2024

Lanre

The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has announced that the 2024 Arochukwu New Yam Festival, also known as the Ikeji Festival, will take place this September. This year’s event promises to be uniquely different with a display of arts, culture, entertainment, traditional cuisines, and tourism activities.

The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has revealed that the 2024 Arochukwu New Yam Festival, also known as the Ikeji Festival, will be held this September.

Speaking during a global Zoom session, ‘Ububo Eze Aro n’Umu Aro’, with over 375 participants, the monarch stated that this year’s festival will feature a wide array of arts, culture, entertainment, and traditional cuisines, making it a uniquely exciting experience for all attendees.

Also read: Cross River State Priorities Agriculture at Leboku Yam Festival

Eze Dr Oji emphasised that the 2024 Ikeji Festival will stand out from previous years, with the reintroduction of traditional delicacies and classical activities that were popular in the past.

The festival will span four special days dedicated to welcoming visitors, friends, family, and tourists from around the world to celebrate in Arochukwu.

The monarch expressed his vision for transforming Arochukwu into a year-round tourism destination, attracting visitors every month with various cultural events.

He also highlighted efforts to ensure peace within the kingdom, positioning Arochukwu as not only a cultural hub but also an economic and industrial zone.

These initiatives are aimed at boosting tourism and making Arochukwu a key destination in Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape.