The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Brazilian Consulate, announces the return of the historic Lagos Fanti Carnival on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, celebrating Afro-Brazilian heritage and cultural exchange

The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Consulate of Brazil in Lagos, has officially announced the highly anticipated return of the Lagos Fanti Carnival.

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The vibrant cultural extravaganza is scheduled to take place on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos Island on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the carnival as a cherished and significant cultural celebration for Lagos State.

She emphasized its historical importance, particularly its deep roots in the Afro-Brazilian communities of Yoruba descent who resettled in Lagos in the late 19th century after enduring displacement from the transatlantic slave trade. These returnees played a crucial role in shaping the unique cultural landscape of Lagos.

“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is more than a spectacle—it is a vibrant, living expression of our collective history,” stated Mrs Benson-Awoyinka.

“It is a celebration of the resilience, identity, and creative spirit of Afro-Brazilian returnees who blended samba rhythms, Catholic influences, and street performance into what evolved as the Fancy Carnival.”

The Commissioner highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to preserving Lagos’ rich cultural heritage through community-led initiatives, including the citywide heritage plaque program designed to share the stories of significant sites and traditions.

“The Lagos Fanti Carnival is more than a spectacle—it is a vibrant, living expression of our collective history,” said Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka.

She expressed profound gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering support in promoting the state’s cultural and tourism sectors, noting his instrumental role in repositioning Lagos as a global cultural hub.

In his remarks, the Consul General of Brazil in Lagos, Ambassador Manuel Innocencio del Lacerda Santos Jr., underscored the enduring historical and cultural ties between Brazil and Nigeria, emphasizing shared history, culture, cuisine, and spirit.

He noted that the Fanti Carnival serves as a powerful reminder of the strong bond between the two nations, holding immense potential for future collaborations in various sectors. Ambassador Santos Jr. also reflected on the significant cultural influence of Yoruba traditions in Brazil, making Brazilians feel at home in Lagos.

Mr. Peter Richie of IconGeo presented the ceremonial route map of the carnival, stressing the importance of community inclusion in urban renewal efforts.

He also unveiled historical maps of Lagos, highlighting the historical significance of the Brazilian Quarters. Dr. Kola Peregrino, President of the Brazilian Descendants Association, commended the government’s support and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to preserving Afro-Brazilian heritage in Lagos.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, expressed gratitude to all partners and stakeholders for their dedication to reviving this significant cultural legacy and expressed optimism for wide media coverage of the upcoming carnival.

The Lagos Fanti Carnival 2025 promises a captivating celebration of identity, featuring parades, music, storytelling, fashion, and cuisine. It is a key part of the Ministry’s broader vision to calendarize tourism events, establishing Lagos as a vibrant, year-round cultural destination.

As Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka concluded, “Culture is not buried in textbooks—it lives in our streets, our communities, and our celebrations. Let us raise the Lagos Fanti Carnival to its rightful place on the global cultural stage: bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.”

Adamawa revives its cultural heritage as ADAFEST 2025 returns after decades, spotlighting unity, investment, and local traditions

The Adamawa State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Aloysius Baba Dokes, has praised Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to cultural revival ahead of the highly anticipated Adamawa State Arts and Culture Festival (ADAFEST 2025).

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Scheduled to take place from 25 to 29 April 2025, ADAFEST is set to become a defining celebration of Adamawa’s rich heritage, with the potential to boost economic activities and attract both local and international investment.

In a press statement, Hon. Dokes expressed gratitude for the governor’s “listening ear and tireless energy,” noting that the revival of ADAFEST after nearly two decades marks a major cultural milestone for the state.

“Governor Fintiri has raised the bar of leadership with his passion for serving humanity,” Dokes said, applauding the governor’s approval and proactive support for the festival. “His dedication has made this celebration of Adamawa’s diversity and pride possible.”

ADAFEST was first held in 1978 during the era of the defunct Gongola State, and later revived briefly in 2005. The 2025 edition marks its official return since the creation of Adamawa State in 1992, underscoring a renewed commitment to cultural preservation and promotion.

Adamawa is home to several renowned cultural landmarks, including the Sukur UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reflects the depth of tradition in the region. The return of ADAFEST aligns with efforts to reinforce unity and peace through cultural expression.

ADAFEST 2025 is designed to celebrate the state’s traditions, languages, dance, crafts, and cuisine while also serving as a platform for economic growth, creative industry expansion, and tourism development.

The festival is expected to draw global attention to Adamawa’s cultural and economic potential, positioning the state as a key destination for cultural tourism in Nigeria.

Akinola Davies Jr.’s “My Father’s Shadow” secures a coveted spot at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a historic moment for Nigerian cinema after nearly 80 years

For the first time in almost eight decades, a Nigerian film has been selected to compete at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Akinola Davies Jr.’s “My Father’s Shadow” will feature in the festival’s 2025 edition, screening in the esteemed Un Certain Regard category between May 13 and 24, 2025, festival organisers announced on Thursday.

Set in Lagos against the backdrop of the pivotal 1993 presidential election, “My Father’s Shadow” is directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and produced by Fatherland Productions, led by Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Wale Davies. The film was chosen from over 2,900 feature film entries for the 2025 festival lineup.

Reacting to this historic selection, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, extended her congratulations to the filmmaker and his team. She hailed the achievement as a landmark moment for Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.

“This momentous achievement is not only a personal milestone for Akinola Davies and the remarkable team at Fatherland Productions, but also a landmark moment for Nigerian cinema,” Musawa stated. “’My Father’s Shadow’ stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when homegrown talent is nurtured, empowered, and given the space to shine.”

She emphasised that the film, featuring a predominantly Nigerian cast and crew, effectively showcases the richness of Nigerian narratives and the country’s vibrant cultural identity.

The Minister also commended Fatherland Productions for their consistent dedication to African storytelling, which has previously garnered recognition from BAFTA and the Sundance Film Festival.

“As we prepare to support ‘My Father’s Shadow’ and its creators at Cannes through Screen Nigeria—our national platform for promoting Nigeria’s audiovisual industry—we are reminded of the importance of initiatives like Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere,” Musawa added.

She explained that this initiative forms part of a broader soft power strategy aimed at exporting Nigerian creative products and elevating the voices of talents like Akinola, Funmbi, and Wale on the global stage.

The Ministry is also scheduled to officially launch the Screen Nigeria platform at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, as a key component of the Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere campaign. This platform is designed to spotlight Nigeria’s burgeoning audiovisual sector and its wealth of creative talent.