Culture

Soyinka warns against cultural imperialism at WHD event

Published

5 months ago

April 22, 2026

Wole Soyinka warns against cultural imperialism at World Heritage Day, urging Nigerians to revive and protect their cultural identity and heritage

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has cautioned against what he described as cultural imperialism, urging Nigerians to reject cultural erosion and revive indigenous values during the 2026 World Heritage Day celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Also read: Edo Carnival: Youths Commend Okpebholo and Call for Future Expansion

Speaking at the event held at the Tropicana Event Centre, Udo Udoma Avenue, Soyinka said many traditional norms and cultural expressions that once defined societal identity have been pushed aside in modern times.

He described the situation as a form of “cultural enslavement,” warning that it weakens national identity and disconnects people from their historical roots.

The cultural imperialism warning came as he stressed the importance of restoring and reinventing cultural elements as a foundation for collective identity and national pride.

He argued that culture should remain central to human expression, describing it as “the totality of man,” and called for greater freedom in how people display and celebrate their traditions.

“People should be allowed to freely exhibit, express, and celebrate their culture and traditions,” he said.

Soyinka also questioned the declining understanding of symbolic artworks and cultural references among younger generations, linking it to increasing foreign influence on local traditions.

His remarks added to ongoing conversations about the preservation of African heritage in the face of globalisation and changing cultural dynamics.

At the same event, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, represented by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to promoting tourism and cultural heritage as tools for economic development.

Eyakenyi highlighted the richness of the state’s traditions, including music, folklore, cuisine, festivals and masquerade displays, describing them as key attractions for visitors.

She also drew attention to the state’s annual Yuletide festival, which brings together all 31 local government areas to showcase diverse cultural expressions.

Also read: Edo Carnival: Youths Commend Okpebholo and Call for Future Expansion

The state government reiterated its commitment to using culture and tourism as drivers of identity, unity and economic growth.

Up Next

African Dance Biennial Transforms Senegal Village Amid Port Threat

Don't Miss

Edo Carnival: Youths Commend Okpebholo and Call for Future Expansion

Click to comment

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.”