Culture

Unveiling of Crossroads of Culture Festival advances discussion on Nigeria’s Heritage

Published

2 years ago

April 23, 2024

The United Nations House in Abuja, Nigeria, was abuzz with excitement yesterday as the unveiling of the Crossroads of Culture Festival took center stage. This event served as a precursor to the main festival scheduled to take place from August 9th to 10th in Canada. The unveiling featured a high-level dialogue with policymakers, cultural experts, and representatives from UNESCO and other international organizations on the critical importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s rich intangible cultural heritage.

In his opening remarks, the convener of the Crossroads of Culture Festival, Mr. Chuks Anyaduba, warmly welcomed guests and provided insights into the festival’s key features, including the Flavours of Nigeria Festival, Afro Fashion Marketplace, and Afro Commerce Connect. Mr. Anyaduba emphasized the festival’s mission to export Nigeria’s cultural richness while promoting its diverse cultural heritage on the global stage. He also shared a welcome letter from the Mayor of Brampton, His Worship Mayor Patrick Brown, extending greetings to all attendees ahead of the festival.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Obi Asika, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), underscored the significance of arts and culture and expressed NCAC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote Nigeria’s cultural wealth. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), echoed this sentiment during her goodwill message, emphasizing NIDCOM’s support for Nigeria Festivals worldwide as a means of showcasing Nigeria’s identity to the world.

UNESCO Culture Programme Specialist, Philippe Delanghe, provided insights into UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage and the cultural treasures listed for Nigeria. Micheal Murphy, Councilor on Political Affairs at the High Commission of Canada, reiterated Canada’s support for initiatives like the Crossroads of Culture Festival, which strengthen the bilateral ties between Nigeria and Canada.

The event also featured a policy dialogue through a panel discussion moderated by Africa Tourism Board Ambassador, Chioma Anyiwo. The panel, comprising DG NCAC Obi Asika, UNESCO’s National Professional Officer for Culture Ifeanyi Ajaegbo, and Philippe Delanghe, delved into the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Notable attendees included the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, represented by Elizabeth Pam, and the Minister of Youth Development, represented by Dr. Aminu Isyaku. Also in attendance were Cultural Councilor Li Xuda from the Embassy of China, Senator Ned Nwoko represented by Barr Onyeka Nwokolo, and renowned Nollywood actors Uzee Usman and Monalisa Chinda, among others.

The Crossroads of Culture Festival promises to be a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry and a platform for fostering global cultural exchange. As preparations continue for the main festival in Canada, anticipation grows for an event that will showcase Nigeria’s vibrant culture to the world.

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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.”