Lagos revives Afro-Brazilian heritage in grand style

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government has revived the Afro-Brazilian heritage with the much-anticipated return of the iconic Fanti Carnival on Sunday, rekindling a vibrant tradition that has long been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity.

Held at the historic Remembrance Arcade, the colourful parade drew crowds of residents, tourists, cultural troupes, and community leaders—all united in celebrating a legacy steeped in rhythm, pride, and ancestral memory.

This year’s edition, themed “Heritage and Unity,” highlighted the importance of cultural preservation and community cohesion in Lagos State.

The event was made possible through the support of the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos Island, as part of efforts to rejuvenate the historical narratives of Afro-Brazilian returnees.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who attended the event alongside his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to community-led cultural events that drive economic activity and foster social harmony. He described the event as “a celebration of who we are—a people bound by history and strengthened by diversity.”

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, stated that the carnival’s revival is a triumph of identity and resilience.

“The Fanti Carnival is more than a festival—it is a living memory of our Afro-Brazilian roots and a showcase of the cultural richness that defines us as Lagosians. The Ministry remains committed to initiatives that strengthen social ties, promote tourism, and keep our heritage alive.”

Rooted in the 19th-century customs of Afro-Brazilian returnees—freed slaves who brought back samba rhythms, flamboyant costumes, and carnival traditions from Brazil—the Lagos Fanti Carnival was once a major fixture on the Island’s cultural calendar before slipping into dormancy. Its vibrant revival marks a significant milestone in preserving Lagos’ multicultural legacy.

The lively procession kicked off from Remembrance Arcade and moved through Old Defence Road, TBS Arena, J. Randle Road, Onikan Roundabout, Military Street, and Catholic Mission Street in a parade of colours, music, and dance. Performances by Afro-Brazilian descendants adorned in glittering regalia told stories through dance and music that captured the themes of resilience, migration, and cultural fusion.