LASG expects 20,000 participants at Afropolis 2024
The Lagos State Government is expecting over 20,000 participants at Afropolis 2024, a festival aimed at celebrating African cultural heritage, from October 26 to November 3, 2024.
The event, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in partnership with QDance, will highlight the potential of the creative industries to drive economic growth and cultural exchange.
Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, made the announcement during a press briefing on Wednesday at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos.
With the theme “We Need New Myths,” Afropolis 2024 promises a blend of African traditions and contemporary creative expressions. Participants will be charged N3,000 per day, while a full nine-day package is available for N15,000.
The festival’s activities will begin with a VIP preview and cocktail on October 26, followed by a grand opening ceremony at The Vibez Stage, where the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, will explore the city’s role as a hub for the global African creative economy.
The following day, October 27, will see the streets of Lagos Island light up with a vibrant carnival procession, culminating in the Afropolis G.A.V.E (Global African Vibez Exchange), showcasing African creativity.
On October 28, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will lead a cultural tour of the J. Randle Centre, highlighting its significance as a cultural landmark. Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy daily film programs, interactive art installations, and performances across various creative fields, including music, dance, visual arts, and technology.
The closing weekend will feature the International Performance Weekend, celebrating the talents of the Afropolis Tribe of 2024, followed by a grand Afro House and EDM Rave on November 3.
Speaking on the event, Benson-Awoyinka expressed her pride in Lagos’ cultural heritage. “Afropolis is not just an event; it is a celebration of our identity, a showcase of our talents, and a testament to the power of creativity to unite and inspire,” she said. “From October 26 to November 3, Lagos will become the epicenter of African creativity, welcoming artists, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond.”
She emphasized that Afropolis is more than a festival but a platform for African creatives to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and showcase their talents across sectors such as music, fashion, technology, and design.
Qudus Onikeku, the Artistic Director of Afropolis, added that the festival is the result of over a year’s planning, with the goal of positioning Lagos as the creative capital of Africa. “The programs we have put together are for international artists,” Onikeku said. “We plan to close down the J. Randle Centre to celebrate with visual artists, musicians, dancers, and more.”
Afropolis 2024 is set to cement Lagos’ position as a leading city in the African creative economy, bringing together diverse talents and fostering collaborations across the continent.
