By Ruth Gbaka
The vibrant city of Lagos came alive recently with the Afropolis Festival, a dynamic celebration of art, culture, and creativity. Held from October 26 to November 3, 2024, the festival transformed a street near the National Museum in Lagos into a pulsating hub of artistic expression, drawing participants and spectators from around the world.
Curated by renowned Nigerian choreographer Qudus Onikeku, the multidisciplinary festival featured 85 talented artists from 11 countries, showcasing a blend of dance, music, painting, poetry, and visual arts. Afropolis provided a unique platform for artists to collaborate, share ideas, and create works that reflect the complexities and beauty of African urban life.
Onikeku, speaking about the festival’s vision, said, “Afropolis is more than just a festival; it’s a movement. It’s about reimagining our cities through art and creating a space where African creativity can thrive and be celebrated on a global scale.”
The festival’s highlights included breathtaking dance performances that fused traditional African moves with contemporary styles, live music that had the audience grooving to Afrobeat rhythms, and interactive art installations that invited visitors to engage with the works in innovative ways. One notable performance was Eko Echoes, a dance piece choreographed by Onikeku himself, which explored Lagos’s rich history and its evolution as a cultural powerhouse.
Afropolis also prioritized community engagement, offering workshops and masterclasses for young creatives. Aspiring artists had the opportunity to learn from industry veterans, honing their skills and gaining insights into the world of professional artistry.
The festival’s energy and diversity reflected the essence of Lagos, often described as the heartbeat of Africa. Visitors praised Afropolis for its ability to bring people from different walks of life together, fostering a sense of unity and shared appreciation for creativity.
A visitor from South Africa, Lerato Molefe, shared her experience, saying, “Lagos has this infectious energy, and Afropolis captures that perfectly. I’ve never seen so many talented artists in one place. This festival is proof that African art is limitless.”
Afropolis wasn’t just about entertainment; it was also a platform for important conversations. Panel discussions explored topics such as the role of art in urban development, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the future of African art on the global stage.
The festival concluded with a grand closing ceremony, featuring a spectacular fusion of music, dance, and fireworks that left attendees in awe. As the curtains fell on the week-long event, many were already looking forward to the next edition, hoping to see the festival grow even bigger in the years to come.
Afropolis has firmly established itself as a landmark event in the Nigerian cultural calendar, demonstrating the power of art to inspire, connect, and transform. For Lagos and Africa at large, the festival is a reminder of the continent’s boundless creativity and its ability to redefine global narratives through art.
