The festival will feature a rich tapestry of African cultures from Nigeria and beyond, spanning nine days at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos Island, and its adjacent areas.
Afropolis serves as a global celebration of arts, creativity, and innovation, attracting visitors and artists from Nigeria and various nations, including Ghana, Senegal, Lome, Addis Ababa, São Paulo, Amsterdam, Bologna, and the United States, among others.
Drawing inspiration from prominent international festivals like the Nottingham Carnival in the UK, Afropolis aims to bring thousands of visitors to Lagos annually.
During a press briefing on Wednesday to announce the festival's events, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, characterized Afropolis as a pioneering initiative, highlighting its significance in showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage and creative energy of Lagos.
“Afropolis is more than just an event; it is a celebration of our identity, a platform for our talents, and a demonstration of creativity's ability to unite and inspire. From October 26 to November 3, Lagos will transform into the hub of African creativity, welcoming artists, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond,” she remarked.
Planned activities include a VIP preview and cocktail on October 26, followed by a grand opening ceremony at The Vibez Stage, along with a fireside chat featuring Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat on the same day.
On October 27, a carnival procession will traverse several streets of Lagos Island to mark the official opening of the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will conduct a tour of the centre on October 28.
The festival will include daily film screenings, engaging art installations, and cultural dance performances. The closing weekend will highlight an International Performance, culminating in a spectacular Afro House and EDM Rave on November 3.
Benson-Awoyinka emphasized that Afropolis transcends the definition of a festival; it serves as a platform for African creatives to connect, showcase their skills, share ideas, and collaborate on groundbreaking projects. It honors Lagos as the largest Black cultural hub globally, a city at the forefront of various creative industries, including music, fashion, gaming, technology, design, film, dance, AI, and research.
Qudus Onikeku, the Artistic Director of Afropolis 2024, expressed that the festival represents a realization of a long-held aspiration, asserting that Lagos, as the world's largest Black capital, is deserving of a premier cultural festival.
“Lagos is the creative capital of the world. We are ready to compete on a global stage. Afropolis is an African and diaspora festival that we have envisioned for over a year to establish an international festival in Lagos,” he remarked.
Onikeku emphasized the festival's ability to contribute to the state's GDP by stimulating the local economy, featuring vendors who present a diverse range of products, including food and artistic supplies.
Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, expressed optimism that Afropolis 2024 would set a precedent for hosting additional international festivals in the state.
“We have everything needed to draw the world to experience African culture,” Omotoso stated.