AFROPOLIS 2024

A New Myth Unfolds in the Center of Excellence

The nine-day cultural festival, Afropolis 2024, brought Lagos alive with a vibrant display of art, film, dance, and interactive installations that captured the hearts of attendees from across the globe. Held from October 26 to November 3 at the J. Randle Center for Yoruba Culture and History, Afropolis 2024 celebrated African music heritage and creativity under the inspiring theme, “We Need New Myth.” This year’s festival attracted a diverse crowd from Kaduna, Kano, Jos, Ghana, Senegal, Lome, Addis Ababa, Sao Paulo, Bologna, and other cities spanning Europe and South America, turning Lagos into a cultural crossroads.

The visionary behind this monumental event was Qudus Onikeku, the Artistic Director of Afropolis 2024. His goal was to redefine and expand African narratives through the arts, emphasizing the need for a fresh perspective on African heritage and mythology. The festival provided a space where artists, performers, and audiences could explore, reflect, and collectively imagine new myths that resonate with modern African and global identities.

Afropolis 2024 was a feast for the senses, offering a rich lineup of events. Throughout the J. Randle Center, attendees could immerse themselves in powerful art installations that invited them to question, explore, and interact. The art installations, created by both emerging and established artists, incorporated Yoruba mythologies and modern African themes, creating an experience that blended tradition with innovation.

Afropolis 2024 was made possible through a partnership with Lagos State, underscoring the state’s commitment to promoting arts and culture. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attended the festival, expressing his support for initiatives that highlight Lagos’s cultural leadership and affirm its status as a global destination for the arts. His presence underscored the festival’s significance as an event that not only celebrates the arts but also contributes to the cultural and economic development of Lagos.

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Film programs captivated audiences, showcasing African stories from multiple perspectives. In addition, there were numerous cultural dance performances that celebrated the diversity and unity of African expression. Each day brought new highlights, from traditional drum performances to contemporary dance that filled the venue with energy and pride.

Afropolis and for Lagos as a beacon of African creativity. With its powerful theme, “We Need New Myth,” the festival sparked conversations, inspired artistic exploration, and set the stage for future cultural milestones.

Afropolis 2024 was not merely an event; it was a transformative experience that wove together stories, cultures, and communities, reinforcing Lagos’s role as a city where the future of African culture and entertainment unfolds. Lagosians eagerly anticipates the next edition of Afropolis.