Culturati Festival celebrates African excellence

 The 2024 Culturati Festival was a gathering of Africans and international guests to commemorate the richness of the continent’s cultural heritage. This year’s ‘Freedom’ edition was headlined by Culturati Africa in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

The festival, held from December 5 to 7, 2024, at Freedom Park, Lagos, showcased the best of African culture with captivating stage performances, folkloric sounds, and exhibitions that highlighted the beauty of African roots.

Fourteen individuals who were deemed to have significantly contributed to the promotion of African tourism, culture and arts were honoured with awards at the grand finale.

The Culturati icon awards recipients include Femi Adebayo, Iyabo Lawani, Helen Prest-Ajayi, Isaac Moses, Nneka Moses, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Benson Idonije , Lola Shoneyin, Mudi Africa; while the late Levi Ajuonuma was honoured posthumously.

Tunde Onakoya, Fola David, Femi Williams, and Tayo Bello (Waa Sere) also received merit plaques in a separate category for young trailblazers.

Speaking at the event, Culturati Africa’s CEO, Adetola Bakinson, stated that the honourees were selected because they showcase cultural excellence, innovation, and influence, reflecting Nigeria’s rich heritage and global contributions across film, arts, fashion, literature, music and social impact.

Beyond the awards presentation, the festival also featured diverse initiatives that empowered and educated participants, leaving a lasting impact; as well as a performance by singer, Reekado Banks.

Guests at the event included the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; Special Adviser to Lagos Governor on Tourism, Idris Aregbe; Special Adviser on Housing, Barakat Bakare; US Consulate spokesperson, Julie McKay; Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, Oba Olusegun Aderemi, among others.