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Culturati 2023: the Glitz, The Glamour, And The Paparazzi At The Epoch Making Event! ……. Ooni Of Ife, Ayiri Emami, Tayo Ayinde and Others Headline The Cultural Event.

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1 year ago

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It was a glamorous evening as Lagos witnessed a spectacular fusion of fashion, art, food, entertainment and culture at the much-anticipated event, the 17th edition of Culturati.

 

 

 

Culturati 2023, was a  three-day event that came to a close on the 3rd of December, 2023.

 

The event not only featured a display of the rich African heritage but also featured discourse around the future of the African culture in fostering tourism in a two-day symposium held on 16th and 30th November respectively.

 

 

 

The grand finale which garnered dignitaries and celebrities was held on Sunday, 3rd December 2023 at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

 

 

 

Culturati 2023 not only showcased the magnificence of African heritage but also delved into insightful discussions about the future of African culture and its pivotal role in fostering tourism.

 

 

 

The two-day symposium held on November 16th and 30th provided a platform for discourse, featuring esteemed dignitaries, including Hon. Solomon Bonu, Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Governor, and Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

 

 

 

The grand finale on December 3rd was a star-studded affair, graced by dignitaries such as the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II), the Olowo of Owo, Paramount Ruler of Owo Land, Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and Oba Sulaiman Adekunle, the Olofin of Isheri Awori.

 

 

 

Celebrities and entertainers, including Iyabo Ojo, Alibaba Akpobome, and Waris Olayinka, added a glamorous touch to the evening.

 

 

Hosted by the charismatic duo of Nollywood actress Nancy Nsime and the dynamic Gbenga Adeyinka, the night unfolded with captivating displays of African culture. Traditional masquerades, Eyo drum performances, lively dances, comedy acts, and fashion shows took centre stage, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of African excellence.

 

 

 

The night featured various displays of African culture from different masquerades, including Eyo traditional drums and dances, comedy, fashion shows and musical performances.

 

 

 

Dignitaries that attended the event include the Chairman House Committee on Tourism Arts and Culture Hon. Solomon Bonu, the Chief of Staff to Mr Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Permanent Secretary, Mrs Oloruntoyin Atekoja.

 

 

 

Other dignitaries include royal fathers with the likes of The Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II), Olowo of Owo and Paramount Ruler of Owo Land, Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, Olofin of Isheri Awori, Oba Sulaiman Adekunle, and many other.

 

Aside from government officials and royal fathers, the event also witnessed an array of celebrities and entertainers, like Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, arc comedian Alibaba Akpobome, Waris Olayinka, popular as Ola of Lagos, and many others.

 

 

 

The event was hosted by Nollywood actress Nancy Nsime and Gbenga Adeyinka.

 

 

 

Speaking at the event, the convener of Culturati, Idris Aregbe, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Tourism, Arts and Culture, said that African Culture can be translated into a sustainable vehicle for youth empowerment, tourism promotion and other economic initiatives that resonate with global sustainable development goals (SDGs), given the latent economic potentials therein.

 

 

 

On the ideology behind the event, the African cultural enthusiast with a penchant for creating value, Mr Aregbe, who is also the Convener of the yearly event Culturati brought tourists from around the world to Lagos, Nigeria for a delightful experience of the variety of culture, foods and beverages said the dire unemployment situation in Nigeria precipitated the cultural movement SISI-OGE in 2006 to bring attention to the potentials in African culture.

 

 

 

He said, “Over the course of a decade, SISI-OGE metamorphosed into CULTURATI which has become Africa’s largest cultural fusion, continually creating business opportunities for many young cultural buffs to leverage on, rewarding cultural excellence while celebrating Africa’s rich and diverse heritage.”

 

 

 

Mr Aregbe however noted that this year’s edition was a lot more robust as it was targeted at opening up economic opportunities in African culture for youth empowerment, Tourism promotion and general economic development.

 

 

 

The event featured brands and audience engagement with a number of interactive segments that amplified the beauty and diversity of African culture with the Culturati market showcasing the ingenuity of craftsmen, the Culturati food Court saturated with an assortment of delicacies portraying the richness of African cuisine, the Culturati Fashion Show which presented best dressed African of the evening carting home a prize.

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Nigerian Art Icons Lemi Ghariokwu and Ini Dan to be Honored at Ojez Forum on Sunday

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23 hours ago

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February 21, 2025

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A celebration of artistic excellence is on the horizon as the February edition of the Ojez Forum pays tribute to two giants of Nigerian art: Lemi Ghariokwu and Otunba Akang Ini Dan. The event will be held this Sunday at Ojez Lounge, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

 

Lemi Ghariokwu, also known as Emmanuel Sunday, is a self-taught Nigerian visual artist celebrated for his distinctive and thought-provoking album cover designs. He is most recognized for his extensive collaboration with Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, creating the artwork for 26 of Kuti’s albums. Ghariokwu’s art is distinguished by its vibrant colors, meticulous detail, and socio-political messages, reflecting African identity, activism, and cultural pride. His prolific career includes designing over 2,000 album covers for artists around the globe, including iconic figures such as Bob Marley, Miriam Makeba, and Lucky Dube. His work has been showcased in exhibitions worldwide.

Otunba Akang Ini Dan is the Managing Director and CEO of Fodak Production. He is also the founder and chairman of the Sister Heart and Visual Foundation, organizations dedicated to developing artistic talent and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage. As Vice President (South West) of the Society for Nigerian Artists, Otunba Dan has been a champion for artists’ rights and a facilitator of platforms for artistic expression.

 

The Ojez Forum is a monthly event that highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts in Nigeria. This month’s gathering promises to be a special occasion, bringing together artists, enthusiasts, and patrons to celebrate the accomplishments of Lemi Ghariokwu and Otunba Akang Ini Dan. Attendees can anticipate engaging discussions, exhibitions, and performances showcasing the vibrant landscape of Nigerian art.

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KongaFM -103.7 Launches “Shop On Radio”

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4 days ago

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February 18, 2025

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For the first time in Africa, radio is no longer just about listening to music and advertisements; it’s added shopping. KongaFM -103.7, Nigeria’s pioneering Hit Music & Commerce radio station, is set to change the way Nigerians buy and sell with the official launch of “Shop On Radio.” On Monday 24th of February, 2025.

 

This is a game changer at a time Nigeria increased data cost by 50%.

 

This groundbreaking initiative, powered by an innovative partnership between KongaFM and Konga.com, turns live radio broadcasts into an interactive shopping experience, allowing listeners to place orders seamlessly, even without wasting so much cash on Data. Nigerian shoppers now have options with Konga.com and most importantly rock buttom prices on all items announced live on radio and delivered same day in lagos if orders are placed before 12noon.

 

Shoppers are encouraged to open a wallet with Kongapay.com as stock may be limited and orders shall be treated on first paid.

 

According to Mayowa Oladeji, Communications Lead at KongaFM, this marks a major shift in the e-commerce landscape.

“For the first time in Africa, radio is becoming an interactive shopping destination, bringing together millions of listeners and turning them into instant shoppers. We urge manufacturers and business owners to seize this opportunity by reaching out via WhatsApp, email, or Konga.com to showcase their products to a ready market.

Thanks to our innovative partnership, customers in Lagos who order during the show will enjoy guaranteed best prices and same-day delivery in Lagos, while we conclude logistics for same day delivery in other major cities of Nigeria before month of June this year, making shopping faster and more convenient than ever. This is a component of the future of commerce in Africa powered by KongaFM -103.7, streaming globally on kongafm.com 24hours every day.

 

How It Works

Listeners can tune in to “Shop On Radio” every morning from 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM and again in the evening from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Products will be announced live on air, often with exclusive discounts, and customers can place orders instantly via WhatsApp or Konga.com. A KongaFM representative confirms the order, and for Lagos-based shoppers, delivery is completed the same day; a service made possible by Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet of 140 trucks, buses, and over 120 motorbikes.

Beyond Lagos, Nigerians across the country, and even in the diaspora, can participate by streaming live at kongafm.com, ensuring that no one is left out of this retail revolution.

A Win-Win for Shoppers and Businesses

With high internet costs, trust issues, and logistical inefficiencies still posing challenges to e-commerce in Nigeria, Shop On Radio offers a data-free, fast, and trusted alternative for both buyers and sellers.

 

For shoppers, this means exclusive deals, quick and easy WhatsApp ordering, and guaranteed same-day delivery in Lagos. For businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and SMEs, this is a golden opportunity to reach a massive, engaged audience instantly and boost sales in real time.

Shoppers and merchants beyond Lagos can also seamlessly place orders or advertise their businesses, with Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet ensuring timely and efficient nationwide delivery.

 

To further enhance the experience, Konga.com has upgraded its call center to handle increased order volumes, ensuring smooth transactions and customer support.

More Than Just Shopping—A 24/7 Experience

KongaFM is more than a marketplace; it’s a dynamic platform designed to cater to diverse audiences. The station kicks off each day from 5 -7am with Morning Inspiration, featuring best global gospel music with uplifting words to start you day blessed captioned -Start your Day with God, and same All Sundays. It is inspiring both for Entrepreneurs, students, unemployed, employed and those retired. It is unbelievable these contents are domiciled in a Nigeria radio station powered by AI, ensuring a well-rounded listening experience beyond commerce.

KongaFm 103.7 in support of a new economy is also extending Free Advertisement to both big, medium and small businesses to showcase their products. Interested companies are advised to call 07080635705 or email info@kongafm.com

 

The future of shopping is here. Don’t just listen. Shop, sell, and save; all on KongaFM -103.7!

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Lagos Tourism commissioner on working visit to San Francisco film and entertainment commission

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1 week ago

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February 15, 2025

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Lagos Tourism commissioner on working visit to San Francisco film and entertainment commission

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