In Nigeria, culture is reflected in all aspects of life – in art, dance, folklore, language, literature, mores, music, governance, as well as the environment.
The rural traditional folk heritage of Nigeria translates sometimes to the intensity of daily living and cannot be ignored.
Looking to tap into some of these cultural connections, below is a list of annual arts and culture events scheduled for the rest of the year;
SEPTEMBER
Igogo Festival
The Igogo Festival lasts a total of 17 days in Owo, Ondo State. Just like the New Yam Festival, it also features the blessing and release of new yams.
Lights Camera AFRICA Film Festival
The Lights, Camera, AFRICA!!! Film Festival was created in 2011 to stimulate discourse on issues and experiences that are rooted in the African experience. The annual event shares a diverse range of African and independent cinema including documentary, feature and animation, supporting the work of emerging African film makers.
OCTOBER
Felabration
Felabration is an annual music festival conceived in 1998 by Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti in memory and celebration of her father Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician and human rights activist known for pioneering the afrobeat genre of music. Felabration is held on the week of Fela’s birthday, estimated at October 14-20 for this year, at the New Afrika shrine.
Ake Arts and Book Festival
The Aké Arts and Book Festival, founded by Nigerian writer Lola Shoneyin, is an annual literary, cultural and arts event that usually takes place in Abeokuta, Nigeria. It features book chats and the best African literature, poetry, music, art, film and theatre. This year, it is set to hold between October 24-27.
NOVEMBER
Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)
AFRIFF showcases a rich programme of films, keynote conversations and discussions on issues affecting the cinema with participation from filmmakers, critics, directors and the Press. The event usually takes place between November and December.
Abuja Carnival
Usually taking place at the end of November, the Abuja Carnival is organized by the Carnival Roadshow Company and promises to showcase the diverse cultural events and practices in all 36 states if Nigeria. Roadshows, music and dance, masquerades are just a few of the highlights of the event.
DECEMBER
Calabar Carnival
The Calabar Festival is the most anticipated cultural festival in Nigeria with visitors and performers coming in from all over the world. It is tagged as “Africa’s Biggest Street Party” and holds in Cross River State all through December.