The organisers of the IPADA Carnival have announced that approximately 1,500 African artists are set to perform at the much-anticipated cultural event. The carnival, a significant cultural tourism initiative, will be held from November 29 to December 12 at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.
Mr. Salvation Alibor, Co-Founder of XPark360, a financial partner for the carnival, revealed the details during a stakeholders meeting on Monday. Alibor explained that the IPADA Carnival, which translates from Yoruba as “The Return,” aims to celebrate and promote African heritage and culture, particularly to Africans in the Diaspora and those interested in reconnecting with their roots.
Alibor stated, “The IPADA Carnival seeks to celebrate the return of Africans in the diaspora to their roots, having Nigeria as their entry point. The carnival will feature a music festival where about 1,500 artists, cutting across 54 African countries will be performing. It will be a celebration of the beautiful potential of Africans in music, dance, natural resources, arts and all.
He continued, “It is meant to open the eyes of Africans in the diaspora to these potentials which can be converted to wealth for the continent through collaborations and unity. We’ll have the Nefertiti Queen of Africa beauty pageant where the true definition of African beauty will be showcased.”
“Also, the Ose Awards will celebrate Africans of great accomplishments in arts, science, philosophy, politics and other fields of human endeavour. The winner of this award will be conferred with chieftaincy titles across African countries,” he added.
“We are going to feature a one million African meal buffet where various African cuisines will be displayed,” he noted.
In addition to the music festival, the carnival will include several key highlights:
- The Nefertiti Queen of Africa Beauty Pageant: Celebrating African beauty and culture.
- The Ose Awards: Honouring Africans with outstanding achievements in various fields, with winners receiving chieftaincy titles from different African countries.
- One Million African Meal Buffet: Featuring a diverse array of African cuisines
Chief Wanle Akinboboye, founder of the IPADA Initiative, expressed his vision for the event to transform Africa’s tourism landscape. He emphasised the need to develop existing tourist attractions into major destinations by adding engaging activities and ensuring tourist comfort.