Event
Afrochella rebrands as AfroFuture Fest for Detty December 2023
Affectionately known as Detty December, this is the month that the Western region of Africa hosts a season-long lineup of festival-hopping partygoers at carnivals and concerts, inspiring thousands of people from across the diaspora to flock to their ancestral land for the holidays.
Though many aren’t quite sure how Detty December originated, what was once a tradition reserved for people on the continent has become a time when overseas visitors, including Black Americans, are choosing “home” away from home and making it their own.
Some say this particular holiday custom emerged during the inaugural Calabar Carnival in 2004, in the south-eastern Nigeria region; others claim it became popularised during Ghana’s 2019 “Year of Return.” The campaign, launched by the Ghana Tourism Authority, encouraged brothers and sisters of African descent to make the voyage to Ghana and unite as family of the diaspora. Since then, the actual number of visitors has far exceeded expectations, with about a million people making the trek in 2019—a rise of 45% from the previous year, which reflected a significant increase in travellers from the United States and the United Kingdom, according to the BBC.
Yet even as tourists converged on the continent in ever-rising numbers, few could have predicted that Detty December would become an annual pilgrimage for so many global travellers, who come to the city hot spots of Lagos and Accra for a month of music, arts, culture and entertainment.
One event in particular, Afrochella—which has now been rebranded as AfroFuture—is sandwiched between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Held at the peak of Detty December in the city of Accra, the music and cultural festival is staged annually at Accra’s El Wak Stadium. It was first launched in 2017 as the brainchild of Abdul Karim Abdullah, AfroFuture’s New York–born CEO and cofounder.
What started as an idea for a food festival became a 4,000-attendee event in its first year. It has since exploded into one of the most-lauded events during the holiday season in Africa, with attendance numbers hitting 31,000 in 2022.
While this year marks the first time that the festival will not be under its original Afrochella imprint, the occasion is sure to be just as magical, if not more so. The renaming of the festival comes on the heels of Coachella organisers suing Afrochella for trademark infringement, citing a confusion between the competing brands. But make no mistake, whether “chella” is in the title or not, this event remains deeply relevant for Black attendees, especially those travelling to the continent from abroad.
AfroFuture Fest occupies its own unique lane, and by design, it shares the beauty of Ghana’s cultural identity with the world. But what makes this festival so distinctive is its organisers’ ability and determination to support the Ghanaian economy.
Abdullah, whose business partners are based in Ghana, strives to ensure that everyone—from production staff and event designers to maintenance workers and vendors—is from the country, and that every extra dollar poured into the festival goes directly into local hands.
As a result, the economic impact has been staggering, with approximately 16% of Ghanaian tourism income for the year of 2019 coming from AfroFuture Fest, and an average of $2,650 spent by each festival attendee.
“Our numbers have grown since we launched, so we know that our impact is very visible on the continent,” says Bronx native Abdullah.
“We are excited by the transition of Afrochella to AfroFuture Fest,” says Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority. “The event has become a flagship of our December in Ghana programme. It brings in a lot of visitors and, with them, attendant economic benefits for our industry and our country. Hotels peak in occupancy; airlines are fully booked; and the entire value chain of tourism thrives during the period.”
With attendees representing people of African descent from regions as far flung as the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland, the brand has expanded to speak to these patrons, with spin-offs being held this year in New York, South Africa and London.
“Our goal is to be able to touch all parts of the continent,” explains Abdullah. “So we’re also doing a lot more events involving Francophone Africa and Southern Africa. A lot of our global markets don’t have experiences that are similar to what we’re doing in Ghana, so this is our opportunity to market to the festival more broadly and tell them about what’s happening and what we’re doing.”
Carrying the torch of Black nationalists and civil rights leaders such as Marcus Garvey—who consistently preached that Black Americans should “go back to Africa”—AfroFuture Fest has given this message of returning to the ancestral homeland a new meaning.
“We want to grow and do a lot more storytelling,” says Abdullah. “It’s one thing for the diaspora to come together to enjoy music, fashion, food and art, and have a great time in Ghana, but it’s another thing for us to be able to uniquely tell the nuanced story of the continent.
“We don’t know enough about each other—and that fosters competition rather than collaboration. By telling more stories, and sharing our culture and uplifting what each culture means, it gives us an opportunity to build alliances and increase the appreciation for all those cultures that show up at our festival.”
There is something incredibly special about celebrating on African soil in December—but there’s something even more special about a “for us, by us” festival accompanied by warm sun, sweet food and welcoming people.
AfroFuture Fest has not only changed the tourism outlook on the continent, but it has also expanded the world’s view of what it means to vacation at the beach while celebrating Black culture. This is for Ghana—and by extension, for the entire diaspora.
The 21st Abuja International Film Festival highlights exceptional talent with 1,524 submissions and prestigious awards for outstanding films.
The 21st Abuja International Film Festival recently concluded, showcasing an impressive array of talent and creativity from around the globe.
This year’s festival received a remarkable 1,524 film submissions, from which 70 films made it to the nomination list, demonstrating the growing interest in film production and storytelling.
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The standout feature of the festival was the acclaimed Russian film “Four Quarters,” which garnered significant attention by winning four awards, including the prestigious Golden Jury Award.
This accolade underscored the film’s artistic merit and resonance with audiences and critics alike.
Nigerian filmmakers also made a strong impression at the festival. Femi Adebayo and Stan Nze were jointly awarded Best Actor for their captivating performances in “Jagun Jagun” and “12 Hours,” respectively.
The Best Actress award went to Tana Adelana for her role in “Tender Edges,” while Lum Norah was recognised for her outstanding performance in “Kismet.”
The festival featured a total of 18 categories, including the coveted Audience Choice Award, which was claimed by the Nigerian film “Accroche.”
The film “Kaka” also shone brightly, winning accolades for both Best Indigenous Film and Best Music Score, highlighting the diverse storytelling within Nigerian cinema.
In addition to celebrating filmmakers, the festival honoured the Governors of Cross River and Lagos States, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with the Distinguished Merit Award.
This recognition highlighted their significant contributions to the entertainment industry and the promotion of film and culture in their respective states.
Overall, the event served as a testament to the vibrant creativity and dedication within the Nigerian film sector, setting a promising stage for future cinematic endeavours.
As filmmakers continue to explore new narratives and innovative techniques, the Abuja International Film Festival remains a crucial platform for showcasing their work and fostering cultural exchange.
St. Matthias Ago-Itunu Church celebrates its 60th anniversary from 30 October to 2 November, honouring a legacy of faith and community service.
St. Matthias Ago-Itunu Church, founded by the late Most Senior Reverend Apostolic Mother Sabainah Osinowo, is set to commemorate its Diamond Jubilee this October under the theme, “3 Score of His Glory and Mercy.”
The celebrations, marking 60 years of worship and community engagement, will span four days from 30 October to 2 November 2024.
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The Anniversary Committee’s Chairman, MSA Femi Odulaja, shared details of the schedule, which includes a blend of prayer, music, and thanksgiving services.
“This Diamond Jubilee is a testament to our faith and unity over 60 years,” Odulaja said.
“We invite everyone to join us in giving thanks and to look forward to God’s guidance in the years ahead.”
Guided by Special Apostle Z.A. Ogunleye, Minister in Charge, and His Eminent Vice Baba Aladura of The Praying Band C & S, L.A.V.O. Osinnowo, the church has maintained a deep commitment to spiritual growth and community service.
Their leadership has been instrumental in shaping St. Matthias into a sanctuary for worship, personal development, and community outreach, values which this anniversary aims to celebrate.
The Jubilee celebration will open on 30 October with Isin Owuro, a morning service dedicated to prayer and thanksgiving for God’s continued grace.
This reflective service invites the congregation to honour the past and seek blessings for the future.
The second day promises to be a lively affair, with an All-Night Music Festival on 31 October.
St. Matthias’ renowned choir, together with guest gospel choirs and artists, will lift spirits with uplifting performances.
The festival will also feature the anticipated release of the choir’s latest album, “Dide Jesu” (The Return of Christ), showcasing the church’s musical legacy and commitment to sharing messages of faith through song.
The celebration will culminate on 2 November with a Holy Communion and Thanksgiving Service.
This solemn event allows congregants to reflect on divine grace and unity, a fitting end to the festivities.
Beyond its role as a place of worship, St. Matthias has fostered a culture of excellence and support, nurturing talents across industries.
Members of the congregation have made notable strides in fields like media, engineering, and human resources, both in Nigeria and globally, reflecting the church’s commitment to personal and professional growth alongside spiritual guidance.
As the church marks this significant milestone, the congregation reflects on six decades of challenges, triumphs, and faith, looking ahead with gratitude and anticipation for the journey to come.
Steve Oliyide, the media aide to Otunba Gbenga Daniel, senator representing Ogun East District at the National Assembly, has announced the passing of his father, Pa Amos Ojekunle Oliyide.
Pa Oliyide, aged 84, was born on 18th February 1940 and peacefully passed away on 29th July 2024.
The family has now made arrangements for a fitting tribute to the late patriarch, alongside a remembrance service for Steve Oliyide’s late mother, Mrs. Florence Adebola Oliyide (née Tonade), who passed away on 20th November 1978.
Also read: Ganduje loses mother-in-law, burial holds in Kano
The burial ceremony for Pa Oliyide will begin on Thursday, 28th November 2024, at the family home, located at No. 14, Olaboopo Daramola Close, Sango Ota, Ogun State.
The following day, Friday 29th November 2024, will feature a funeral outing and thanksgiving service at St. Stephen’s African Church, Abule Tuntun, Iroko Town, Lagos. The service is scheduled to start at 10:00 am.
The remembrance service for his late mother will be held on the same day and at the same venue as his father’s funeral service.
Mrs. Oliyide passed away in 1978, and this will be a moment to remember both parents in one unified ceremony.
Following the church service, a private internment will take place at the family residence, where Pa Oliyide will be laid to rest.
Later that day, the entertainment and reception for guests will be held at MHQ Events Centre, opposite Rhema Church, Temidire, Sango Ota, Ogun State.
The reception will begin at 2:00 pm, allowing friends, family members, and well-wishers to gather and celebrate the life and legacy of Pa Amos Oliyide and the enduring memory of Mrs. Florence Oliyide.
May his soul rest in peace.
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