The Afroculture Fest 2025, a major festival positioning itself as the critical link between the continent’s creative talent and sustainable economic development, is scheduled for December 20 in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Under the theme ‘The Future is Rooted,’ the festival aims to convene industry leaders, cultural custodians, investors, and a youth audience to foster what organisers call “the next wave of cultural innovation and economic empowerment”.
The event seeks to address a persistent gap in the African creative landscape. Despite the international boom in Afrobeats, fashion, and art, many creators still struggle to translate raw talent into profitable, lasting enterprises.
“Our culture is our greatest asset, but for it to thrive, we must build systems that make it economically viable for the creators,” said Oyindamola Obiyomi, convener of Afroculture Fest.
“Afroculture Fest is where passion meets profit, where heritage meets the marketplace, and where our artists and artisans are empowered to build the future they envision.”
The festival is designed as a comprehensive ecosystem for growth, built around five core pillars:
“The festival will feature a curated marketplace with over 150 of Nigeria’s finest vendors in fashion, art, crafts, and beauty, offering a unique opportunity to shop for authentic, locally-made products and support small businesses,” the organisers said in a statement.
“The Gbedu Nation Stage will feature a non-stop lineup of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Highlife music, while The Fashion Runway will present two distinct showcases: ‘The Vanguard’ for boundary-pushing emerging designers and ‘The Icons’ for celebrated, established brands.
“For creators and entrepreneurs, the festival offers invaluable networking opportunities, connecting them with industry leaders, potential buyers, and collaborators during dedicated masterclasses and within the exclusive VIP lounge.”
Also speaking, Blessing Obiyomi, festival director, said: “We are creating a space where connections happen organically.
“An emerging designer can meet a boutique owner, a musician can connect with a filmmaker, and a brand can discover its next major ambassador. This is about building a community that grows together.”
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