Lagos: Mr Ed Keazor, Director of Nsibidi Institute, has announced plans for a festival aimed at exploring the connections between Nigeria’s contemporary and historical popular cultures. The initiative seeks to enhance the promotion and understanding of Nigerian culture by highlighting its rich heritage.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Keazor emphasized that a comprehensive appreciation of Nigerian culture requires acknowledging the influence of historical traditions on modern music, film, literature, fashion, and media. He noted that these linkages not only strengthen cultural identity but also offer younger generations a sense of continuity and belonging.
Keazor described historical popular cultures as encompassing heritages, traditions, old media, and early arts, while contemporary cultures include modern arts, media, fashion, and film. He portrayed the Nsibidi Institute as an independent research and cultural organization devoted to preserving and reimagining indigenous knowledge systems rooted in Nigerian history, language, and identity.
The institute is set to host an inaugural festival to showcase the affinities between Nigerian contemporary and historical popular cultures through symposiums, exhibitions, film screenings, and interactive sessions. The festival, themed ‘The Past in the Present Around Us: A Retrospective Celebration of Nigerian Popular Culture’, will take place from September 26 to September 28 at Quintessence, Victoria Island in Lagos.
The opening day will feature a keynote address titled ‘Heritage and Future in the Past’ by Mr Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture. A symposium on ‘The Nigerian Popular Press: A Driver of Heritage and Social Culture’ will be moderated by Mrs Aduke Gomez, with panelists including Mr Jahman Anikulapo, Mr Don Adinuba, Mrs Freda Olatunbosun, and Mr Micheal Effiong James. Additionally, exhibitions on century-old newspaper advertising (1863-1963) and a film screening titled ‘Lagos: The Birth of a City Style (1861-1967)’ by Muni and Ed Keazor will be showcased.
A book discussion on ‘Hubris: A Brief Political History of the Nigerian Army’ by retired Maj-Gen. Tunde Akinkunmi will focus on ‘Military Rule and Social Impact’ and feature a conversation with Mr Yemi Candide-Johnson (SAN). The evening session will celebrate veteran photographer Don Barber in ‘A Life Behind the Lens’, moderated by Mr Dayo Adedayo.
The second day of the festival will take place at Didi Museum, Victoria Island, while the closing ceremony, featuring awards and recognitions, will return to Quintessence on September 28.