By Akeem Lasisi
Trust them, Lagosians are ever passionate about glamour. It is the reason the city is teased as Eko for Show. When the variegated and inclusive Fanti Carnival thus returned to the Centre of Excellence on Easter Sunday, memory, passion, glamour and cultural spectacles practically travelled her streets.
From the First Citizen, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to many other dignitaries down to the grassroots folks, a multitude of people trooped out to catch the fun. It was no surprising that they did. Fanti had not held since 2015, despite the fact that Lagos is the seat of the continent’s tourism, culture and entertainment.
Even the Eyo Festival, for which the state is also renowned, has not held in recent years. If the Eyo echoed in the last two years, it was in a cloud of controversy sparked as Jadesola Osiberu’s film, The Gangs of Lagos presents it in a way its custodians consider inaccurate and damaging. The controversy raged for some time but respite came about a month ago in the form of a settlement approved by a Lagos High Court, which asked the producers and Amazon (the distributors) to apologise.
Contemporary festivals like Felabration, Lagos Theatre, Black Heritage as well as the latest entrants — Afropolis and the Lagos Shopping Festival — regularly come on stream. But they do not take the place of the Fanti. When it the carnival happened again during Easter, it gave the people a sense of rebirth amid the awe of resurrection.
The mesmerising carnival, themed Heritage and Unity kicked off in the form of a procession at the Remembrance Arcade, through Old Defence Road, TBS Arena, J. Randle Road, Onikan Roundabout, Military Street, and Catholic Mission Street with an extravaganza of colours, local and Brazilian music, and dances.
Sanwo-Olu could not hide his excitement as he spoke about the carnival. He enthused on his Facebook page: ‘Today, the streets of Lagos Island transformed into a vibrant tapestry of colour, rhythm, and expressions of community. The Fanti Carnival, with roots dating back to the 1800s, was enriched by Afro-Brazilian returnees who brought not only samba beats and intricate costumes but also architectural artistry. Governor Sanwo-Olu captured the essence in a statement after attending the event.
‘We experienced the return of this historic event and the unique cultural identity of Lagos Island. This year’s carnival was exceptional, featuring three main attractions, an Afro-Brazilian Food Showcase, a Heritage Art Exhibition, and the grand parade. We enjoyed performances by local musicians and dancers, as well as cultural groups showcasing traditional masquerades and samba-inspired drum ensembles.
‘It was an absolute pleasure to see so many people come together to embrace the spirit of unity, resilience, and joy that the Fanti Carnival embodies. The Fanti Carnival is a powerful reminder of our roots and the enduring strength of cultural identity. Attending this year’s edition reaffirmed my belief in the role of heritage in shaping a confident, creative, and united Lagos.
‘From the vibrant masquerades to the energy of our youth performers, and the parade from Campos, Lafiaji, Okoo-Faji, Isale-Eko Woro, Okepopo, Olowogbowo and Epetedo every part of the Fanti Carnival reflects a legacy that must be preserved and elevated. We remain committed to supporting cultural expressions that build pride, opportunity, and connections’.
Acclaimed documentary photographer, Dayo Adedayo described the Fanti show as a heritage reborn. According to him, on Lagos Island, streets that had witnessed centuries of culture became a canvas for colour, rhythm, and the purest expressions of community.
In an article on the show, Adedayo noted: ‘As the drums beat and the first float meandered through Lagos Island’s veins, my camera found it hard to rest. Everywhere I turned, Lagosians glowed. Women in vibrant adire and Ankara swayed beside masked dancers. Children ran through the crowd with wonder gleaming in their eyes. Foreigners snapped pictures with unfiltered delight, perhaps unaware they were capturing living history.
‘From the corners of Okepopo to the youthful cheers of Epetedo United, the air held a celebratory electricity, like the kind that visits just before rain, only this time, it poured colour’.
He then highlighted its connection to tourism economy: ‘Each float told its own story. Lafiaji, Okoo Faji, Okepopo, and others danced not for applause but for remembrance. And then, almost as if to remind us of Lagos’ place in a global mosaic, the Chinese Dragon Dance unfurled across the square. Red, gold, and hypnotic grace, Eko truly is for show.
‘But it’s more than spectacle. This is soft power. It is tourism with texture. The 2025 Lagos Fanti Carnival reminded us that Nigeria, especially Lagos, can craft an economy out of experience, culture, and community’.
While the event was also attended by Lagos First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka stated that the carnival’s revival was a triumph of identity and resilience.
‘The Fanti Carnival is more than a festival. It is a living memory of our Afro-Brazilian roots and a showcase of the cultural richness that defines us as Lagosians. The Ministry remains committed to initiatives that strengthen social ties, promote tourism, and keep our heritage alive’, she said.
