On March 8, 2025, the FCT Exhibition Pavilion Centre in Abuja became the stage for an unforgettable celebration of Nigerian culture, where art and tradition converged to create a mesmerizing tapestry of heritage and innovation. The event was organized by Showlate Entertainment Ltd and held under the inspiring theme “Preserving Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage: Leveraging Art and Creativity for Global Impact.” This inaugural exhibition proved to be much more than an art show — it was indeed a cultural renaissance.
A Setting Steeped in Tradition and Modernity
As guests approached the Pavilion Centre, the venue’s exterior — adorned with a colourful banner, red carpet and a plethora of different cultural items, African-styled wears and other artwork from Nigeria’s rich artistic legacy and talents — set the tone for an immersive cultural experience. Stepping inside, guests found themselves surrounded by an eclectic array of art installations, each narrating a unique story.
The exhibition space was transformed into a labyrinth of creativity, where traditional elements intertwined with modern aesthetics. Artworks spanned across paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital media, all curated to showcase the diverse festivals celebrated throughout Nigeria. Pieces highlighted the colourful narratives of the Opobo Nwaotam Festival, Kano Durbar Festival, Ikeji Festival, Ojude Oba Festival, Lisabi Festival, Osun Osogbo Festival, Ito Ogbo Festival, Agbo Remireke, Okazi Emii Festival and the Twins Festival in Igbo Ora, alongside contributions from emerging talents such as Muzaffar Shehu, Remchi Rinfwang Vigs, Dada Abraham, Jesse Ameje, and others, showcased their incredible talents, further enriching the exhibition with fresh perspectives
The Art Exhibition: A Reflection of Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage
Nigeria is a country rich in cultural heritage, with diverse ethnic groups and traditions that have been preserved and celebrated through various forms of art. This remarkable variety is reflected in the nation’s music, folklore, dance, festivals, clothing, and, most prominently, in its visual arts. Culture plays a pivotal role in shaping a nation’s identity and history, reflecting the shared values, beliefs, and creative expression of its people. The preservation and promotion of this culture are essential for fostering community cohesion and national pride.
Cultural Canvas Art and Festival Exhibition was created as a dynamic initiative aimed at highlighting, preserving, and promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The exhibition, themed “Preserving Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage: Leveraging Arts and Creativity for Global Impact,” served as a vibrant celebration of the diverse artistic voices that define the country. It showcased the interplay between art, festivals, and traditions, illustrating how these elements together enhance Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
Out of over 100 artworks submitted for consideration, 76 pieces were selected for the exhibition. This selection process was a crucial part of curating an exhibit that faithfully reflected the theme and focus. The curation followed a structured approach:
- SELECTION: The emphasis was placed on identifying artworks that portrayed aspects of Nigerian culture, such as traditional clothing, food, dance, music, and festivals.
- ARRANGEMENTS: The arrangements were organized into four categories:
- Section: The artworks were grouped by themes into four categories: marriage, music, festivals, and women (as the exhibition coincided with International Women’s Day).
- Size: To create symmetrical balance, smaller pieces were placed centrally within each section, while larger works were positioned at the edges.
- Colour: To enhance the visual appeal, each section began with warm colours and transitioned to cooler tones, using the colour wheel to guide the flow.
The Panel Discussion on Elevating Nigerian Festivals
A key highlight of the Cultural Canvas: Art and Culture exhibition was the panel discussion on “Elevating Nigerian Festivals for the Global Stage.” The session brought together industry experts to examine the strategies needed to position Nigerian festivals as global cultural and economic assets.
The panel featured:
- William Umoh Esq. — Entertainment and creatives lawyer
- Mr. Emmanuel Solate — CEO of Cultural Canvas and exhibition host
- Mr. Daniel Awin — Art curator and industry expert
- Moderated by Janel Priscilla Rowland
Throughout the discussion, the panelists explored the key elements required to scale Nigerian festivals beyond local audiences, emphasizing the roles of business strategy, policy, and storytelling. They identified critical gaps, including funding limitations, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of structured visibility, which have hindered Nigeria’s cultural festivals from reaching their full international potential.
However, the conversation also spotlighted existing success stories — festivals that have already drawn global attention but need better frameworks to sustain and expand their reach. The panelists underscored that Nigeria’s creative industry is not short on talent but requires deliberate positioning, strategic partnerships, and stronger institutional support to compete on the world stage.
The session resonated strongly with the audience, which included policy influencers, government representatives, and international delegates from Belgium, South Africa, and beyond. Their engagement reinforced the urgency of creating policies and business models that allow Nigerian festivals to evolve from seasonal celebrations into globally recognized cultural exports.
The Arrival of Veteran Filmmaker Dr. Tunde Kelani: A Moment of Prestige
Excitement reached its peak with the arrival of the legendary filmmaker, Dr. Tunde Kelani. A revered icon in African cinema, his presence added gravitas to the event. Guests eagerly welcomed the visionary behind some of Nigeria’s most celebrated cinematic works, engaging in discussions about storytelling, visual artistry, and cultural preservation. The admiration was palpable, as attendees captured photos and shared conversations with the film maestro.
Glamour Meets Heritage: VIP Arrivals and Exquisite Fashion
The event was further graced by influential figures, including Chief Dr. Mrs. Nike Monica Okundaye. Her grand entrance, accompanied by an entourage of models in Kampala garments and resplendent African jewellery, was a visual spectacle that celebrated Nigeria’s textile artistry. Attendees eagerly documented the moment, flooding social media with images that blended tradition with modern glamour.
Undergraduate students from the University of Abuja’s Department of Theatre Arts were captivated by the electrifying performances, including Dance Afrique Theatre Troupe, the gbedu poet, a film screening, and an art exhibition. One student remarked, “The event was like an entire semester’s curriculum condensed into one engaging and entertaining package,” reflecting the profound educational impact of the showcase.
Celebrating Excellence: Awards and Inspiring Speeches
In a segment that celebrated the custodians of Nigerian culture, the awards ceremony honoured luminaries such as Chief Dr. Mrs. Nike Monica Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery and Dr. Tunde Kelani of Mainframe TV and Films Production. Their achievements in preserving and promoting Nigeria’s cultural narrative in their different artistic fields were celebrated with heartfelt speeches. Dr. Kelani, in particular, delivered a stirring keynote that emphasized the importance of safeguarding the country’s heritage through artistic expression. His words resonated deeply, urging both established and budding creatives to view art as an essential vehicle for historical documentation and societal evolution.
Launching of Cultural Canvas Art & Festival Compendium
The launching of the Compendium was another great highlight of the event. This impressive publication which was hailed by the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, as portable documentation far better than a travel guide featured the works of 35 talented artists, both male and female, from different tribes across Nigeria. These artists showcased their creations at various events and 12 festivals out of the many that have been covered by Showlate Entertainment Ltd.
The Compendium was officially launched by two renowned Nigerian cultural icons and VIP guests at the event: Chief Dr. Mrs. Nike Monica Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery and Dr. Tunde Kelani of Mainframe TV and Films Productions. During the launch, they urged Nigerians to obtain a copy of the Compendium to gain insight into the numerous festivals taking place across the country and to marvel at the beautiful artworks created by young Nigerian artists representing these festivals which were featured in the Compendium.
This initiative not only promotes Nigeria’s cultural heritage but also provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents. By highlighting the country’s diverse festivals and artistic expressions, the Compendium serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in Nigerian culture.
A Cinematic Tribute to Heritage
Adding a cinematic dimension to the day’s celebrations, the exhibition featured a screening of “Agogo Eewo” — the classic sequel to the great “Saworoide” movie. Directed and produced by Dr. Tunde Kelani, the film captivated the audience with its evocative storytelling, transporting viewers into the heart of Yoruba tradition and igniting conversations about the enduring power of Nigerian narratives on the global stage.
Curating a Cultural Revolution
Behind the scenes, the curator of the event, reflected on the journey that led to this magnificent showcase. Sharing his excitement on social media, he expressed, “I’m thrilled to have curated the maiden edition of the 2025 Cultural Canvas Art and Festival Exhibition. This inaugural event was an absolute blast, bringing together art enthusiasts, talented young artists, and industry heavyweights.” His enthusiasm underscored the collaborative spirit that fueled the day’s success.
A Convergence of Global Perspectives
The exhibition not only celebrated Nigerian art but also underscored the country’s emerging role on the global cultural stage. Among the distinguished guests was Belgium’s Ambassador, Pieter Leenknegt, who confidently remarked on the imminent global prominence of Nigeria’s cultural festivals. Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Mrs. Rukkuya Muhammed, emphasized the creative sector’s unifying power, highlighting arts, music, and film as mediums to foster national cohesion. She praised the festival’s celebration of Nigerian heritage and acknowledged women’s significant contributions to the creative industry. This view was shared by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by Chief Obinna Nwaka, who also stressed the role of cultural festivals in promoting unity and economic growth. He pointed out that young people are investing in and contributing to culture, and digitizing heritage is a key way to showcase it, especially since most youth are online. With growing international interest and government support, Nigeria’s cultural festivals are poised to gain global recognition, solidifying the country’s position as a hub for artistic and creative excellence. Representative of the Director General, National Council for Art and Culture, Mrs. Aminatu Mashegu also graced the exhibition. Their remarks, paired with the international attention garnered by the event, painted a promising picture of a future where Nigerian culture is celebrated and recognized worldwide. Diplomats from the South African High Commission in Nigeria, Ms. Charlene Fixter and Ms. Shongi Sibisi was among the dignitaries present at the exhibition.
An Evening of Reflection and Celebration
As daylight gave way to the soft glow of evening, the Pavilion Centre transformed once again. The ambience shifted to one of intimate celebration — soft lighting accentuated the artworks, dancers from Dance Afrique Theatre Troupe took center stage, with their fancy costumes drawn from different Nigerian tribes and energetic dance moves in sync with the tempo of the African percussion. Conversations blossomed, friendships were forged, and a shared sense of pride in Nigeria’s cultural legacy filled the room.
Nike Art Gallery Fashion Parade
The event also featured a stunning fashion show, showcasing exquisite traditional attire with a modern twist. Female models strutted down the catwalk in vibrant adire and Kampala gowns, paired with intricately designed geles, while their male counterparts wore flowing agbadas, complemented by simple yet elegant corporate native caps. The attention to detail was impressive, with even the jewelry and beads carefully selected to reflect traditional Nigerian culture. The outfits, designed by renowned Chief Mrs. Nike Monica Ogundaye of Nike Art Gallery, left the audience in awe, with many guests eagerly snapping photos to capture the moment.
Miss Face of Humanity Nigeria Celebrates International Women’s Day with a Powerful Call to Action
Ambassador Fortunate Oloruntimilehin, the esteemed Miss Face of Humanity Nigeria (MFOH Nigeria), was also one of the distinguished guests at the Cultural Canvas Arts and Festival Exhibition 2025. She witnessed the profound impact of art on shaping societal perceptions. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, she delivered a poignant goodwill message, emphasizing the transformative power of art in advancing women’s empowerment.
“Art is a force of change,” Ambassador Oloruntimilehin declared. “If we want to build a world where women are truly empowered, we must ensure that art and culture reflect our commitment to equity and justice.”
The Pulse of the Pavilion: Live Performances and Artistic Expression
The exhibition was punctuated by electrifying live performances that captured the hearts of the audience. One of the day’s most dynamic moments came courtesy of Otatane-Oso “2Wyth Gbedu Poet” Andrew. With rhythmic verses and an infectious energy, he led the crowd into a collective celebration of sound and movement — transforming onlookers into active participants in an impromptu chorus that echoed through the halls of the venue.
A Beacon for the Future
The Cultural Canvas Art and Festival Exhibition 2025 was a vivid demonstration of how art can serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity — a beacon for future generations. As Emmanuel Solate, CEO of Showlate Entertainment Limited, aptly summarised, “Culture is more than tradition; it is a living, evolving force that defines our identity and shapes our future.” His vision for the Cultural Canvas initiative is not merely to celebrate the past but to ignite a movement where art becomes a dynamic part of Nigeria’s economic and cultural evolution.
Looking Ahead
The success of this maiden edition has set the stage for what promises to be a long and illustrious journey for Nigerian art and culture. With plans for international collaborations and a commitment to nurturing emerging talent, Cultural Canvas is poised to continue its mission of fostering cross-cultural understanding and global impact. In the words of those who shared their passion throughout the day, this event was not just a celebration but a call to action — a reminder that the future of Nigeria’s rich heritage depends on the visionaries who dare to blend history with innovation.
The Cultural Canvas Art and Festival Exhibition 2025 has indeed painted a bright future — one where Nigerian creativity shines on the global stage, uniting communities and inspiring a renewed appreciation for the artistry and traditions that define this vibrant nation.
© [2025] [Emmanuel Solate]. All rights reserved. Unauthorised use or duplication without express written permission is prohibited.