The heartbeat of Lagos Island quickened on Sunday as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, led a colourful celebration marking the much-anticipated return of the Lagos Fanti Carnival, a vibrant tribute to the city’s Afro-Brazilian heritage.
Rooted in the 19th-century history of Afro-Brazilian returnees, the Fanti Carnival made a bold comeback, offering a powerful display of Lagos’ multicultural spirit. Streets burst into a riot of colours as traditional music, elaborate costumes, and spirited performances took centre stage, reaffirming the carnival’s place as one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural festivals.
Desmond Elliot at the Fanti Carnival
This year’s edition, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in partnership with the Brazilian Descendants Association, drew dozens of community groups. Each showcased unique dances, languages, costumes, and stories, turning Lagos Island into a living museum of culture and history.
Thousands lined the streets, waving and cheering as dancers, drummers, masquerades, and vibrant floats turned the historic Tafawa Balewa Square and its surroundings into a lively cultural parade. Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi Hamzat, joined the celebration, along with dignitaries, cultural leaders, and public officials at the Remembrance Arcade, which served as the starting point for the parade.
The day was also electrified by a surprise performance from Afrobeats star Adekunle Gold, while DJ Spinall kept the energy high with an infectious live set.
But beyond the festivities, the return of the Fanti Carnival carries a deeper meaning. It is a reclaiming of history, shining a light on the enduring contributions of Afro-Brazilian communities to Lagos’ growth and identity. The Lagos State Government emphasised that the carnival is not just about entertainment—it is part of a broader effort to inspire young people, strengthen cultural pride, and drive tourism and the creative economy.
