The eighth edition of Danse Afrikana, the Lagos Festival of African Dances, is set to take centre stage later this month. This prominent cultural event, celebrating Africa’s rich dance heritage and fostering vital industry dialogue, will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in Lagos.
Organised by Different Aesthetics Arts & Culture Management Group, the festival enjoys collaboration with major bodies, including the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture. The event is scheduled at the NCAC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate, located within the National Theatre precinct in Iganmu, starting at 10am.
Now a leading Nigerian cultural showcase, Danse Afrikana unites performers, choreographers, scholars and policymakers. This year’s programme promises a dynamic mix of performances and policy conversations aimed at advancing the management and sustainability of the creative sector.
Tope Babayemi of Different Aesthetics stated the festival “continues to serve as a meeting point for culture bearers, innovators and policymakers,” highlighting its role in bridging performance with practical policy.
Chief Obi Asika, Director General of the NCAC, praised the initiative: “Danse Afrikana represents the kind of cultural synergy and partnership that drives the creative sector forward. We are pleased to support a festival that fosters conversations on cultural management.”
Echoing this support, a representative from the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture described the festival as “a laudable platform” that aligns with the state’s goals of using culture to drive tourism, youth engagement, and economic empowerment.
The festival underscores the arts as a tool for cultural diplomacy, economic development and social cohesion.
Members of the general public are invited to attend the celebration, which takes place at Lagos Zonal Directorate, NCAC, National Theatre Precinct, Iganmu, Lagos.
