Culture Archives | Trendbrio.com

This Lagos Museum Is Challenging The Traditional ‘Eurocentric’ Model

Our Reporters3 days ago3 days ago02 mins

A new museum in Lagos is rewriting the rules of art curation by moving away from the traditional Eurocentric lens that has long dominated global museums. The recently opened John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, located in the heart of Lagos Island, is leading this shift by placing African stories, voices, and aesthetics at the center of its exhibitions. Unlike many Western institutions that often showcase African artifacts in isolation or as relics of a bygone era, the John Randle Centre presents Yoruba culture as a living, evolving force. From multimedia installations to immersive storytelling, the museum blends tradition with technology to tell the Yoruba people’s history from their own perspective — vibrant, dynamic, and unapologetically local. Curators at the museum have taken a bold approach, collaborating with historians, artists, and community members to build exhibits that reflect Yoruba identity beyond colonial narratives. Items on display are not only historical artifacts but also contemporary pieces that explore themes of heritage, spirituality, fashion, and resistance. By redefining how African culture is presented, the Lagos-based museum is not only preserving history but also reclaiming it. In doing so, it challenges the global art world to reconsider whose stories are told — and how they are told — within the walls of museums.

New Yam Festival: Honoring Tradition, Life, and Cultural Heritage

Our Reporters3 days ago3 days ago03 mins

The New Yam Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration observed by the Igbo people of Nigeria, one of the country’s largest ethnic groups. Celebrated at the end of the rainy season—typically in August or September—the festival marks the harvest of the new yam crop, a staple food in many Nigerian communities. The exact date is usually determined by community elders, and the event holds deep spiritual and cultural meaning. This week-long celebration begins with rituals to thank the gods for the successful harvest. The ceremonies are rich in traditional practices, including drumming, dancing, singing, and colorful displays of attire. Special dishes made from yam—such as yam porridge and yam soup—are prepared and shared among families and visitors. One key tradition is that the first yam harvested is offered to the elders, symbolizing respect and unity within the community. Beyond food and festivity, the festival serves as a powerful expression of Igbo identity and heritage. It brings people together to celebrate not just the harvest, but also their shared history and values. It’s a time of communal joy and reflection, where gratitude is offered for the blessings of the land, and prayers are made for continued prosperity in the coming year. Even if one cannot attend the festival in Nigeria, there are many ways to take part in the spirit of the celebration. Learning about Igbo culture, cooking traditional meals, or enjoying Igbo music and dance performances are meaningful ways to connect. At its heart, the New Yam Festival is about giving thanks, celebrating life, and honoring culture—values that resonate far beyond the fields of Nigeria.

The Return of the Alaafin: A Personal Reflection by Tunde Kilani

Our Reporters4 days ago4 days ago04 mins

Telling the story of The Return of the Alaafin, which reached its grand climax on Saturday, April 5, 2025, gave me the honour of witnessing and documenting one of the most important historical and cultural events of this decade. This moment is deeply personal. In 1971, I stood as a young trainee cameraman with Western Nigerian Television (WNTV/WNBS), recording the coronation of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. Over 50 years later, I returned to Oyo as a filmmaker—with my dear colleague, Rahman Oladigbolu—to chronicle the coronation of his successor, Ikú Baba Yeye, Ọba Hakeem Abimbola Owoade. Full credit must go to the Oyo State Government and the Local Organising Committee for achieving the almost impossible: receiving and entertaining over a thousand guests from across Nigeria and the world, with grace, cultural splendour, and precision. The magnitude and complexity of the coronation could only be fully appreciated as we captured it for our documentary, The Return of the Alaafin, currently in production. Across Oyo, receptions and after-parties sprung up like joyous fires to honour the new reign—but nothing compared to the unforgettable cultural showcase hosted by Nigerian Breweries for their flagship brand, GOLDBERG. Known for promoting Yoruba heritage under their iconic ỌMỌLÚWÀBÍ platform, Goldberg delivered an evening of pure magic. It was beautiful, relaxing, and deeply enjoyable—sitting under the soft glow of a Yoruba sunset that melted into a starry night, surrounded by vibrant lighting, clear sound, a charismatic MC, and a set design that rivalled any world-class stage. The musical lineup featured two titans of Yoruba music: Saheed Osupa (Fuji) and Musiliu Haruna Isola (Apala), who thrilled hundreds of spirited guests dancing into the new reign of Alaafin Ọba lHakeen Abimbola Owoade. It all came together for me when I heard that Òróró himself was in town! That wasn’t coincidence—it was divine alignment. As if that wasn’t enough, I was invited on stage to pick the winning raffle tickets—a moment that brought smiles and warm applause. I felt proud to be part of it all, and I now see the incredible potential of building this vibrant celebration into our documentary. Supported by Goldberg, this film can become more than a chronicle—it can be a timeless celebration of Yoruba resilience, royal heritage, and artistic excellence. Ire ni o.—TK

Steeze, Style as Egba Celebrates Heritage and Culture at the 2025 Lisabi Festival

Our Reporters5 days ago5 days ago03 mins

The 2025 Lisabi Festival has once again brought the rich heritage and culture of the Egba people to the forefront, showcasing a blend of tradition, style, and steeze. Held in the heart of Abeokuta, Ogun State, this year’s festival was an electrifying celebration of Egba identity, history, and pride. The festival, named after the legendary Lisabi, a revered warrior in Egba folklore, featured a series of cultural performances, traditional dances, music, and colorful exhibitions. Visitors were treated to an array of stunning displays, from the vibrant attires of attendees to the dynamic performances that spanned generations of Egba tradition. A key highlight of the festival was the fusion of modern fashion with traditional elements, as attendees embraced the essence of “steeze”—a term representing effortless style. Young and old alike showcased their creativity through their clothing choices, blending indigenous fabrics like aso-oke with contemporary cuts, reflecting both the pride in their heritage and the influence of global fashion trends. The event also served as a platform for cultural discussions, with leaders and dignitaries addressing the importance of preserving the Egba culture while embracing modernization. There were speeches from local cultural custodians and community leaders who stressed the significance of passing down traditions to younger generations and ensuring that the Egba heritage remains strong in a rapidly changing world. Cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond gathered to participate in this annual festival, which has now become a major event for celebrating the diverse cultures of the Yoruba people. The Lisabi Festival continues to be a vibrant testament to the strength, beauty, and resilience of the Egba people, who are proud of their past and optimistic about their future. As the 2025 Lisabi Festival wraps up, it’s clear that the Egba people continue to honor their roots with pride, style, and a keen sense of modern identity.