Lagos Fanti Carnival Rekindles Afro-Brazilian Legacy
The return of Lagos Fanti Carnival in grand style brought out crowds to the heart of Lagos Island in a colourful celebration, preserving the community’s enduring Afro-Brazilian legacy.
In collaboration with the Brazilian Consulate and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the 2025 carnival was revived, marking a symbolic homecoming. It honours the return of formerly enslaved Africans from Brazil and the heritage they built in communities including Isale-Eko, Brazilian Campos, and Lafiaji.
Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, who spoke at a news conference ahead of the event, said the carnival was more than just a spectacle of colour and sound.
Describing the carnival as a living expression of history that linked generations through music, dance, costume and collective memory Awoyinka said, “It is being revived, not as reenactment of the past, but as a reimagined relevant celebration of our shared heritage.”
Mr Oluremi Da-Costa, General Secretary of the Brazilian Descendants Association, noted that while the Fanti Carnival remained a cultural practice in Brazil, its return to Lagos represents a deeper reconnection with ancestral identity.
Also present was the Consul General of Brazil in Lagos, Mr Manuel Lacerda Santos, who highlighted the historic ties between both countries and said the ties were rooted in centuries of cultural and human exchange forged during the transatlantic slave trade between the 16th and 19th centuries.
“Today, Brazil is home to the largest population of people of African descent outside Africa.
“Much of its Afro-Brazilian culture finds its roots in Nigeria’s heritage, from Yoruba religion and music, dance and cuisine,” he said.
The procession, which began at King’s College into the Remembrance Arcade for the parade featured communities including Isale-Eko Woro, Olowogbowo, Brazilian Campos, Epetedo, Lafiaji, Okoo-Faji and Okepopo.
In a vibrant display of inclusivity, children and persons with disabilities (PWDs) from the Brazilian Campos group and also people from different walks of life and age range received a standing ovation as they wheeled, danced and marched in colourful costumes.
Noteworthy is the support from Surulere Fiesta 2025, who joined the Olowogbowo Fanti Carnival Association, to make their parade more colourful.
Some of the local dishes included fried crabs and fish, tapioca, eba, apon soup (African bush mango), snacks such as coconut candies, baked coconut balls, Sisi Pelebe, guguru and epa (popcorn and groundnut), and ChinChin flakes.
Mrs Omobolanle Amosu, a Lagos Island native who attended with her children, described the experience as a homecoming.
According to Amosu, the event reawakened memories of the 1980s and 1990s.
“It’s been years since we last saw the carnival like this.
“I am so happy to share this with my children,” she said.
Urging the organisers to make participation less restrictive, Amosu said it is important so spectators can have a better experience.
The event also featured a thought-provoking exhibition on the personal stories of returnees from Brazil, curated by Kelechi Anabaraonye.
The exhibition explored themes of forced migration, resistance and adaptation, and cultural memory through archival materials and immersive media.
Anabaraonye said, “This is an exhibition about migration, but it is equally an exhibition about homecoming.
“It is about how cultures remember, reshape and reimagine themselves across oceans and generations.”
Government agencies, including the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Lagos State Safety Commission, were on the ground to ensure the event’s smooth operation.
Governor of the state, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other top government officials, diplomats, and traditional rulers were also in attendance.
NAN
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