A Bridge Across Generations
Reconnect Festival brings artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, businesses, investors and cultural leaders together to explore collaboration, cultural exchange and investment across Nigeria and the African diaspora.
Event Overview
This festival page could not be found. Please return to the festival archive.
At a Glance
Dates
—
Location
—
MC
Presented by AWA & Reconnect Entertainment Island
Attendance
Nigeria + Global Diaspora
Highlights
- Live music, concerts & spoken word
- Art, craft & fashion exhibitions
- Culinary and heritage experiences
- Industry workshops & developing artist sessions
- Diaspora, investor & business networking
- Historic site visits and cultural exchange
The Reconnect Story
Culture Meets Commerce
Music, visual art, craft, fashion, food, workshops, panels and networking create a vibrant meeting point where local talent and diaspora communities can build lasting partnerships.
A Journey Home
The idea of Reconnect bridges the past, present and future of African identity—honouring migration, return, cultural memory and the enduring strength of shared heritage.
Impact Beyond the Stage
The platform expands visibility and market access for artists and entrepreneurs while supporting tourism, mentorship, community building and creative-industry development.
Festival Leadership
Sonia Aimy
Initiator, Executive Producer & Artistic DirectorNigerian-born international singer, songwriter, cultural advocate and founder of African Women Acting.
Samuel Osaze
Co-Initiator & Co-ProducerCultural producer, filmmaker and poet documenting Nigerian heritage and contemporary social themes.
Theo Lawson
Co-Initiator & Co-Artistic DirectorVisionary designer behind Freedom Park, Lagos, blending preservation, innovation and public culture.
Jahman Anikulapo
Associate ProducerRespected cultural journalist, storyteller and arts administrator advancing African creative expression.
Alex Boicel
Co-Initiator, Artist Programmer & Co-Artistic DirectorInternational artist manager and cultural promoter; co-founder of Montreal’s Festival Nuits d’Afrique.
Ehis Ero
Marketing Strategist & Heritage Programme LiaisonExperiential marketing consultant connecting strategy, culture, enterprise and global partnerships.
Chriss Rimpel
Diaspora Artists & Logistics LiaisonHaitian-born curator and founder of RAD MuziK, representing artists across cultures and continents.
Sandra Bell
Festival & Artistic ConsultantWorld-music and performance-art specialist, Carnival costume designer and NYFA Fellow.
Tunde Dawodu
Assistant Artistic ConsultantFounder of Afrikadey! Arts & Culture and the Pan African Music Society Nigeria.
Performance Schedule
Wednesday, December 16 — Lagos
ProgramDaytime
Reconnect to Culture and Identity Summit — Day 1
Daytime
Panels, workshops, developing artist sessions and spotlight showcases
Evening
Opening reception, red carpet and official spotlight showcases
Thursday, December 17 — Experience Canadian Arts
ProgramDaytime
Meet and greet with institutions; Culture in Diaspora Summit — Day 2
Daytime
Collaboration workshops for local and diaspora artists; craft exhibition
Evening
Official showcases and cultural exchange performances
Friday, December 18 — Badagry Heritage Journey
ProgramDaytime
Visit to the Point of No Return and other significant heritage sites
Saturday, December 19 — Oyo State
ProgramDaytime
Experience Canadian Arts at the Oyo Palace
Daytime
Creative industry, local business and corporate networking
Evening
Artisan exhibitions, concerts and spoken-word performances
Sunday, December 20 — Reunion & Renewal
ProgramAll day
Community reconnection, cultural celebration and festival closing experiences
Partners & Cultural Allies
African Women Acting (Canada)Freedom ParkCulture Advocates CaucusLagos State UniversityAfromondo (USA)JouvayFest (USA)Pan African Music Society NigeriaO2 Highlander Resort, BadagryAfrikadey! CalgaryEdo State Department of Tourism, Arts & Creative Economy
Under the patronage of the Alaafin of Oyo