Major cultural exchange between UK & Nigeria

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March 30, 2018 1:36 PM

The project is led by British born Nigerian, Grace Ladoja, who recently was awarded an MBE for her services to music.

Skepta, J Hus and Not3s will join home-grown stars including Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage during the ‘Homecoming’ show taking place on 2nd April at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace.

The show will be the focal point of a major cultural exchange between the UK and Nigeria which will also feature a range of activations from fashion pop-ups to talks and workshops and a celebration of football. This will be the first of its kind in Nigeria as local brands such as Orange Culture, Kenneth Ize, WafflesnCream will showcase limited edition pieces next to international brands such as MAINS, OFF-WHITE and Patta.

The heartbeat of the Homecoming is to connect contemporary African music with global music icons to create an on-going meaningful legacy in Nigeria which champions music and culture.

The sense of community, vibrancy and talent of Nigerian culture has had a massive influence on the world at large and as such provides the perfect opportunity to further tell the Greatness Only story through the African lens to the world. The characters, the sounds, the culture of the country will come through with the Homecoming platform to disrupt outdated structures and allow up and coming artists to create their own independent frameworks through their youthful exuberance, pride and a fresh perspective on patriotism.

The project is led by British born Nigerian, Grace Ladoja, who recently was awarded an MBE for her services to music. In her capacity as manager and cultural advisor to Skepta, Ladoja has helped shape the trajectory of one of the UK’s leading independent artists, with the latter also playing an integral role in the formation of the Homecoming concept.

The live show in association with BBK Africa which started as a hashtag created by Declan Echeazu when Boy Better Know visited Nigeria in 2011 and since become a movement for like minded artists in Africa.

Ladoja says: “When I first went to Lagos in 2013, I truly connected with my identity, my roots and family, but most significantly I felt genuinely connected to Nigeria, independently of my parents. I was struck by the fact that many immigrant parents - including mine - relocate in the hope that their children will one day move back to Nigeria to contribute to the future of their home cities”.

The Homecoming is not just aimed at musicians. The project serves as a way of showcasing and empowering the full spectrum of Nigeria’s creative talent.

She adds: “This is just the beginning. The Homecoming is a lifetime mission. We want to work with young and upcoming businesses in every aspect of this project to help them grow their businesses. From the tech company designing our app, the chauffeur company looking after the artists, to the hotelier that will host our party – this is for all Nigerians”.

Plans are also currently underway for a UK leg of the exchange, which is expected to see a number of home-grown Nigerian artists travel to the UK for a special show later this year.

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