No fewer than 25 cultural troupes thrilled revellers in electrifying cultural performances on Sunday as Goge Africa marked its 25th anniversary in promoting African culture.
The celebration, tagged Goge Africa Festival, was held at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, with the theme ‘Symphony of Culture’, amidst pomp and pageantry.
The National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) took the revellers on a heightened form of entertainment as they presented dance performances cutting across some ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The iconic igunnuko, Owoshoki and Ikosi masqueraders, in their intimidating figures, also took the tourists on a different level of excitement at the two-day festival.
The masqueraders’ performance was a mesmerising spectacle, blending vibrant colours, rhythmic movements, and infectious energy.
Adorned in intricately designed costumes and masks, the talented artists brought the rich cultural heritage of Yoruba tradition to life.
The celebration also witnessed over 50 exhibition pavilions, displaying natural local herbs, arts, crafts and other cultural materials.
Mr Isaac Moses, Chief Executive Officer of Goge Africa, said that 25 years of pushing the brand had, however, not been easy.
Moses noted that he had always taken solace in the fact that he enjoyed promoting African culture.
“I feel happy. I feel good that we have finally attained that milestone of 25 years. It’s not an easy one. And we are also happy that we are healthy, strong, and still excited about doing what we do.
“We are happy to invite people from different parts of the world with different cultures, to celebrate their heritage on one stage. So, it is a delightful day for me and my team.
“The journey has not been easy, just that I enjoy what I do, even with the challenges that we encounter in the course of doing the production.
“Goge Africa is 25, and still counting. We’re going to keep doing what we do and we pray that God gives us the divine inspiration to do it better and be able to reach out to more people,” he said.
Moses noted that, in the course of the celebration of the 25-year milestone, culture enthusiasts from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Morocco and Ivory Coast would be celebrating the festival further in their various countries.
He noted that even after the celebration, Goge Africa would continue promoting African culture.
“Culture is a tourism product and if we harness it and throw the spotlight on it, people are going to come to experience it, immerse themselves in it and this is what brings in the wealth.
“Exploring our cultural endowments has made me realise that there are certain foods to eat to become pregnant and another local herb that can be used to absorb diseases at home.
“Much more are available, only if we explore more,” he said.
Veteran Nollywood Actress, Lilian Amah, commended Goge Africa’s achievements in recent years, having touched on many lives.
Amah applauded the brand’s consistency and doggedness as she advised the Nigerian youth to emulate such virtues to achieve success.
“For the past 25 years, they’ve been hoisting the flag of African culture globally. This is huge for us in Nigeria. There is a lot to learn from Goge Africa, including consistency, and doggedness.
“The road they’ve travelled has been tough, but they’re very determined, they’re very consistent. They strived for excellence.
“My advice to the Nigerian youth is to emulate Goge Africa. Be consistent, be persistent, and fly your cultural flag.
“Every time you see Mr and Mrs Isaac Moses, they represent African culture. Their brand is very strong and authentic and I think everybody should emulate that,” she said.
Going forward, Amah advised: “25 years after, it’s getting tougher. They’ve come a JN long way. All I can say to Goge Africa is do not relent, keep pushing.
“There is still a lot you can do to promote Africa. You should keep on pushing, you can only get better.”
Some exhibitors on the ground included SFG Fashion House, Grand Luxuries, Larocky Creations, AOAFRIQ and Afrivuva Fashion Empire.