As Lagos Island prepares to host one of the most vibrant cultural events in the Yoruba calendar, the Orí Shà Dá Egungun Festival returns in grand style on the 27th and 28th of September 2024, taking place at Foresythe Street, Lagos Island. This year’s edition is poised to be an unforgettable celebration of ancestral veneration, Yoruba heritage, and communal spirit, organized and packaged by renowned Nigerian musician, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador Olanrewaju Ojutiku, popularly known as Kash-11.
The Orí Shà Dá Festival, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Yoruba people, is a revered annual event that honors the Egungun, the ancestral spirits who serve as intermediaries between the living and the dead. The festival brings to life a vibrant display of masks, music, dance, and rituals that connect the past with the present, fostering unity, identity, and cultural continuity.
This year’s celebration, hosted by ỌLA – ILU of AGBỌMỌLA ONIKOYI OJE OF LAGOS, promises to be a spectacular cultural showcase, highlighting the values of respect for elders, the veneration of ancestors, and the promotion of Yoruba history. Kash-11, known for his contributions to Afrobeat music and cultural preservation, has taken the mantle of bringing this age-old tradition into the contemporary spotlight, using his platform to amplify the significance of the Egungun festival and its role in modern-day society.
Attendees can expect two days of cultural immersion, featuring traditional performances, Egungun masquerades, and ceremonial rituals that celebrate Yoruba cosmology and spirituality. The festival will also draw attention to the importance of preserving cultural traditions in the face of modernization.
Speaking ahead of the event, Kash-11 said, “The Orí Shà Dá Festival is not just a cultural event, it is a spiritual connection to our ancestors and a reaffirmation of our identity as Yoruba people. We want to remind the younger generation of the beauty of our heritage, and this festival serves as a bridge between the past and the future.”
The Orí Shà Dá Egungun Festival is expected to attract tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and Yoruba communities from across Nigeria and beyond. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of Yoruba culture while promoting cultural tourism in Lagos.
