Blvckish Fest 2022: Lagos hosts a thriving showcase of African urban culture

Oyebanji Akins

Blvckish Fest has become one of Africa’s major cultural showcases, and its third edition proved just that. The third edition of the festival was held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at The Stable, Surulere, Lagos. The festival ran from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. under the theme “Promoting African Urban Culture”.

Supported by partners including Los Hermanos, AfriCulture, The Gr8 Cranium, and more, the event brought together art, fashion, food, music, and dance in a celebration that highlighted Nigeria’s creative energy and Africa’s growing cultural influence on the world stage.

The day began with an African art exhibition, where striking works blended heritage with modern expression. For many, it was a reminder that African art is more than just tradition; it is also shaping conversations in the global creative industry.

Fashion played a key role in the program. The African urban fashion showcase invited attendees to dress to the theme, turning the festival grounds into a vibrant display of personal style. From Ankara streetwear to bold accessories and inventive fusions, the showcase demonstrated the richness of African self-expression. The highlight came when Olanrewaju Fadekemi was named the winner, impressing both the crowd with her Ankara-made streetwear ensemble that perfectly captured the essence of contemporary African fashion.

Beyond visuals, food and drink stalls offered local delicacies that gave guests a literal taste of culture. It was an exciting refreshment break and a part of the entire experience, reinforcing how cuisine is central to African identity and community.

As the sun began to set, the tempo shifted into full-on rhythm. The Afrobeats dance session brought the crowd to its feet, culminating in a spirited dance competition that had everyone cheering.

Adding to the international flavour, the DJ lineup featured DJ Enny from Nigeria, Banks the DJ from Ghana, and Little Dimple from South Africa, each delivering a unique set that turned the dance floor into a pan-African celebration of sound. At 7 p.m., the guest performing act “Progee” commanded the stage with an electrifying performance. His set was entertaining and energetic; it had the entire festival moving in sync. The music sessions sparked a feeling in the crowd like none other, showing the creativity and joy in African music.

The night closed with a music rave, where lights, sound, and raw energy blended into a grand finale. As the crowd dispersed, the air was thick with excitement, pride, and anticipation for what Blvckish Fest will deliver in the future.

It was more than just a one-day event. Blvckish Fest is growing into a continental cultural stage, a recurring platform where African creativity is showcased, celebrated, and projected onto the world. From Lagos to the wider globe, it is fast becoming a symbol of how Africa tells its story: bold, stylish, and unforgettable.