Itan Ati Alo: Renowned storytellers, experts converge to revive Yoruba oral tradition, language

By Nehru Odeh

Renowned Yoruba storytellers and experts are set to converge on Lagos for the inaugural edition of ITAN ATi ALO: Tales by moonlight, in a bid to revive Yoruba language, culture and oral tradition.

Organised by Motherland Reality TV, in collaboration with the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, the event, themed “Yoruba Dun,” will take place on Sunday, December 28 at the Ariya Village, J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture & History, Onikan, Lagos.

A Yoruba folklore and cultural night, the event aims to bridge generational gap by reconnecting both young and old with their ancestral roots through storytelling, language, music and community engagement.

Organisers have designed the experience to transform the historic J. Randle Centre into a contemporary “grandparents’ courtyard,” complete with lantern lighting, traditional adire and aso-oke drapes, and the evocative aromas of incense and local delicacies.

The programme features an impressive line-up of renowned Yoruba griots and storytellers. Hosted by Agba Lumi, the night will include performances and tales from Tunde Kelani, Aremo Gemini, Bolanle Onistory, Masoyinbo, Olamilekan Waheed and Prolific Pen.

Beyond storytelling, the event will address serious cultural concerns. A keynote speech and panel discussion titled “Yoruba Speaking & Teaching in Our Schools” will tackle the decline of the language in educational systems and explore digital revival strategies.

“This is a safe cultural space where Yoruba people can feel seen, heard and reconnected,” says Adeola Adeniyi, Creative Director of Motherland Reality TV. “At a time when our language faces gradual erosion, ITAN ATI ALO calls us back to ourselves to remember, speak and preserve who we are”.

Red carpet reception starts at 4pm. But the programme begins at 5pm. Programme highlights include the following:

● Storytelling sessions with 5–10 renowned Yoruba griots
● Panel discussions on language decline in schools, digital revival, and cultural policy advocacy
● Call-and-response chants, and interactive games
● Red carpet arrivals, igbalode paparazzi, and post-event networking