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By Vivian Onyebukwa
Preparations are in top gear for the Artistic Pulse Festival holding from December 3-7 at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.
With the theme: ‘Footprints of Interconnectivity, Growth and Expansion: Creativity, Culture, Commerce and Innovation’, the convener, Dr Ngozi Omambala, Founder/CEO of NMO Management Limited, said the festival is a dynamic meeting point for artists, entrepreneurs, innovators and cultural enthusiasts, who believe in the power of creativity to drive sustainable development.
“This is Africa’s first sustainable recycling festival. The Artistic Pulse Festival is not merely an event; it’s a cultural awakening. It is about celebrating Africa’s creative energy, while shaping a sustainable future. We are merging fashion, film, music, technology, and innovation within a waste-free ecosystem that shows what a conscious Africa can look like,” she noted.
Omambala stated further that over its five-day duration, APF will showcase a rich medley of music performances, fashion exhibitions, Nollywood film screenings, and art installations, all woven together under a sustainability-driven framework.
According to her, the festival’s creative heartbeat is expected to attract visitors, influencers and stakeholders from across the continent. Also, a vibrant Children’s Corner and Art Play Zone will be part of the programme, providing young minds with opportunities to express creativity through painting, crafts and interactive workshops. “The goal is to inspire a generation of eco-conscious creators who see art as a tool for transformation,” she stressed.
Omambala added that beyond entertainment, the festival would host symposiums, debates, and creative industry workshops. These sessions, she said, will feature thought leaders from across Africa discussing the intersections of culture, commerce and sustainability.
At the heart of the festival’s programme lies the Pan African 11th Annual Music Fashion Runway (MFR). “The Music Fashion Runway is our flagship, a global showcase of African excellence. It’s a fusion of style, sound and identity. Each year, it brings together international models, innovative designers and performers who celebrate our shared heritage and modern creativity. The MFR is a staple on the continent’s fashion calendar, renowned for blending haute couture with the rhythms of African music,” Omambala declared.
Complementing the creative showcases is the APF Trade Fair, a vibrant hub designed to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Backed by the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI), the fair will spotlight businesses in the fashion, food and technology sectors, helping them connect with investors and export markets. “Creativity should not only entertain but also empower. Through the trade fair, we’re giving SMEs visibility and a platform to scale their dreams into global ventures,” the convener said.
While highlighting the event’s role in bridging Nigeria’s creative ecosystem with global markets, Omambala, who is the Vice Chairman, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Creative Economy Trade Group Nigeria, and Immediate Past Chairperson of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Creative and Entertainment Group, noted, “We need festivals like this to be put on the map so that we can create tourism, jobs, and drive the community with trade fairs where everybody contributes positively to the economy.”
Borne out of the need to integrate and streamline Nigeria’s creative sectors, ranging from art to fashion, music to film into a coherent, growth-driven industry, Omambala emphasised that with Artistic Pulse Festival, Nigeria can unlock $3.9b to boost non-oil exports. “Our creative sectors are on the global map. We’re generating tourism, jobs. With a population of 230 million and 60 to 70 percent under 30, we have a huge human capital resource. It’s about belief, collaboration, partnerships and creativity, being at one with everybody,” she observed.
One of the festival’s defining moments is inviting international superstar and American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks as the headline act. Her performance is anticipated to ignite the Lagos stage, drawing a diverse audience eager to witness the blend of global artistry and African spirit.
“Having Jordin Sparks perform live in Lagos is monumental. It sends a message that Africa’s creative pulse is being felt worldwide, and that global collaboration can foster positive cultural and environmental change,” Omambala enthused.
Chairman of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Gabriel Idahosa highlighted the sole importance of promoting the Nigerian culture using homemade products as the country gears towards a sustainable economy.
“Promoting Nigerian culture and embracing locally made products is not just an act of patriotism, it is a strategic investment in our nation’s economic future. Every time we choose Nigerian goods, we create jobs, empower entrepreneurs, and strengthen the value of our heritage. Our culture and creativity are among our greatest assets, and showcasing them to the world is key to building a more inclusive and sustainable economy,” he stated.
Ms. Shade Bembatoum-Young, Honorary Life Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), emphasized the festival’s significance in promoting Nigerian-made products and preserving cultural identity.
On her part, Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Co-Founder of Lagos Island Connect and long-time advocate for local development, described the festival as an expose of the soul of a city.
