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By Rita Okoye
Global Cultural Festival 2022 brought the pulse of contemporary African culture to life on Sunday, April 17th, as music lovers, creatives, and cultural tastemakers gathered at Harbour Point in Lagos State, Nigeria, for a day-long celebration of sound, fashion, and artistic expression.
Since its inception in 2018, the Global Cultural Festival has become a leading platform for cultural exchange between Africa and the diaspora, and this year’s edition reaffirmed its reputation with a genre-spanning lineup and electric atmosphere.
A Star-Studded Lineup with a Youthful Edge
This year’s live stage was packed with some of the most exciting names shaping Africa’s musical future. Crowd favourites Ajebo Hustlers delivered an energetic set filled with socially charged lyrics and infectious melodies, performing hits like “Barawo,” “Symbiosis,” and more, while Ghanaian breakout star Shanta Walley charmed the audience with her soulful vocals and polished renditions of “Forever” and “Need Me.” King Promise, the Mavin star, opened his set with a sweet, romantic rendition of the Tiwa Savage-assisted “Loaded,” a performance that was warmly received, with Savage’s guest appearance drawing particular excitement from the crowd.
The two headliners, Rema and Central Cee, brought infectious energy to the stage as they delivered songs from their respective discographies.
It was a beautiful moment as Rema performed tracks like “Woman,” “Dumebi,” “Calm Down,” and more. For his part, United Kingdom rap heavyweight Central Cee had the audience captivated with a slick, high-energy performance of tunes like “Commitment Issues,” “Loading,” “Molly,” and others.
Zlatan brought his blend of Afrobeat contemporary pop to the stage with confidence, while LAX impressed with a smooth, dance-friendly set drawing heavily from his Afrobeats and dancehall repertoire.
King Lamisco performance injected even more energy into the evening, alongside Mullaray, who connected with the younger crowd through streetwise lyricism and upbeat rhythms.
Elsewhere, Liya and Miyagi gave standout performances with strong vocal delivery and engaging stage presence, with the former opening with her Simi-assisted single “Adua.” New World Ray and Simba showcased the genre-bending creativity and versatility that continue to define Nigeria’s fast-evolving soundscape.
DJ Kunnlexxy and Softmade kept the crowd moving with skilful transitions and high-tempo mixes that brought the dancefloor to life. DJ Bammixx, as an emerging artist, also delivered a standout performance drawing from his growing discography, showcasing versatility and a distinctive sound within the Afrobeats and Amapiano scenes.
Also on the bill were Trill Tega and other rising acts, whose inclusion underscored the festival’s ongoing commitment to platforming new voices across the creative spectrum.
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Spotlight on Female DJs and Afro-Electronic Acts
One of the evening’s most inspiring elements was the growing presence of female DJs and producers on the festival’s stage.
Ami & Ani, the dynamic Lagos-based DJ and producer, delivered a thrilling set that fused amapiano grooves with deep house textures and Afrobeats rhythms.
Her command of the decks and the crowd proved why she is fast becoming a staple of Nigeria’s club and festival scene.
Among the standout emerging acts was a Lagos-born DJ and producer whose set brought an immersive Afrohouse vibe to the event’s early evening segment.
Her performance, defined by tribal drums, atmospheric transitions, and deep melodic elements, offered a refreshing sonic experience that stood apart from the rest of the night’s programming.
With a growing footprint in the Afro-electronic space, Ami & Ani is carving her own path as a unique talent within the region’s evolving music culture.
More Than a Festival A Movement
Beyond the performances, the Global Cultural Festival once again lived up to its vision as a multidisciplinary hub for creativity and cultural expression.
From fashion pop-ups and artistic installations to celebrity appearances and community networking, the festival created an immersive environment where culture meets connection.
By the time the 2022 edition wrapped up, it was clear that the Global Cultural Festival had cemented its place as a key gathering point for Africa’s most talented creatives.
Between powerful performances, boundary-pushing sounds, and an increasing focus on inclusivity, this year’s edition raised the bar for what’s achievable on the continent’s cultural calendar.
