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By Rita Okoye
Notable names in Nigeria’s creatives community, thousands of food lovers, music enthusiasts and culture advocates gathered at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos, for the Lagos edition of Knorr Jollof Fest 2026, a vibrant celebration of Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage and cultural identity.
The festival, with the theme, “For The Culture,” attracted celebrities, influencers and entertainment personalities.
The headline performer was Adekunle Gold, while Tobi Bakre and Kaylah Oniwo hosted the event. Knorr brand ambassadors, Nancy Umeh and Simi Drey, also joined guests for a day of food, music, art, and interactive experiences.
One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of Knorr Smokey Party Jollof Seasoning, a new product designed to help Nigerians recreate the distinctive taste of party jollof rice at home.
According to Knorr, the seasoning was inspired by insights from experienced Nigerian party caterers and chefs and is designed to replicate the rich, smoky flavour commonly associated with jollof rice served at weddings, birthdays and other social gatherings.
Made with sundried tomatoes, thyme, bay leaves and a carefully curated blend of ingredients, the seasoning aims to deliver the authentic taste that has made party jollof a staple at celebrations across the country.
Speaking during the launch, Dexter Adeola, Foods Marketing Innovation and East & West Africa Strategy Lead at Unilever, described party jollof as an enduring symbol of Nigerian celebrations.
“Party jollof holds a special place in Nigerian culture. It is the flavour people remember from weddings, celebrations and family gatherings. With Knorr Smokey Party Jollof Seasoning, we are helping consumers bring that iconic party jollof experience into their homes more easily than ever before,” he said.
The festival featured live cooking demonstrations, food tastings, cultural showcases and immersive brand experiences. Guests also explored attractions such as the Knorr Herbs and Spice Garden, Vendor Village, Jollof Sampling Station, Fuji Dome, VIP Lounge and the Gist and Jollof Podcast Studio hosted by Taymesan.
Music star Adekunle Gold headlined the entertainment segment, delivering performances that kept festival-goers engaged throughout the event.
Damilola Dania, Foods Demand Creation Lead at Unilever Nigeria Plc, said the festival was created to celebrate the unifying power of food in Nigerian society.
“Knorr Jollof Fest is our way of celebrating what truly unites Nigerians — a shared love for good food. This year, we wanted to create an experience where food, music, art and culture come together in an authentic and uniquely Nigerian way,” she said.
Also speaking, Tobi Adeniyi, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc, said the new seasoning reflects the company’s commitment to innovation driven by consumer preferences.
“Knorr Smokey Party Jollof Seasoning was born from a deep understanding of Nigerians’ love for party jollof and their desire to recreate those memorable flavours at home,” he said.
Bolanle Kehinde-Lawal, East and West Africa Head of Demand Creation, Foods, Unilever Nigeria Plc, noted that food remains one of Africa’s strongest expressions of culture and community, adding that initiatives such as Knorr Jollof Fest and the new seasoning help preserve culinary traditions while making beloved food experiences more accessible.
Following its Lagos outing, Knorr Jollof Fest 2026 will move to Abuja on July 12 and Port Harcourt on July 19 as the celebration continues across the country.
