UPDATED: SANWO-OLU, HAMZAT, OTHERS JOIN FESTIVITIES AT LAGOS FANTI CARNIVAL 2025 (PHOTOS)
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By: Ajape Sefiu A.
Lagos Island was set aglow with color, rhythm, and rich cultural heritage on Sunday, April 20, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, were joined by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, along with a host of other distinguished dignitaries, as they all gathered at the historic Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, to commemorate and celebrate the revived Lagos Fanti Carnival 2025 in grand style.
The Lagos Fanti Carnival—an iconic celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture—returned in full swing this year, lighting up the streets of Lagos Island with dazzling costumes, electrifying music, and vibrant performances that paid homage to the city’s unique cultural roots.
Rooted in the 19th-century history of Afro-Brazilian returnees, the Fanti Carnival has grown into one of Lagos’ most colorful and culturally significant festivals.
Supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, and the Brazilian Descendants Association, the 2025 edition featured a blend of traditional heritage and contemporary flair.
Taking center stage at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu, delivered a brief address that underscored the vital importance of preserving Lagos’ rich cultural heritage, while also extending heartfelt Easter greetings to Lagosians and guests, reflecting on the themes of renewal, unity, and celebration.
In a moment that instantly became a highlight of the day, Governor Sanwo-Olu shocked and thrilled the crowd by stepping behind the DJ booth, and spinning a set of popular Afrobeat tracks. The atmosphere shifted into overdrive as he dropped hits from Lagos legends, blending tradition with trend in a way that left the audience in awe.
Cheers erupted, phones flew into the air to capture the scene, and social media lit up with excitement. The crowd danced, laughed, and celebrated under the Lagos sky, as “DJ Sanwo-Olu” turned up the energy and officially set the tone for what would become an unforgettable day of cultural pride and joyous festivity.
Taking to his official instagram handle @jidesanwoolu, after the event, the governor wrote: “Today, we were part of something truly special, the return of the Lagos Fanti Carnival. It wasn’t just a celebration; it was a powerful reconnection to our roots, a revival of a cultural legacy that has shaped who we are.
“Today, the streets of Lagos Island transformed into a vibrant tapestry of colour, rhythm, and expressions of community.
“The Fanti Carnival, with roots dating back to the 1800s, was enriched by Afro-Brazilian returnees who brought not only samba beats and intricate costumes but also architectural artistry.
“Today, we experienced the return of this historic event and the unique cultural identity of Lagos Island.
“This year’s carnival was exceptional, featuring three main attractions, an Afro-Brazilian Food Showcase, a Heritage Art Exhibition, and the grand parade. We enjoyed performances by local musicians and dancers, as well as cultural groups showcasing traditional masquerades and samba-inspired drum ensembles.
“It was an absolute pleasure to see so many people come together to embrace the spirit of unity, resilience, and joy that the Fanti Carnival embodies.
Highlights of the day included the Afro-Brazilian Food Showcase, a Heritage Art Exhibition, and the iconic street parade featuring choreographed dances, masquerades, and floats inspired by Brazilian, Yoruba, and Caribbean motifs.
The event brought together an array of diverse community groups, each proudly showcasing their distinct histories, vibrant colors, traditional attire, music, and cultural expressions.
The ceremonial procession of the event began at the iconic Remembrance Arcade, setting the stage for a vibrant and well-orchestrated parade. From there, the colorful convoy advanced through Old Defence Road, making its way past the TBS Auditorium before turning onto JK Randle Road, where cheering spectators lined the route.
The procession continued its lively journey to Onikan Roundabout, then veered left onto King George V Road, bringing even more excitement to the bustling city center. Taking another left turn, it entered Military Street, where the rhythm of drums and dance echoed through the air, drawing in even more onlookers.
From Military Street, the parade flowed seamlessly onto Macarthy Street, before arriving at Moloney Roundabout, where traditional performances briefly captivated the crowd. The final stretch saw the procession exit left onto Catholic Mission Street, eventually looping back to its starting point—completing a dynamic circuit that showcased both the cultural spirit and iconic landscape of Lagos Island.
Attendees include tourists, residents, and cultural enthusiasts, all soaking in the festive mood. Security personnel and traffic management officials are also on ground to ensure order throughout the event.
With over 10,000 attendees and more than 50,000 livestream viewers, the 2025 Fanti Carnival was a stunning fusion of culture, color, and community. The event also attracted international tourists and influencers, further cementing Lagos’ reputation as a rising global cultural hub.
Other notable attendees at the event included representatives of the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu, who conveyed the monarch’s goodwill and support for the cultural celebration.
Also present was the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who praised the event’s impact on community engagement and cultural preservation.
The carnival attracted stars from the entertainment scene, including popular Afrobeats artist Adekunle Gold, who made a special appearance, and celebrated disk jockey DJ Spinall, whose energetic performance added to the festive atmosphere.
A host of other dignitaries, cultural leaders, and government officials also graced the occasion, underscoring the significance of the Fanti Carnival as a unifying and prestigious cultural event in Lagos State.
See more photos from the event below;
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