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Tag: heritage

  • Pitcher Awards Announces 2026 Winners, Marking a Landmark Year for Pan‑African Creativity

    Pitcher Awards Announces 2026 Winners, Marking a Landmark Year for Pan‑African Creativity

    …Mozambique Makes a Big Debut with 1 Grand Prix and 4 Gold Wins

    The Pitcher Awards, the pan‑African benchmark for creative excellence, has announced the winners of its 2026 edition, celebrating groundbreaking work from across the continent and beyond. This year marks a historic milestone as the festival welcomed entries from Mozambique and the United States of America for the very first time, underscoring its expanding global reach and commitment to celebrating creativity without borders.

    Reflecting on this year’s achievements, Dr. Nnamdi Ndu, Chairman of the Pitcher Festival, said, “The 2026 Pitcher Awards showcase the extraordinary evolution of African creativity. This year’s winners demonstrate a boldness, cultural depth, and technical mastery that continue to elevate our region on the global stage. Welcoming new countries into the competition—and seeing them excel—reinforces our belief that creativity truly has no borders. We celebrate every winner and look forward to an unforgettable 10th edition in 2027.”

    Gold and Grand Prix winners were unveiled during the official streaming premiere, while all Shortlist, Bronze, and Silver recognitions are available on the festival website.

    2026 Grand Prix & Gold Winners

    Grand Prix

    • Culture – Corporate Image & Reputation Management — NoVita by The Bar Africa for NuVita Biscuits, Kenya
    • Heritage – Outdoor Ambient & Installations — MozaMbique Has 2M by Create Mozambique for 2M Beer, Mozambique

    Gold

    • Care – Public Health & Safety — La caravane d’excision – The FGM Caravan by L’Agence X for Mouvement femmes et paroles, Côte d’Ivoire
    • Channel – Use of Media — MozaMbique Has 2M by Create Mozambique for 2M Beer, Mozambique
    • Culture – Corporate Image & Reputation Management — Portrait of a Nation by Create Mozambique for Millennium Bim, Mozambique
    • Culture – Use of Cultural Insights — Maggi Tales of Ramadan by All Seasons Zenith for Maggi, Nestlé Nigeria
    • Culture – Use of Cultural Insights — NoVita by The Bar Africa for NuVita Biscuits, Kenya
    • Culture – Use of Cultural Insights — MozaMbique Has 2M by Create Mozambique for 2M Beer, Mozambique
    • Entertainment – Entertainment Film — First Beach by Dentsu Creative for Corona Africa, South Africa
    • Effectiveness – Business Impact — 2M SAMMA FRESH by Create Mozambique for 2M Beer, Mozambique
    • Heritage – Film — The Origin of Wonder by Dentsu Creative Kenya for Magical Kenya, Kenya Tourism Board
    • Heritage – Outdoor Activations — BUSiness UNUSUAL by The Quollective for Kiira Motors Corporation, Uganda
    • Heritage – Outdoor Ambient & Installations — Martell on the Move by PHD Nigeria for Pernod Ricard, Nigeria
    • Heritage – Print — The Sun‑Powered Print Ad by Dentsu Creative South Africa for Corona Africa

    Special Awards — 2026

    • Digital Agency of the Year: digitXplus, Nigeria
    • Media Agency of the Year: PHD Nigeria
    • Advertising Agency of the Year: Create Mozambique
    • Media Network of the Year: OMD
    • Advertising Agency Network of the Year: Dentsu Africa
    • Independent Network of the Year: The Quollective Africa
    • Regional Holding Company of the Year: Omnicom Media Group
    • Brand of the Year (National): 2M Beer Mozambique
    • Brand of the Year (Multinational): Martell
    • Marketing Company of the Year (National): Kiira Motors Corporation, Uganda
    • Marketing Company of the Year (Multinational): AB InBev

    Appreciation for the International Jury

    The Pitcher Festival extends its deep appreciation to the international jury, composed of industry leaders from across Africa and beyond, who meticulously judged, curated, and benchmarked the 2026 entries. Their expertise and dedication ensured that this year’s awards upheld the highest standards of creative excellence.

    The category juries were led by the following Jury Presidents:

    • Care — Kerstin Trikalitis, CEO & Co‑Founder, Out There Media
    • Channel — Dozie Okafor, MD/CEO, PHD Nigeria & President, MIPAN
    • Craft — Yash Deb, Co‑Founder & Creative Partner, The Bar Africa, Kenya
    • Culture — Anand Badami, SVP & Growth Lead, Emerging Markets & Innovation, Publicis West Africa
    • Digital — Karim Yermeche, CEO, Lotus Conseil, Algeria
    • Good & Effectiveness — Dawn Rowlands, CEO, Dentsu Africa
    • Entertainment — Steve Babaeko, CEO/CCO, X3M Ideas & Vice President, Area Director for Africa, IAA
    • Heritage — Maxwell Ngari, Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Creative East Africa

    A Celebration of African Creativity

    The 2026 edition once again highlighted the imagination, discipline, and creative excellence shaping the future of African storytelling. Winning entries will be featured globally as part of the Pitcher Showcase, the festival’s traveling pop‑up exhibition.

    As the Pitcher Awards prepares to celebrate its 10th edition in 2027, the festival looks ahead to an even grander celebration of a decade of creative excellence.

    Explore all winners and recognized work at www.PitcherFestival.com or continue with more festival updates.

  • Shyllon Museum Joins TheMuseumsLab Network, Set to Host its first-ever International Residency for Cultural Professionals in 2026

    Shyllon Museum Joins TheMuseumsLab Network, Set to Host its first-ever International Residency for Cultural Professionals in 2026

    The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) is proud to announce its inclusion as a partner residency institution in the 2026 cohort of TheMuseumsLab, a leading initiative fostering collaboration, exchange, and professional development among museums across Africa and Europe. Themed “Building Futures from Memory: Museums and Memorial Sites as Agents”, TheMuseumsLab 2026 will focus on transforming museums into spaces of dialogue and social change by fostering community engagement, justice, and reconciliation. The programme is jointly organized by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, with funding from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) and the Foreign Office of Germany.

    Selected as one of 66 partner museums for this year’s edition, YSMA’s entry into this distinguished network marks a significant milestone—not only for the institution but also for Nigeria’s museum landscape. Notably, YSMA becomes the first Nigerian university art museum to join this influential Afro-European platform. 

    As part of this partnership, YSMA will host its first-ever international residency programme in September 2026, welcoming two museum professionals, from Uganda and the UK. The residency will serve as a dynamic space for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and cross-cultural dialogue, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to education, public engagement, and the advancement of museum practice.

    This development aligns closely with YSMA’s mission as an educational museum at the forefront of fostering critical inquiry, creative exploration, and inclusive access to art and culture. By joining TheMuseumsLab network, the museum expands its role as a hub for intellectual exchange and professional training, while strengthening its position within the global museum ecosystem.

    Speaking on the significance of this achievement, Jess Castellote, the Museum Director of YSMA stated:

    “Joining TheMuseumsLab network is a great moment for us. It affirms our commitment to positioning YSMA not just as a repository of art, but as a living institution dedicated to learning, dialogue, and exchange. Hosting a residency of this nature allows us to contribute meaningfully to the development of museum professionals across continents, while also bringing global perspectives into our local context. It is an opportunity to deepen our impact as an educational museum and to amplify African voices within international museum conversations.”

    Also commenting on the partnership, Solveig Rietschel, Head of TheMuseumsLab YSMA into the network:

    “We are delighted to welcome YSMA to our growing network of partner institutions. YSMA’s work reflects a thoughtful and forward-looking approach to the role of cultural institutions in society, with a strong emphasis on education, community engagement, and innovative programming. We are very excited about their upcoming residency, which will provide a vital platform for exchange between African and European professionals. Partnerships like this are at the heart of TheMuseumsLab mission to build sustainable, collaborative futures for museums across both continents.”

    YSMA’s inclusion in this network underscores its growing influence as a key player in Africa’s cultural and educational landscape. Over the years, the museum has distinguished itself through its robust programming, exhibition initiatives, and commitment to bridging academic and public audiences.

    By participating in this Afro-European network, YSMA not only elevates its global visibility but also contributes to shaping new narratives around African art, heritage, and museology. The residency programme, in particular, is expected to catalyze new ideas, partnerships, and practices that will resonate far beyond the museum’s walls.

    As YSMA continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact, this collaboration with TheMuseumsLab signals a bold step forward—one that reinforces its role as a leading institution for knowledge production, cultural exchange, and the future of museum practice in Africa and beyond.

  • Shyllon Museum Hosts Eko Tourism Foundation As Lagos Pushes Global Cultural Tourism Vision

    Shyllon Museum Hosts Eko Tourism Foundation As Lagos Pushes Global Cultural Tourism Vision

    The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University, on May 11, 2026, hosted a delegation of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council of the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) on a high-profile strategic visit that reinforced the growing alignment and importance of art, heritage, and the creative economy to Lagos State’s ambitions of becoming a global cultural tourism hub.

    The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Eko Tourism Foundation and former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, was received by the Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Enase Okonedo; the Grand Donor and Chairman of the YSMA Supervisory Council, Prince Yemisi Shyllon; the Museum Director, Dr. Jess Castellote; and other distinguished stakeholders from the university and the museum.

    The visit featured presentations on the museum’s vision and impact, a screening of a documentary on YSMA’s educational programmes within the Ibeju-Lekki community, and a guided tour of the museum’s collections. During the engagement, Alhaji Lai Mohammed also donated copies of his recent book, Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, to the Pan-Atlantic University Library. The books were formally received by the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the university community.

    Strategic Significance for YSMA and Pan-Atlantic University

    The engagement comes at a significant moment in Lagos’ cultural evolution, as the state intensifies efforts to position itself as a leading global destination for culture, heritage, entertainment, and tourism. Within this broader vision, YSMA and Pan-Atlantic University represent critical educational and cultural infrastructure — institutions capable of shaping narratives, attracting international audiences, fostering scholarship, and anchoring sustainable tourism development within the rapidly transforming Ibeju-Lekki corridor.

    Established in 2019 as Nigeria’s first purpose-built and privately funded university museum, YSMA is evolving into one of West Africa’s most important cultural institutions, combining a globally significant art collection with educational and community-enriching programming. By hosting the ETF leadership at this level, the museum and the University are increasingly positioned not only as custodians of national heritage, but as strategic partners in shaping the future of the state’s tourism economy. The visit reinforces YSMA’s emergence as a must-see destination for both local and international audiences, and as a gateway through which visitors engage with Nigeria’s artistic and cultural narratives.

    Speaking on the significance of the engagement, Museum Director, Dr. Jess Castellote, described the visit as a strong affirmation of the museum’s growing relevance within Nigeria’s tourism and cultural landscape.

    “This visit by the Eko Tourism Foundation reflects an important shift in how museums are increasingly recognised, not only as cultural institutions, but as strategic drivers of tourism, education, and national identity,” he stated. “YSMA was founded with the vision of preserving Nigerian art and making it accessible to the public through learning and engagement. To see this vision align so naturally with Lagos State’s broader cultural tourism aspirations is both relevant and encouraging.”

    The Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Enase Okonedo, emphasized the importance of partnerships that connect education, culture, and public impact.

    “At Pan-Atlantic University, we strongly believe that universities must contribute meaningfully to society beyond the classroom,” she remarked. “The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art embodies that commitment by serving as a centre for education, cultural preservation, and community engagement. We commend ETF for the excellent work they are doing. Collaborations and visits of this nature strengthen the role of both the university and the museum within the wider vision of Lagos as a globally competitive cultural capital.”

    In his speech, Alhaji Lai Mohammed underscored the role of culture as the foundation of sustainable tourism and described YSMA as one of the kinds of institutions capable of reshaping how the world sees Lagos and Nigeria.

    “Tourism thrives on identity, memory, and authentic experiences, and institutions like the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art are central to that vision,” he said. “Lagos cannot aspire to global cultural relevance without investing in and promoting places that preserve our stories, celebrate our creativity, and project the richness of our heritage to the world. What has been built here at YSMA represents exactly the kind of cultural destination that belongs on the itinerary of every visitor to Lagos.”

    A Shared Vision for the Future

    The convergence of YSMA, Pan-Atlantic University, and the Eko Tourism Foundation reflects a growing recognition that culture, education, and tourism must work together to shape the future of Lagos. As the state expands its ambitions beyond commerce and entertainment, institutions such as YSMA and Pan-Atlantic University are increasingly becoming part of the infrastructure required to position Lagos as a globally competitive destination defined not only by energy and enterprise, but also by heritage, creativity, and intellectual depth.

    Tourism, as highlighted during the visit, is an ecosystem that thrives on strong institutions, compelling narratives, and meaningful visitor experiences. By fostering deeper collaboration between museums, universities, policymakers, and the creative industries, Lagos is laying the foundation for a more sustainable and culturally driven tourism economy.

    For YSMA, the visit further affirms its evolving role as more than a repository of Nigerian art and heritage. It strengthens the museum’s position as a leading cultural destination and an active contributor to the broader vision of Lagos as a world-class centre for arts, culture, learning, and tourism.

  • Nigeria is reclaiming its cultural power: storytelling, stewardship and self determination

    Nigeria is reclaiming its cultural power: storytelling, stewardship and self determination

    A powerful cultural renaissance is underway in Nigeria, where communities are reclaiming their heritage and reimagining their future with confidence and clarity. Long known for its vibrant artistic traditions and dynamic creative industries, the country is now investing in cultural preservation and innovation as key drivers of identity, resilience, and economic growth.

    “Art and material culture offer a way to erase colonial boundaries and place histories in relation to one another. A single bead shows us how trade and innovation thrived across West Africa long before European demarcation,” explains Ore Disu, cultural strategist and founding director of the Institute of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

    Themes of memory, belonging, and cultural autonomy are explored in the new season of Dreaming in Color, a podcast by The Bridgespan Group. In Episode 6, Disu reflects on Nigeria’s resurgence as part of a broader continental movement—one that champions African stories told in African voices, honoring complexity over spectacle and legacy over loss.

    This sense of reconnection is at the heart of a movement to revive and recontextualise cultural assets—not just through the repatriation of artefacts, but by rebuilding the ecosystems around them. Infrastructure, education, funding, and platforms for artists are essential to ensuring that creativity continues to flourish and evolve within context.

    In Benin City, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is emerging as a cornerstone of this cultural revival. Though located in Nigeria, MOWAA is conceived as a regional institution—one that centres West African art and heritage in all its diversity. More than a repository of artefacts, it is a living space where traditional practices, local voices, and global conversations converge. Here, young curators are trained, communities engage deeply with their histories, and international visitors are invited into an ongoing dialogue about belonging and meaning.

    While West Africa’s story is not solely defined by what was taken—but by what endures and thrives. For example, while the 1897 British invasion of Benin led to the looting of thousands of sacred objects, the Edo people’s cultural legacy continues to inspire pride, creativity, and a renewed commitment to restoration.

    Unlike the sterile display cases of Western museums, Western African artefacts were historically housed in palaces, shrines, and community spaces—woven into the daily lives and spiritual practices of the people. That participatory ethos remains central today, with cultural institutions striving to be both guardians of tradition and catalysts for contemporary expression.

    “The economic stakes are just as high as the symbolic ones,” says Disu. “Nigeria’s creative industries—spanning music, film, fashion, design, and literature—are globally influential. Yet they still need greater investment and recognition.”

    In Nigeria, heritage preservation and artistic innovation go hand in hand. Institutions like MOWAA not only safeguard the past but also cultivate future generations of creators, leaders, and cultural stewards.

    “It’s really important that when we think about politically weighty subjects, like restitution, we go beyond just acts of Eurocentric return and guilt washing. And then we ask ourselves as Africans, as Black people, as human beings, what do we want out of this moment, and how do we make it really about us?” says Disu.

    These possibilities are strengthened through trust-based funding, support for local talent, and the celebration of ideas that do not rely on external validation. When artists and communities are empowered to define their own narratives, they shape a future rooted in pride, purpose, and potential.

    The goal is not simply to reclaim what was taken, but to create enduring institutions, language, and spaces that reflect—and expand—the possibilities for future generations.

  • Culturati Festival 2024: A Celebration of African Diversity and Empowerment

    Culturati Festival 2024: A Celebration of African Diversity and Empowerment

    The Culturati Festival is a dynamic celebration of African culture, heritage, and the rich mosaic of diversity in Lagos, a city that serves as both a melting pot of traditions and a global stage for Africa’s excellence.

    In collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Culturati Africa presents the 18th edition of the festival, featuring impactful initiatives such as the Culturati Community Library, an advocacy platform for literacy and cultural education.

    This year’s festival, themed “Celebrate Diversity and Unity”, will hold from 5th to 7th December 2024 at the Freedom Park, Lagos Island.

    Speaking at a press conference, the Chief Executive Officer of Culturati Africa, Adetola Bakinson, emphasized the festival’s significance, describing it as more than just an event. She noted that it is an ongoing movement dedicated to promoting cultural diversity, fostering empowerment, and creating opportunities for economic and creative growth across the continent.

    “This platform celebrates traditional art, craft, music, storytelling, entertainment, and fashion, ensuring these elements are not only preserved but passed on in engaging and innovative ways. Supporting this event fosters pride in our African identity and sustains traditions for this generation and beyond,” she said.

    Highlighting the festival’s economic benefits, Bakinson revealed that nearly 100 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will participate in an exclusive trade fair organized in partnership with Naijabrandchick. The trade fair will provide businesses with visibility, networking opportunities, and access to new customers. She also noted that the festival will host high-profile dignitaries and international attendees, further elevating its global appeal.

    Bakinson underscored the festival’s dedication to youth empowerment, stating, “Through the Culturati Academy, we have empowered over 10,000 youths with training in digital marketing, video production, and content creation. This year, we will continue to equip more young people with the skills they need to thrive in the creative and cultural industries.”

    In addition to its cultural and economic objectives, the event is also set to transform its venue, Freedom Park, into an even greater cultural landmark. Originally a colonial-era prison turned into a thriving hub for arts and culture, the park holds deep historical significance as a symbol of freedom and resilience. This year, the venue will be refurbished to enhance its appeal and attract more tourists, ensuring its place as one of Lagos’ finest cultural and tourist destinations.

    “The aim is to boost Lagos’ economy through tourism while integrating cultural diversity into the state’s development agenda. By promoting the cultural sector and revitalizing Freedom Park, we’re not just hosting a festival; we’re driving a movement for culture, empowerment, and growth,” Bakinson concluded.

  • Exclusive Chat with Chef Millie Peartree at the GTCO Food and Drink Festival

    Exclusive Chat with Chef Millie Peartree at the GTCO Food and Drink Festival

    Chef Millie Peartree, known as the “Queen of Repurpose”, is a Bronx-based, world-renowned chef, taste-maker, and restaurateur who has spent the last decade perfecting her craft. It wasn’t until she entered her first baking contest that she realized her baking (and now culinary) talent would evolve into a successful and innovative culinary enterprise. Millie has a knack for creating unconventional tasting menus and experiential activations using well-known products not often considered cooking ingredients. With the ability to cook for many consumers, her talents lend themselves well to on-site activation demos, tastings, sampling, and branding opportunities. She has worked with some of the nation and world’s most widely recognized brands and celebrities, including MLB, Rolex, PepsiCo, Jay-Z & Beyonce, MTV, Delta Airlines, NY Mets, Alicia Keys, Dole, Band-aid and many more.

    She was one of the facilitators of the Masterclass at the 2023 GTCO Food and Drink Fair in Lagos, Nigeria. Our team had a chat with her, please find below excerpt-

    NW: How did you start this business?

    CMP: I started my culinary career. It was shortly after my mom passed away. And it was more transitional to continue to create memories that my mom made with me and that I did with my little brothers and sisters. So from there, it just skyrocketed. And I feel like it’s a blessing to be able to do what you love. So I’m really excited that I can continue my journey through cooking.

    NW: What made you actually choose soul food as your area of expertise and not any other type of cuisine?

    CMP: Well, I chose the area of soul food because- number one, it is part of my culture, my heritage, and what I grew up eating. But most importantly, I wanted to continue to create those happy memories through food and pretty much in remembrance of my mom. So it just only felt natural. So I cook and serve the food that I know. And with that, I bring her in spirit every time I make one of her dishes.

    NW: What was your most Creative challenge thus far?

    CMP: The creative towels are one of my most creative challenges, or one of my hardest obstacles, per se, or I created an event for a rapper named Young Jeezy. And we were at the venue, and the stove didn’t work. So instantly, I had to use someone’s stove in an apartment. Luckily, it was in a building where people live. And you know, you have to work on instinct sometimes, when you’re hired to do a service, you know, you have to show up and get the job done. Like nobody really cares what doesn’t go on. They just know that they want their job done. That was one of those situations where I had to be the most instinctive and it worked out for the best.

    Listening to the audience with rapt attention

    NW: As a first-time visitor to Nigeria, what inspired you to try Nigerian okra in your recipe, as you showed us during the Masterclass?

    CMP: Well, I grew up eating okra. So the first time I actually had fried okra was at a gas station in Beaufort, South Carolina, I was going to visit my aunt. And in the States, we have gas station favourites and street food. And in New York, our gas station favourites, I like hot dogs. And that was the first time I actually had it. But my mom made it all the time, she made a southern version of okra and tomatoes, which is more sautéed with just peppers and onions, and we ate it over rice. So it was only natural for me to take another recipe and recreate it into something that I wanted to again and remember it’s of the recipe so my mom made in my household growing up. I have not had the Nigerian okra Soup. However, I’m going to try it before I leave.

    NW: What Nigerian delicacy have you tasted since you arrived that you have never tasted before?

    CMP: Well, one of the things I had here so far that I’ve never had before I’ve had the snails, which was a delicacy like we call it and it was very good. And it had a good ocean taste to it. So you knew it was fresh like wherever the purveyor wasn’t they got these snails from it tastes like the seas I knew it was fresh. It was absolutely delicious. This is my first time in Nigeria on the continent is Africa as a whole my first time here.