The Gidi Culture Festival (often dubbed Coachella in Lagos) is an annual one-day music and arts festival that takes place in

Lagos Lagos (Nigerian English: ; ) is the largest city in Nigeria and the second most populous city in Africa, with a population of 15.4 million as of 2015 within the city proper. Lagos was the national capital of Nigeria until December 1991 fo ...

Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...

. Co-founded by Chinedu Okeke and Oriteme Banigo, it was created in response to a demand from the local

youth culture Youth culture refers to the societal norms of children, adolescents, and young adults. Specifically, it comprises the processes and symbolic systems that are shared by the youth and are distinct from those of adults in the community. An emphasi ...

for live, affordable, and accessible entertainment in Africa.Anugwara, Boldwin. "Youth corps members exhibit talents at Gidi Culture festival." ''Newswatch Times''. January 17, 2014. December 12, 2014

/ref> The festival provides a venue for live Musical ensemble, bands,

DJs A disc jockey, more commonly abbreviated as DJ, is a person who plays recorded music for an audience. Types of DJs include radio DJs (who host programs on music radio stations), club DJs (who work at a nightclub or music festival), mobile ...

, and musical acts to perform. It also features outdoor activities, local vendors, and artisans."Are You Ready For The Gidi Culture Festival??" January 17, 2014. December 12, 2014

/ref> The main show features a line-up of African acts from numerous countries, including

Ghana Ghana (; tw, Gaana, ee, Gana), officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country in West Africa. It abuts the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, sharing borders with Ivory Coast in the west, Burkina Faso in the north, and To ...

South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the Southern Africa, southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the Atlantic Ocean, South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the ...

, Congo,

Kenya ) , national_anthem = " Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu"() , image_map = , map_caption = , image_map2 = , capital = Nairobi , coordinates = , largest_city = Nairobi ...

, and the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the European mainland, continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

. The goal of the festival is to encourage the development of African talent and promote artists both within the continent and into overseas markets.

History

The Gidi Culture Festival is produced by Eclipse Live Production."Gidi Culture Festival Announces First Lineup of Artistes". February 9, 2014. December 12, 2014

/ref> It was inspired by the now defunct Lekki Sound Splash, a festival once headlined by Fela Kuti. Co-founded by Chinedu Okeke and Oriteme Banigo, the festival's main aim is to create a safe space for the youth that would enable and empower them. The festival has been noted for its novel ideas about giving back to the community. Its Beach Sweeps and Dreams Project are exchange programs that create opportunities for young people to work in a variety of different creative industries."Gidi Culture Festival: Take Charge". Bella Naija. September 2, 2014. December 12, 2014

/ref>"Gidi Culture Festival: Represent Your Community". Bella Naija. January 27, 2014. December 12, 2014

In addition to the Gidi Culture Festival, Eclipse Live Production produces Nigeria's Palmwine Music Fest and Nativeland. In an interview with ''IQ'' magazine in 2018, Okeke said the Gidi Culture Festival is yet to break even, although he is optimistic that it will do so in a couple of years.

2014: Inaugural edition

The inaugural edition of the festival featured performances from

Ice Prince Panshak Henry Zamani (born 30 October 1984) better known as Ice Prince Zamani or just Ice Prince, is a Nigerian rapper, hip hop recording artist and actor. He rose to fame after releasing " Oleku", one of Nigeria's most remixed songs of all t ...

Phyno Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike (born 9 October 1986), populary known as Phyno Fino, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. He started his music career as a producer in 2003, and is renowned for rapping in the Igbo language. His ...

Naeto C Naetochukwu Chikwe, stage name Naeto C, is a Nigerian rapper, Afrobeat artist and record producer. Early life He was born in Houston, Texas and is of Nigerian origin. The Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha appointed Naeto C, as his Speci ...

, Chidinma,

Dammy Krane Oyindamola Johnson Emmanuel, popularly known as Dammy Krane, is a Nigerian singer, composer and performer. In January 2012, at age 20, he signed a record deal with Hypertek Digital and 960 Music Group. He is most famous for his single hit "My ...

, Blink, Poe, Boj, Teezee, Ayo Jay,

Emma Nyra Emma Chukwugoziam Obi was born in July 18, 1988. She is professionally known by her stage name as Emma Nyra. She is an American-born Nigerian singer, song writer, an actress, and a model. Emma Nyra is a mother of two. Her associate acts inc ...

Patoranking Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie (born 27 May, 1990), better known by his stage name Patoranking, is a Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Ijegun-Egba Satellite Town, Patoranking hails from Onicha, Ebonyi State. He starte ...

, Lynxx,

Jesse Jagz Jesse Garba Abaga (born 10 August 1984), known professionally as Jesse Jagz, is a Nigerian rapper, record producer and songwriter. He signed a record deal with Chocolate City in 2010 and released his debut studio album ''Jag of All Tradez'' that ...

Oritse Femi Oritsefemi Majemite Ekele (born 5 January 1985) popularly known by his first name Oritse Femi, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and performer. He is best known for his remake of Fela Kuti's "Double Wahala" song. His rendition of the song earned hi ...

Orezi Esegine Allen (born 28 March 1986), better known by his stage name Orezi, is a Nigerian musician from Delta State. He rose to prominence with his song " Rihanna" in 2013. In a chat with Showtime's ''The Cooking Pot'' the singer said that in t ...

, Reminisce,

Efya Jane Awindor (born April 10, 1987), better known by her stage name Efya, is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter, and actress from Kumasi. She is the daughter of Nana Adwoa Awindor, a filmmaker and celebrity host of the late television show ''Greeting ...

, DJ Obi, DJ Caise, DJ Hazan,

DJ Cuppy Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola (born 11 November 1992), professionally known as DJ Cuppy, or simply Cuppy, is a Nigerian disc jockey and producer. She is the daughter of Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola. She grew up in Lagos and moved to London at ...

, DJ Kaywise,

Falz Folarin Falana (born 27 October 1990), better known by his stage name Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter and actor who began his career while in secondary school after forming a group called The School Boys with his friend before his profe ...

, Pucado,

Yung L Christopher Omenye, professionally known as Yung L (pronounced Young L), is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer. Early life Yung L was born and raised in Jos, Plateau state. His mother greatly influenced his decision to become a musi ...

, and Endia."Gidi Culture Festival rocks Lagos tomorrow." ''Daily Independent''. March 1, 2014. December 12, 2014

/ref>Alash, Bob. "VIP Tickets Contest!! A Beach Festival is Coming to Town! Gidi Culture Festival". ''Jaguda''. February 2014. December 12, 2014

/ref>

2015: Second edition

The second edition of the festival was held on April 4, 2015, at

Eko Atlantic Eko Atlantic, officially Nigeria International Commerce city, also known as Eko Atlantic City, or the initials E.A.C. and E.A., is a planned city of Lagos State, Nigeria, being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. Upon completion ...

in Lagos. It featured performances from M.I Abaga, Show Dem Camp,

Waje Aituaje Iruobe, known professionally as Waje, which is the first letter from each word from the phrase "Words Aren't Just enough" is a Nigerian singer. She first gained recognition after being featured on the remake of P-Square’s "Omoge Mi". Wa ...

Yemi Alade Yemi Eberechi Alade (born 13 March 1989), is a Nigerian Afropop singer, songwriter, actress and activist. She won the ''Peak Talent Show'' in 2009 after which she signed to Effyzzie Music Group, and had a hit with her single " Johnny" in 2014. ...

, EL,

Victoria Kimani Victoria Kimani (born 28 July 1985) is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, and entertainer previously signed to Nigerian record label Chocolate City. Her debut album was released in 2016. She has appeared in the film ''7 Inch Curve.'' Life and caree ...

, Urban Boyz,

Awilo Longomba Awilo Longomba is a Congolese soukous musician. At first a drummer in Viva la Musica, Stukas, Nouvelle Generation and Loketo, he left drumming for singing and released his first album ''Moto Pamba'' with help from Shimita, Ballou Canta, Dindo ...

, Temi Dollface, Ebisan and Sauti Sol. It also featured

DJ Neptune Imohiosen Patrick (born, 26 September 1990) professionally known as DJ Neptune, is a Nigerian Disc Jockey and Record Producer. He is from a family of four which includes his three elder sisters and him. Discography *''Greatness'' (2018) *''Gre ...

DJ Lambo Olawunmi Okerayi, known by her stage name DJ Lambo, is a Nigerian disc jockey. Her song "Drank" was produced by Reinhard and received positive critical reviews and extensive airplay. She was signed to Loopy Music in 2013 before its merger with C ...

and DJ Gino Brown.

2016: Third edition

The third edition of the festival was held at Eko Atlantic in Lagos. Hosted by Sensei Uche and Nomuzi, it featured performances from

Tiwa Savage Tiwa Savage (born 5 February 1980) is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and performing artist. Born in Isale Eko, she relocated to London at the age of 11 for her secondary education. Five years later, she began her music career doing backup voc ...

D'banj Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo (born 9 June 1980), better known by his stage name D'banj, is a Nigerian singer and rapper and the founder of Mo' Hits Records with producer Don Jazzy. He has won several music awards, including the awards for ''Best A ...

, Small Doctor,

Timaya Inetimi Timaya Odon (born 15 August 1980), better known by his stage name Timaya, is a multiple award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter. He hails from Odi, Bayelsa state, South-South Nigeria. He is fondly called the Egberi Papa 1 of Bayels ...

Adekunle Gold Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko (born 28 January 1987), known professionally as Adekunle Gold and AG Baby, is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter. He gained widespread attention after releasing the 2015 hit single "Sade", a highlife cover of On ...

, K.O,

Riky Rick Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado (20 July 1987 23 February 2022), known professionally as Riky Rick, was a South African rapper, singer and producer. He was also the founder and owner of record label Cotton Club Records and a member of Boyz N Buck ...

, Mr 2Kay, Base One, Que Peller, Dice Ailes, Poe, Funbi and Saeon.

2017: Fourth edition

The fourth edition of the festival was held on April 15, 2017. It was headlined by Diplo,

Burna Boy Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (born 2 July 1991), known professionally as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He rose to stardom in 2012 after releasing "Like to Party", the lead single from his debut studio album, ''L.I. ...

and Davido. The festival featured additional performances from

Seyi Shay Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua (born Oluwaseyi Joshua; 21 December 1985), professionally known as Seyi Shay (pronounced Shay-yee Shay), is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress. She wrote and produced three songs for the soundtrack to Konami's vi ...

Reekado Banks Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon (born 6 December 1993), better known by his stage name Reekado Banks, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He signed with Mavin Records in 2014 and left the label in 2018. He went by the stage name Spicy before his recor ...

, Simi,

Niniola Niniola Apata (born 15 December 1986), known professionally as Niniola, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She participated in the sixth season of ''Project Fame West Africa'' in 2013. After releasing her debut single "Ibadi", she was nominated ...

, Sauti Sol, and

Vanessa Mdee Vanessa Hau Mdee (born 7 June 1988), is a Tanzanian singer, rapper, television personality and radio host. Mdee is popularly known for being the first ever Tanzanian MTV VJ. She later rose to prominence as a radio and TV host, hosting ''Epic Bon ...

2018: Fifth edition

The fifth edition of the festival featured performances from

Wizkid Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990), known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. A prominent figure in the modern-day Afrobeats music scene, Wizkid is regarded as one of the biggest and most influential Afri ...

2Baba Innocent Ujah Idibia MON (born 18 September 1975), known by his stage name 2Baba, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Noted for his vocal range, lyrical depth, and longevity, he is widely regard ...

Brymo Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ (born Olawale Ibrahim Ashimi; 9 May 1986), better known as Brymo, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, stage performer,actor and author. He started recording music in 1999 while in secondary school. He signed a record dea ...

Maleek Berry Maleek Shoyebi (born 11 August 1987), professionally known as Maleek Berry, is a British-Nigerian record producer and recording artist. After his break into the spotlight in 2012, Maleek Berry was nominated as "Music Producer of the Year" at the ...

, DJ Spinall and

, along with live sets newcomers Odunsi the Engine, Tay Iwar and Lady Donli. In addition to the main stage, the festival's organizers introduced a second stage called the Next Generation stage. Before the show started, the configuration on the soundboard switched, resulting in the show being delayed for an hour. A record attendance of 8,000 people attended the festival. The organizers used their own ticketing platform, Seagate, to sell over 3,000 tickets in pre-sales.

2019: Sixth edition

The sixth edition of the festival was held on April 20, 2019, at the Landmark Beach Front in Victoria Island, Lagos. The festival featured performances from

, Teni, Moonchild, Sanelly,

Wande Coal Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe (born 18 October 1985), popularly known as Wande Coal, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Early life Wande Coal was born on 18 October 1985 in Lagos Island, Lagos state, Nigeria, to Chief Ibukun Olufunto and Omolar ...

Sarz Osabuohien Osaretin (born 17 March 1989), better known by his stage name Sarz, is a Nigerian record producer and musician. Born in Benin City, Edo State, he is popularly known for the tag Sarz On The Beat/"Really", at the beginning or end of all ...

, Zlatan, Blaqbonez, and L.A.X. It was estimated that over 10,000 people attended the festival. 2020: Seventh edition The seventh edition of the annual event which is usually held during the Easter celebration was postponed to October 2020. It was then cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

References

{{reflist

External links

The Gidi Culture Festival official website
Arts festivals in Lagos Music festivals in Lagos Electronic music festivals in Nigeria Festivals established in 2014 2014 establishments in Nigeria