The vibrant spirit of Africa and the Caribbean came alive at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Thursday, July 30, 2026, as Team Africa emerged overall winner of the 20+1 Edition of the UNILAG Africaribbean Carnival, following an impressive display of creativity, discipline, and theatrical excellence.
The annual carnival, one of the University’s flagship cultural events, attracted students, staff, alumni, and guests who gathered to witness a vibrant showcase of music, dance, theatre, and cultural heritage, all centred on this year’s theme: “Humanity in the Age of AI.”
The festivities began with the customary road parade, which saw the five participating teams: Africa, Brazil, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, march through the University’s major roads in colourful costumes, entertaining spectators with music, dance, and cultural displays.Traditionally, the parade is flagged off by either the Head of the Department of Creative Arts or the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, a practice that has continued since the carnival’s inception. The only exception was in 2012, when the then Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rahamon A. Bello, FAEng, personally flagged off the procession.
Digital Goodwill messages
In a recorded welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described the carnival as more than a cultural festival, noting that it has become a powerful expression of the University’s commitment to producing graduates who combine academic excellence with creativity, innovation, and cultural awareness.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, she observed that although artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of modern life, humanity must continue to be guided by compassion, integrity, imagination, and a shared responsibility to deploy technology for the common good.
Also speaking via a recorded message, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Stephen Olu-Ibukun Olusoji, applauded the resilience of the organisers and students for sustaining a festival that has earned recognition beyond Nigeria. He described the carnival as a unique platform that celebrates cultural diversity while strengthening scholarship, creativity, and national unity.
The Head of the Department of Creative Arts, Professor Osita Ezenwanebe, equally commended the participating teams for their commitment and professionalism. He noted that the carnival remains an important practical component of the Department’s academic training, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge through performance, research, and cultural engagement.
Intense Competition, Educative Fun
Competition among the participating groups was intense. Teams were assessed on discipline and punctuality, road march, rendition of the national anthem of the country represented, knowledge of the country’s history and culture, and the presentation of MAS plays.-Mass Awareness Show. It is taken from the mas culture of Trinidad and Tobago carnival which simply means, masquerade but used for making political statements especially in the days of colonial rule and for social commentary beyond the exotic appearance of costume.
The MAS performances stood out as one of the biggest attractions of the day. Drawing inspiration from Bertolt Brecht’s “Street Scene” theatre alongside elements of guerrilla theatre, the performances tackled contemporary social, political, and economic issues connected to the theme. Through elaborate costumes, symbolic characters, dance, music, banners, and creative props, the students delivered thought-provoking messages that captivated both the judges and the audience.
Adding prestige to the event was the presence of Emeritus Professor Duro Oni, whose visionary efforts led to the transformation of the University’s Centre for Cultural Studies into the Department of Creative Arts in 1997. His attendance served as a reminder of the remarkable journey of the Department and the carnival, which was established by Dr. Cornelius Onyeka Ibeabuchi in 2005 and has grown into a nationally recognised academic and cultural initiative.
Team Africa Wins Africaribbean Carnival
After a keenly contested competition, Team Africa was announced as the overall winner, earning the judges’ admiration with an exceptional blend of discipline, originality, cultural authenticity, and an outstanding interpretation of the theme. The second and third position went to Team Bahamas and Team Brazil, respectively.
Beyond the colourful costumes and lively performances, the 20+1 edition of the UNILAG Africaribbean Carnival once again reinforced its reputation as a celebration with purpose, one that preserves cultural heritage, promotes intellectual engagement, and reminds participants that, even in an increasingly AI-driven world, humanity remains at the heart of progress.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Theophillus Oluwagbemiga Atansuyi (UNILAG 300Level Theatre Arts Student)
