ACETNews
Nigeria’s biggest celebration of culture is heading back to the Coal City as the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) returns to Enugu from November 21 to 28, promising eight days of music, drama, fashion, indigenous games, film, literature and creative enterprise.
The 2026 edition with the theme Connected Culture, will bring together states of the federation in a celebration designed to showcase Nigeria’s diverse traditions while creating new opportunities for young creatives and cultural entrepreneurs.
According to the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), this year’s festival will go beyond the traditional festival and competition format by providing a national platform for artists, performers, athletes, game developers, craftspeople, designers, chefs and other creatives to showcase their talents and connect with new audiences.
The festival will place particular emphasis on young people, with more than 35 tertiary institutions in and around Enugu expected to provide a strong base for youth engagement, skills development and creative-industry capacity building.
In partnership with organisations including the British Council’s Creative Hustle and the National Theatre, the NCAC will organise training programmes and masterclasses covering film, music, fashion, performing arts and the creator economy.
The programmes are expected to connect emerging creatives with experienced practitioners and industry leaders while providing practical knowledge, professional networks and pathways into Nigeria’s expanding cultural and creative economy.
NAFEST will also feature traditional and contemporary music, drama, crafts, indigenous games, film, literature, visual arts, exhibitions and other cultural experiences. Major opening and closing concerts will bring Afrobeats and contemporary Nigerian popular culture together with traditions that continue to shape the country’s identity.
The festival will take place at major venues in Enugu, including the International Conference Centre and the historic Michael Okpara Square, as the city prepares to welcome cultural delegations and visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, said the state was ready to host the festival and described it as an opportunity to showcase Enugu’s transformation, cultural heritage and potential as a destination for culture, tourism, investment and creativity.
The state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said the festival would provide an opportunity to showcase Enugu’s heritage, hospitality, cuisine, creative talent and growing tourism experiences, while creating opportunities for young people to participate, learn and connect with the creative industries.
NCAC Director-General, Obi Asika, said NAFEST remained Nigeria’s Cultural Olympics, describing the festival as a celebration of the traditions that distinguish Nigerians and the shared culture that connects the country as one people.
He noted that new formats introduced by the NCAC in 2024, including Swag Show, Dance Off Naija, Sing Off Naija, Naija Home Makeover and Jollof Wars, would return in Enugu alongside Dambe boxing and Nigerian video games created by indigenous studios.
Asika said the festival would not only celebrate talent but also help develop it and connect young creatives to sustainable opportunities through capacity-building programmes across various sectors of the creative economy. He invited all states to bring their best as Nigeria comes together for eight days of friendly competition, creativity, learning, unity and celebration.
Beyond culture and entertainment, NAFEST 2026 is expected to stimulate tourism, hospitality, commerce and employment in Enugu, giving visitors opportunities to explore the city’s heritage, cuisine, landmarks and natural attractions.
