Culturati, a platform for the promotion of arts, culture and tourism, has rebranded to “Culturati Africa” to redefine the image of Africa and project the continent as a choice tourism hub.
Mr Idris Aregbe, former Chief Executive Officer of Culturati Africa, said this during a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.
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Aregbe said the move was to reposition the image of the African continent.
Aregbe was represented by Ifedolapo Ajibade, Executive Assistant, Office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
He also announced Ms Dolamu Badejo as the new Chief Executive Officer of Culturati Africa.
“It is with excitement that we introduce Ms Dolamu Badejo as the Chief Executive Officer of Culturati Africa.
“Dolamu Badejo brings a wealth of cumulative experiences, certifications and contributions spanning over 15 years in various core areas.
“Badejo’s track records reflect her excellence, depths and breadth of knowledge as well the multi-tier approach our organisation is positioned for in her 18th year of operations and onwards.
“Together with our community, we welcome very warmly Dolamu Badejo to our group as the CEO,” he said.
Aregbe said that Badejo would bring vast repository of cumulative experiences and visionary approach to lead the brand into a new era.
He described the new era as a “Journey Beyond Borders.”
Aregbe said the annual Culturati Africa programme had been renamed Culturella Festival as part of the transformation.
He noted that the 2024 edition of the festival would be on the brand’s 18 years legacy.
Aregbe said the festival was aimed at showcasing Africa’s rich culture and heritage through arts, crafts, cultural displays, gastronomy, tourism, fashion, film and entertainment.
In her response, Badejo said: “I am elated to respond to the announcement made earlier today regarding my appointment as the new CEO of Culturati Africa.
“I will like to thank the Chairman for his investment of confidence in my capabilities to step into his big shoes, take onward his brainchild after 17 years and lead from his vision.”
Badejo said she had been actively committed to setting up a structure, identifying relevant opportunities for growth and establishing a framework for sustainability since assumption of duty 10 weeks ago.
She noted that Culturati Africa’s annual arts and culture event would be known as “Culturella Festival”.
She said the 2024 edition would be redirected to function as a research centre, meant to tell African stories in the positive way.
She harped on the need to intensify effort in telling African stories.
Badejo urged the media, government agencies, research institutions and all stakeholders to engage in relaying positive narratives of Africa, to spur tourism growth.
“We want to see how our stories can be relayed right from our future to the past to change Africa’s image.
“I am counting on the shoulders of giants and pillars across industry sectors, our very loyal stakeholders, new investors and the support of the culture, arts stakeholders communities to collectively join in the vision of re-imagining the Africa of our dreams.
“We should ensure a return to cultural awareness and sound values and to re-build the fractured pieces and stories of our continent from a healed and renewed narrative. We can together fill our cracks with gold.
“I look forward to your tangible collaborations and extension of needed support,” she said.
Earlier, Mr John Fadejola, Head of Brands Tantacom Experiential Projects Ltd., a communications partner with Culturati Africa, said the 18th edition of the annual Culturella Arts and Culture Festival would hold from Dec. 6 to 8.
Fadejola who unveiled the pre-event activities ahead of the festival said there would be fashion soiree to showcase the beauty of African fabrics.
He added that individuals who have contributed to the growth of the continent would be honoured at the Culturati African personalities in October.
“The first and the second day of the Culturella Festival will feature market place and exhibitions.
“For the third day, we will have cultural parade, arts and crafts market, fashion show, awards and gala night as well as a closing concert.
