So, I spent the weekend, and friday night, at Freedom Park, Lagos. It was the last leg of the Lagos Book and Art Festival.
Formerly a prison, Freedom Park is now a recreational haven for music and art lovers. The atmosphere is thick with inspiration and artistic motivation that if not for the distance, I most likely would spend as much of my spare time within its walls and probably never leave.
So the festival drew many creatives and in its 20th year, it theme RENEWAL: A WORLD THAT WORKS FOR ALL seemed apt. Imagine rubbing shoulders with Bimbo Manuel, Tunji Sotimirin, Tee Mac, Joy Bewaji and Tunde Kelani. Sad that i couldn't be a part of the entire event, I did catch the exhibition by ASIRI Magazine's Damola who, through illustration art and an installation, captured the history of the 1851 invasion of Lagos. This was held in the museum where one could also view the prison history of the park.
Upstairs, I got an insight into prison life in those years and seeing a sample size of a cell as well as the gallows kind of sent shivers down my spine. As darkness fell and i walked the beautiful grounds of the park, I could not help but imagine if mingled with the artistic vibes throbbing through the place, that there were also ghosts of prisoners that had died there.
Music and performances filled the weekend while kids from various public and private schools were treated to reading sessions and from the glow in their eyes, I believe there is hope for the next generation.
I bought books from the various publishing houses and book stores that came to sell (despite how broke I am, i must add) and i listened to the poetry grand slam as well as watched an all girls school perform a south african dance that got the audience moving to the beat.
Its festival season! So immediately after the events of LABAF were rounded off, LAGOS FRINGE FESTIVAL was introduced and so this means i will be going there again (as many times as my pocket allows me) this week. Other than the festivals, the park hosts weekly events which includes stage plays, jazz performances, dance performances and karaoke.
Join me in the experience that is Freedom Park.
Cheers.
2022
