Emmanuel Macron, President of
France, visited the New Afrika Shrine on Tuesday to inaugurate the African
Cultural Season slated for 2020.
The event, tagged ‘Celebration of
African Culture’, recorded a large convergence of entertainers, culture
enthusiasts, and politicians.
Macron, accompanied by Lagos
governor Akinwunmi Ambode, said he chose to visit the Afrika Shrine because he
has good memories of the place from 2004 when he worked in the state.
He described the Shrine as “a
cultural hub” that is “very important for me first on a personal level”.
Macron said politics is important
and urged the Nigerian youth to get involved. He said African youth have a huge
role to play in the future of the continent.
“I am very happy to be here. Let
me remind you that this place — shrine is a music place as well as politics
which is needed to change the society. So, I will say to the youths, politics
is important, be involved,” he said.
Macron advised the young
generation of Africans to “not think their future is outside Africa, saying
“they have to build Africa”.
He said: “What we want to launch
this evening is the African Cultural Season 2020. It will be for Africans by
Africans. You will have artists, painters, fashion designers.
“It will be organised by Africans
to show France and Europe what is here and it will be financed by African
leaders.”
The French president said Africa
needs a new narrative and that “we need to have African people speaking about
Africa”.
He said: “What we need is young
people to make this narrative. Africa needs a new generation of artists,
journalists, civil society, to speak about Africa everywhere.
“I have a huge debt to Femi,
Fela, Seun and the Kuti family. The family provides, not just this place, but
for its time, its commitment, and especially the different battles of Fela, a
very strong message, a message that it is possible, even now to decide your own
future. Never forget.”
Yemi Alade and Femi Kuti
delivered energetic musical performances on the night while a short skit
directed by Kunle Afolayan featured several Nollywood stars including Jide
Kosoko, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Joke Silva, Dakore Akande, Rita Dominic, Ramsey
Nouah, among others.
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