M.I Abaga singinig autograph for a guest at the event
As part of its commitment to promoting arts and literature in Nigeria, leading beverage brand, Lipton Yellow label tea in partnership with African Artist’s Foundation (AAF), a non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion and development of contemporary African art, recently celebrated leading creative voices in Nigeria at the Lipton and Literature tea party (L&L).
Held in Victoria Island, Lagos, the event, a formal, ritualized gathering for the small meal offered a great setup for art and literary buffs a break from their tight schedules and grab a snack while sipping on a refreshing Lipton tea.
Works of artists like Oyinkan Braithwaite, Ifeoluwa Nihinlola, Isaac Akah, Seun Odukoya, REZthapoet, Pelumi Kolade and Dami Ajayi were celebrated. There were poetry renditions by Koromone Koroye and William Moore, as well as a special music performance by leading hip-hop artiste and Chocolate City CEO, MI Abaga.
Stressing the brand’s commitment to supporting artists and the importance of arts and literature in building communities, Senior Brand Manager Refreshment, Unilever, Abimbola Ogunsemi explained that literature is crucial in telling the stories important to people, and the arts help us place the spotlight on the societal issues that exists in today’s world.
“We are excited about our partnership with African Artist’s Foundation to celebrate some of Nigeria’s leading creative voices and contribute our quota to improving the creative sector,” she said.
Creative Director of African Artist’s Foundation Charlotte Langhorst, said: “The Lipton and Literature party is aimed at celebrating contemporary African artists who are using their voices to advocate for transformation in their communities.”
“We are focused on providing assistance to artists driving social change with their works. Through this partnership we are able to further amplify the messages of the artists exhibiting today,” she added.
Established in 2007, Langhorst explained that the underlying tenets of AAF are capacity building, peer support and advocacy, all tailored to encourage the highest standard of art in Africa.
“African Artists’ Foundation serves a significant role in art and academic communities through organising art exhibitions, festivals, competitions, residencies, and workshops with the aim of unearthing and developing talent, creating societal awareness, and providing a platform to express creativity.
By providing assistance to professional and emerging artists in Africa and support to international exhibitions and community outreach programmes, African Artists’ Foundation views the contribution to a strong cultural landscape in Africa as a transformative element in driving social change,” she stated
The exhibition audience made up of a diverse mix of art enthusiasts, content creators, media practitioners, and policy advocates amongst others, had robust conversations on the importance of arts in shaping societies.
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