Griots and Bards, a monthly arts, culture and social conversation event would be having its second edition after a four year hiatus, on Thursday, 28th of November, 2024.
The event will be held at RapJoint, an urban cultural centre for music, books and fine dining in the heart of Ikoyi.
Over the years, the monthly event has been curated by ADEBOLA Afolabi (REZAfolabi) to stimulate conversations around culture, social and other topical issues, laced with thrilling performances.
In a statement made available to journalists, REZAfolabi noted that ‘my team and I have resolved to keep the art and culture event going because of its artistic verve, its communal and therapeutic engagements. With a strategic collaboration with our culture partner, Rapjoint, we have found a reliable and safe space to enrich the minds and elevate culture. The November edition is a testament to our relentless resolve to continue to extend literature, culture and free speech beyond the four walls of silence. ”
The October edition of the event was the relaunch edition. It brought together art enthusiasts and upwardly mobile Nigerians who were delighted to have a hotspot to meet kindred spirits and to escape from the chaos of modern existence to the embrace of music, poetry and robust intellectual discussions.
RezAfolabi stated that the community – which existed despite the dearth of its monthly meetup – was indeed a necessary force in this clime where the quest for greener pastures is making people have less proximity to their families and friends.
He further noted that community members who had experienced the intimate setting and depth of ideas and engagement contributed to the revival of the monthly meetup – with an opportunity to entertain a live stream for community members in the diaspora.
“Many of those who have been a part of the GAB community in the past have advocated nonstop for us to come back to convening on the last Thursday of every month.
At RapJoint, the GAB guests sat huddled together on mats and beanbags, creating a village square ambience, cut off from the chaos of the city. Music performances were by Tosin Music, poetry and music by Ruth Mahogany, Habib Ajijola, among others.
The theme of the day, “To Return Home” elicited soul stirring conversation about what home really meant to each person.
Veteran poet, Sage Hassan, who was also present at the event, summarized his perspective and others’ tagging “home” as a something linked to individual purpose.
Commenting on the choice of venue, GAB Convener, Afolabi also extolled Rap Joint Limited for their commitment to the cause of building communities that align with their own purpose. “We are pleased to welcome Rap Joint as a partner in the GAB journey. It was borne out of shared passion about building for the culture. We also have other partners including ModZero Media, Luminous Limited, Influent, among others.”
REZAfolabi disclosed that in September, Griots and Bards curated a meet up with its partners and a select group of art lovers to reintroduce the event, unbundle its core philosophy and values.
After the event, guests networked, while enjoying the tasty treats from Rap Joint’s menu.
