Culture

AmalaHangOutWithTolu Fuels Passion for Nigerian Traditions in UK

Published

12 months ago

September 19, 2025

AmalaHangOutWithTolu unites Nigerians in the UK with food, games, and culture at its third edition in Hull, inspiring a bigger African festival dream

A vibrant cultural celebration among Nigerians in the UK, AmalaHangOutWithTolu, had its third edition held on 6 September 2025 at the Humber All Nations Alliance, Hull.

Also read: GTCO announces 8th edition of food, drink festival: “A Shared Experience”

Branded the Amala and Akara Edition, the event offered guests a delicious taste of home with steaming bowls of Amala served alongside traditional Gbegiri and Ewedu soups.

The gathering was not just about food but also about rekindling heritage through Yoruba nursery rhymes, tales, and traditional games.

The entertainment featured Masoyinbo games, tales by moonlight storytelling, and engaging Yoruba songs that filled the venue with laughter and a strong sense of community.

These elements highlighted the event’s core mission: preserving Nigerian culture among the diaspora.

Founder Toolz shared that what began as a small gathering of friends has grown into a lively platform for cultural expression.

“I didn’t just want to serve food, I wanted to serve a piece of home, a taste of nostalgia, and a reminder of our roots,” she said.

Toolz expressed a hopeful vision for the future: transforming AmalaHangOutWithTolu into a full African food festival in the UK.

“Though it seems a big dream, I trust in a big God who can do exceedingly above all we can imagine,” she said passionately.

From its modest beginnings with 19 friends under the theme “Rich Aunty Vibes,” the event has evolved into a unifying force for Nigerians in the UK.

Adding to the fun were prizes for the best dressed guest, who received a £10 voucher, and rewards for the best table and most interactive group, which each won a pack of noodles.

The Hull edition was supported by Agbeke Artistry, FSA Events & Decor, and Nigerian media agency Iretura, with partnerships from Yoruba Lede, Ayinkeakewi_uk, Star Cuisine, and Thespoonhand.

Also read: Lagos launches seafood festival to boost maritime economy

More than just a gathering, AmalaHangOutWithTolu is a cultural movement weaving food, heritage, and fellowship into a strong community fabric, setting the stage for an ambitious African food festival in the UK.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”