The inaugural Yoruba Cultural Festival London (YCFL) has been successfully concluded at the London East Business Park, delivering an extraordinary day of cultural celebration, captivating performances, and meaningful global connections.
Organised by Zion Train Entertainment, the event showcased the richness of Yoruba heritage and its relevance in today’s world. Headlined by the renowned artiste, Qdot, the festival ended on a high note. The Best-Dressed Male and Female were recognised for their exceptional efforts, receiving prestigious YCFL merchandise and traditional talking drums as prizes.
Hosted by MC Bidemi Alaran, the event featured a compelling speech from YCFL Director, Mr. Abimbola Adeyemo, who was applauded for his vision and dedication to using art and music as tools to bridge cultural divides and address tribalism in the United Kingdom (UK) and beyond.
Adeyemo emphasised the importance of preserving Yoruba tradition, saying: “Our work is more critical now than ever. Through YCFL, we aim to preserve our customs and educate the world about the richness of Yoruba ancestry while building bridges across cultures. Let us unite artists, cultural leaders, and policymakers to ensure our heritage remains intact while fostering global collaboration, diversity and inclusion.”
Adeyemo also touched on his initiative of using entertainment as a tool to promote mental health awareness, urging the audience to embrace traditional and international values, and modern approaches to fostering emotional resilience.
The YCFL also served as a platform to highlight mental health awareness, an issue of growing importance within the Diaspora and beyond. Zion Train Entertainment UK used the opportunity to draw attention to the need for open conversations and support systems around mental well-being.
This was a recurring theme in speeches by notable speakers, including actress-turned-psychologist, Victoria Inyama, and renowned psychologist, Dr. Bukola Komolafe, who emphasised the importance of mental health in maintaining a balanced life amid cultural and societal pressures.
The festival featured electrifying performances by multi-award-winning drummer, Ayan De First and his six-man band; Afrobeats star, Bigiano (Shayo Master), and Damibliz. Alongside the performances, the event also featured industry insights from media and entertainment consultant, DJ Abass of DJA Media, who shared thought-provoking perspectives on collaborations shaping the UK Afro-music industry.