Recently, Banana Island Property Owners and Residents Association celebrated its yearly Banana Island Cultural Festival (BCIF).

The festival was conceived to celebrate the ethnic nationalities that populate the community.

This year’s event was a pot pourri of performances and cultural shows such as dance, drama and fashion parade.

The theme for this year’s event was ‘A New Season’, which is a reflection of the spirit of hope and optimism for a better Nigeria under a new administration.
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The diversity in Banana Island community and the country at large was reflected in the fashion show, where major ethnic groups in the country strut the runway in their traditional attires alongside Korean, Indian, Chinese, Phillipinos, Ghanaians, Indonesian and South African nationals.

There was also a coronation drama depicting the process of ascension to the Bini royal throne. The dramatic piece equally showcased Bini’s rich culture, costumes and rituals.

The icing on the cake was Korea’s IOF Crew performance at the festival. The performing art group expresses original and dynamic movements.

Korea brought in as much Korean culture for the maximum pleasure of all, as earlier in the day, they showcased eight different dishes such as, Yangnyeom Chicken Boneless, Kimchi Fried Rice, Bulgogi Gimbab, Japchae, Haemul Pajeon, Tteokbokki, Samgak Gimbab, Ganjang Chicken and lots of Korean snacks and drinks to share.

The crew’s stylised footwork and athletic moves such as, back and head spins were really expressive.

The group’s leader, Park Seung-Gu, described the dance as “a performance that reinterprets Korean traditions in a sophisticated and hip way through the use of Korean Bongsan mask and street dance.

It blends both breakdance and freestyle with individual originality properly stressed.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Korean Cultural Centre, Nigeria, Kim Chang-Ki, said, “as a cultural centre, we saw this event as an opportunity to celebrate the many cultures within the Banana Island. We also saw it as an opportunity to bring the Korean wave to Lagos since it doesn’t have a Korean cultural centre. The whole aim of KCCN is to create a mutually beneficial bond between Nigeria and Korea, creating awareness and a lasting relationship, both at the grassroots and on an international front and this opportunity provided a place to do that.”

In the K- Culture experience area, visitors could make inquiries about the centre’s activities, about Korea and also find out more about Busan’s bid for World Expo 2030.
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