Brazilian Descendants hold musical, drama concert at Popo Aguda 2020

Arrangements have been concluded to hold the second Popo Easter Musical and Drama Concert on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 at the Campos Mini Stadium, Ajele, Lagos Island.

The event, tagged ‘Strengthening Our Roots’ is being organised by the Brazilian Descendants in Lagos in conjunction with the Consulate General, Brazilian Embassy in Lagos.

According to the convener, Bolaji Charles Mendes, this edition of the Easter Carnival is in response to the success of the first edition held last year, a festival held within the Brazilian Quarters (Popo Aguda) on Lagos Island.

“The Impact of the first edition necessitated more space for the audience. No doubt, the experience enjoyed in the first event has continued to bring in sweet memories of a reunited and rejuvenated community. Many families of the descendants were present,” said Mendes at a media briefing to herald the event.

On what to expected at the Easter fiesta, Mendes said: “In addition to featuring great musicians who are related to our origin cutting across different age brackets such as veterans Jimi Solanke, contemporary Yinka Alakija and Prime Quest Band, Gboyega Adelaja, Jesse Buga, among others. We are featuring a band representation from Brazil, Mr. Juri Passos, a Brazilian drummer, Alagbe rooted in traditional Yoruba music from Salvado, Bahia is also an instructor having trained many people in learning how to beat the drum.

“We are equally presenting our Lagos and Brazilian cultures by bringing the Lagos State University (LASU) drama group, Eko Samba group and the exclusive Popo Aguda Meboi group (The Bull, the Ostrich, the Horse) to do justice to the drama presentations and cultural aspect of Lagos State and our Popo Aguda community.

Mendes, however, paid a glowing tribute to the Consulate General of the Brazilian Embassy in Lagos for the support ahead of the festival, which he said has been tremendous.

The Vice Consul General of Brazilian Embassy in Lagos, Samuel Heldges Bamdeira said the Embassy was happy that the Brazilian descendants could wake up to trace their roots, adding, “if you don’t know your past, you won’t know where you are heading to.”

“I am so happy to see that Brazilian descendants in Lagos are looking out for the positives from their roots. I want to say that the Embassy is happy to associate with this laudable initiative and we are ready to partner with the organisers.

Both Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Tunji Alapini (retd.) and Major Tunde Panox (retd.) assured that the organisers would leave nothing to chance to ensure that adequate security is provided during the fiesta on Easter Sunday.

Other members of Brazilian Descendants Association present at the press conference on Friday included Otunba Kunle Williams, Otunba Williams Kuye, Mr. Williams Cole and Mrs. Barbara Atinuke Harper.