Lagos Fanti Carnival 2026: Teni, 9ice, Niniola, Reminisce Shine on Stage

The 2026 edition of the Lagos Fanti Carnival at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, was a show to remember, as top Nigerian artists electrified the crowd. Teni, 9ice, Niniola, and Reminisce led the charge with unforgettable performances. The carnival, which celebrates Lagos’ Afro-Brazilian heritage, also featured Terry Apala and emerging artists like Pereira and Dimeji. Highlights included Niniola’s energetic rendition of her hit ‘Maradona,’ Reminisce’s powerful street-hop anthems, 9ice’s throwback classics, and Teni’s fun interaction with fans on stage. The carnival’s cultural richness was further enhanced by colourful parades, samba rhythms, and Yoruba traditions, showcasing the fusion of Afro-Brazilian and indigenous influences. High-profile dignitaries like Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his wife Ibijoke, and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat graced the event. The 2026 theme, ‘A Homecoming of Heritage,’ paid tribute to the legacy of Afro-Brazilian returnees who resettled in Lagos in the 19th century. The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, also featured a pre-carnival summit discussing the economic potential of cultural festivals.