Gladness Gideon and Chisom Umejiaku
The city of Lagos witnessed a monumental gathering on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, when the ROOTED Conference 2025 brought together an eclectic mix of visionaries, educators, creatives, entrepreneurs, and young people at the prestigious Muson Centre in Victoria Island. The event, described as a celebration of culture, identity, and empowerment, was nothing short of a cultural renaissance that has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s educational and creative landscape.
From the moment the first guests arrived, the energy in the air was palpable. The conference room quickly filled, with nearly 1,000 attendees rotating throughout the day, participating in dynamic conversations and soaking in the cultural vitality that defined the event. The packed hall was not just a reflection of ROOTED’s growing influence, but a testament to the collective hunger of Nigerians yearning for authentic expressions of their culture, history, and heritage. It was a day where the African identity was not only celebrated but reaffirmed.
The ROOTED Movement: A Call to Reclaim Our Identity
ROOTED is more than just a conference; it is a movement—a powerful call to return to our roots, to embrace our culture, and to reclaim our identity in a world that often seeks to diminish it. The event was ignited by an impassioned speech that called upon Africans to stop shrinking in the face of globalization, to stop repackaging their food, language, and names to fit in, and to rise in pride.
As the keynote speaker passionately declared, “Man proposes, but God disposes.” The theme of the event— “A Cultural Renaissance, A Global Awakening”—was underscored by the venue itself, Muson Centre, a cultural symbol of Lagos. Though it was not the original venue, the shift to this iconic space was seen as a divine blessing, a sign that when vision is rooted, destiny calls it higher.
The conference urged attendees to recognize the subtle forms of colonialism that still shape our perceptions of worth. From the renaming of our foods to the erasure of our heroes in global history books, it was a call to stop conforming to the expectations of others and to begin celebrating ourselves. It was a direct challenge to the status quo, with a call for action that was nothing short of revolutionary.
Cultural Expression: A Feast for the Senses
The cultural showcase at ROOTED 2025 was nothing short of spectacular. The audience was treated to a breathtaking fashion parade, where Nigerian creativity and Afrocentric fashion took centre stage. The vibrant display of traditional attire, contemporary designs, and bold patterns left the audience in awe, reinforcing the theme of the event—a celebration of African heritage through art and style.
But it wasn’t just about fashion. The event was also infused with performances that showcased the richness of African creativity. Stilt walkers, spoken word artists, dancers, and actors brought the atmosphere to life, weaving a sense of spectacle and celebration that could only be described as an unforgettable festival. These performances were not just acts of entertainment, but powerful expressions of African identity in its most authentic form.
A Conversation on Culture, Education, and the Future
Panel sessions were another key highlight of the conference, where dynamic, honest, and often intense conversations took place. Thought leaders, educators, and creatives gathered to discuss critical issues affecting African youth, including the importance of cultural pride, identity, and the future of African education. These sessions were a call for a new wave of thinkers, one that embraces a deep understanding of who we are as Africans, while positioning the next generation for success in a globalized world.
One such conversation was led by the convener, esteemed Ronke Posh Adeniyi, an advocate for cultural education, who launched her much-anticipated book, I Am Culture. The book is a children’s resource that aims to instill pride in young Africans by teaching them about their heritage, affirming their value, and promoting self-love. The book launch, part of the ROOTED agenda, was a pivotal moment for many parents and educators who were eager to provide their children with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex world without losing sight of their cultural foundations.
READ ALSO: Denrele Edun Urges Youth to Embrace Identity at Rooted in Culture Panel
ROOTED Anthem: An Anthem for a New Generation
Perhaps the most emotional moment of the conference was the debut of the ROOTED Anthem, I Know Who I Am—Rooted. The song, which blends Afrobeat rhythms with powerful affirmations, instantly became a rallying cry for pride, confidence, and cultural awareness. Its debut was met with standing ovations as the attendees sang along, feeling the deep sense of pride that the song embodied.
The anthem, composed by Ronke Posh, was more than just a song—it was a message. A message that resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom had longed for a way to express their love for Africa and their heritage. It was a statement that said, “We are enough. We have always been enough.” The anthem is set to become a global symbol of African pride, inspiring not just those in the room but children and adults across the world.
A Future Rooted in Pride
ROOTED 2025 was not just a one-time event. It was the beginning of a cultural awakening, a movement that is set to continue to evolve and grow in influence. As the closing ceremony unfolded, gratitude filled the air, with thanks extended to the incredible team behind the event, including Chinwe Attoh, the event producer, who helped bring the vision to life against all odds.
As the conference ended, it became clear that ROOTED was not merely an event—it was a movement that had awakened minds and hearts, reminding everyone in attendance of the importance of embracing one’s roots. The message was clear: Africans must take ownership of their identity, reject the limitations imposed upon them, and rise as one people, proud of who they are.
The legacy of ROOTED 2025 is set to inspire future generations to embrace their culture, their heritage, and their true worth. As the final applause echoed through the Muson Centre, there was a collective sense that the movement was just beginning. With plans already underway for ROOTED 2026, there is no doubt that this conference will continue to shape the cultural landscape, one rooted identity at a time.
The ROOTED Conference 2025 has come and gone, but its impact will be felt for years to come. For those who attended, it was a reminder of the power of culture, identity, and self-love—a call to be proud of who we are and to share that pride with the world. This is only the beginning. ROOTED is here to stay.
