Cultural movement in Lagos to unveil first Afrobeat anthem for African children, inspire families at home and abroad to reclaim heritage
In an era where global influences are increasingly erasing indigenous identity, a new cultural initiative is taking a bold stand for African pride. The ROOTED: Identity & Heritage Conference for Children, Teens & Parents—founded by education advocate RonkePosh Adeniyi—is set to hold on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Guiding Light Assembly, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Described by Adeniyi as “a movement, not just a conference,” ROOTED seeks to reverse the erosion of African heritage by equipping children and families with tools to embrace their language, traditions, and history.
The event will feature panel discussions, storytelling, cultural performances, and the historic unveiling of the first-ever Afrobeat anthem for African children, “Rooted (I Know Who I Am).”
“We cannot afford to raise a generation of children who are disconnected from who they are,” Adeniyi said ahead of the event. “ROOTED is about giving them confidence, pride, and a deep sense of belonging—whether they live in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles.”
Tackling an Identity Crisis
The conference responds to a growing cultural identity crisis among African children, seen in the rejection of native languages, the shortening of traditional names, and the perception of African attire, food, and skin tones as inferior. Organisers say ROOTED will challenge these trends through a mix of education and celebration.
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Workshops will explore how parents and educators can revive indigenous languages at home, integrate traditional values into modern living, and provide cultural exposure that strengthens self-esteem.
Global Call to Africans
While rooted in Lagos, the movement targets African families worldwide, especially those in the diaspora navigating cultural assimilation.
“If we do not tell our own stories, others will define us,” Adeniyi said. “ROOTED is our way of saying to our children: you are enough, and your heritage is powerful.”
Cultural Highlights
Participants can expect spoken word performances, drama, traditional dances, and the live performance of “Rooted (I Know Who I Am)”, which Adeniyi describes as “a chant of belonging” for African children everywhere.