Webinar on the Afro-Brazilian heritage in Nigeria
Strolling down the streets of Lagos Island today, one of the oldest parts of Lagos, there comes a moment when one notices a change. After taking a left on Bamgbose Street coming from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, suddenly street names get a Portuguese ring, like Campos, Carrena and Ricca. The architecture changes too. Once you recognise the Brazilian theme in Lagos, you will notice it in more than just the buildings. It is also present in the food (akara/acaraje), the music (the influence of samba rhythms on jújú music) and the culture (carnival parades). Yet many Nigerians are not aware of this special historical connection of their country with Brazil.
Legacy 1995, a Nigerian historical and environmental interest group actively involved in the preservation and promotion of the Nigerian cultural heritage and history, would like to reconnect with the Afro-Brazilian past in the present.
Legacy 1995 is organising a one-and-a-half hour online seminar with short interviews and presentations to sketch a picture of past and present, followed by Q & A with the audience. The question asked will be 'how to remember the Afro-Brazilian heritage in Nigeria?' The discussion will explore the practical and theoretical ways in which the history of Brazil's returnees to Nigeria can be publicised, showcased, taught and protected.
Speakers and participants are both academics in the field, people of Afro-Brazilian descent and other stakeholders. The online format gives the opportunity to truly connect across the Atlantic and reach out to Brazil, and elsewhere outside Nigeria.
What to expect?
- Virtual tour of Lagos' Brazilian Quarter by Graciano Martins, President of the Brazilian Descendant's Association
- Presentation by Lisa Earl-Castillo, independent scholar and author of numerous articles on Afro-Brazilian and Aguda history
- Interview with Titilola Marinho-Anigdugbe, a Nigerian researching the Brazilian roots of her Nigerian/Beninese family
- Presentation by Femke van Zeijl on her research into Casa do Fernandez aka Ilojo Bar
Date and time:
Thursday March 25
5 – 6:30 PM Lagos time (WAT)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvd-2prjsqHNx8knbIns3J1W_3oa0uNtkH
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
- The webinar is part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of Legacy 1995 -