Abuja Set to Host 6th Edition of DAFA: Celebrating African Creativity, Culture, and Community
Abuja Set to Host 6th Edition of DAFA: Celebrating African Creativity, Culture, and Community
Jerry Adesewo
The city of Abuja is set to come alive with rhythm, colour, and cultural splendour as the 6th edition of the Dance and Arts Festival Abuja (DAFA) kicks off from July 4th to 6th, 2025. Organised by Stinex Productions under the creative direction of Esther Ekele Ikyanyon, this year’s edition promises to be a vibrant showcase of African talent, creativity, and unity.
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DAFA is a fast-growing arts festival with a mission to promote dance and other artistic expressions rooted in African heritage. More than just a celebration, the festival is a platform for cultural preservation, cross-border artistic exchange, and community empowerment.
According to Esther “DAFA is a peace and unity project. It builds the future of creativity and innovation while celebrating our ethnicity, culture, and Africanism.”
This year’s edition features a robust lineup of activities spread across three days:
Opening Show – July 4th, 7 PM at Groove Restaurant, Abuja
Fire & Ice Themed Party – July 5th, 7 PM at Hootas Restaurant, with guests invited to wear red or blue to reflect their personality
Grand Finale – July 6th, 3 PM at Harris Hotel, Wuye, with a dress code of elegant attire.
DAFA 2025 will feature electrifying performances from Hearts Heartist, The Blazer Theatre, Abuja’s Finese, Dayo, Magnificent DC, The Great Minds Academy, Dayve Dance Company, Ijele, Lord Joe, Charisma, Falilat, and others. In addition to solo and group acts, the DAFA production team will present a special theatrical production blending dance and spoken word, offering audiences a multisensory storytelling experience.
Beyond performance, the festival is guided by six core values:
Creativity & Expression – Showcasing diverse talents across dance, drama, music, and visual arts
Cultural Preservation – Honouring Africa’s rich heritage through contemporary and traditional art forms
Collaboration & Community – Creating networks that foster growth within the creative ecosystem
Inspiration & Empowerment – Encouraging self-expression and challenging societal norms
Excellence & Innovation – Pushing artistic boundaries through bold, original work
Entertainment & Impact – Offering unforgettable experiences with social resonance
DAFA has grown into a cultural staple in Abuja’s creative calendar, drawing participation from across Nigeria and the wider African artistic community. Its commitment to building bridges among creatives and preserving African traditions through modern lenses has earned it recognition as both an entertainment and educational platform.
As anticipation builds, organisers assure that DAFA 2025 will not only entertain but inspire. With its diverse lineup and immersive events, this edition is expected to leave a lasting impact on performers, participants, and audiences alike.
Follow @Dafafestival on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
For inquiries, contact 0703 069 4868.
Abuja Set to Host 6th Edition of DAFA: Celebrating African Creativity, Culture, and Community