A fresh edition of your beautiful culture companion, the Culture Quarterly, is here yet again, capturing important events and opinions expressed abd the mood of the industry in the second quarter of this year 2026.
If you think the first quarter was loaded, having started the year on a bountiful cultural note, this edition, trust me, clocks the deal as a true celebration of outstanding cultural events and individuals with impact.
In embarking on the journey of a quarterly appraisal of everything that went down between April and June this year, therefore, this edition is people packed.
Highlight is heavy on how the ongoing FIFA World Cup holding in three countries – the United States of America, Canada and Mexico – has further thrown up some of our music icons who are featured in the landmark FIFA album while also having the tireless Burna Boy on the ultimate stage, performing alongside Shakira at the opening (as well as the closing ceremony on Sunday July 19th) at the mundial.
This is a big deal to Nigeria even for those who might not be football fans, given that Nigeria did not qualify for this year’s tournament.
And so what the Super Eagles missed on the pitch at the World Cup, Burna Boy, Davido, Rema and Ayrra Starr, made up for it in a big way.
Our Grammy-winning songstress, Tems, was big on the global stage too. She got a most-cherished invitation to perform at the grand opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago.
And what a performance she delivered!
More relevance came her way when, in company with Mrs Michelle Obama, met with emerging talents in the creative industry space to impart knowledge.
Whether they hit a milestone, were honoured for works done or departed into glory, this edition celebrated people.
Actors Kola Oyewo at 80 and Alexx Ekubo at 40 departed into ancestry with befitting celebration from their colleagues.
But Uncle Benson Idonije at 90 and Prof. Femi Osofisan at 80 stood up to be counted for hitting birthday milestones.
This edition also captures the emotional submission by Muyiwa Majekodunmi or simply Majek, to the ‘initiated’, as he poured out his heart to bid a final farewell to Jazzville centre which he founded in 1991 and ran for more than 20 years on Majaro street at Onike Lagos before it got transformed into Praiseville.
Our usual review of activities for the outgone quarter came with fresh revelations, especially from Nollywood. And it turned out that an ‘ordinary’ romantic film can get the industry animated and the box office excited.
‘Dammy Twitch’s ‘Call of My Life’ is certainly Nollywood’s revelation of the quarter; perhaps of the year. And we salute the effort behind this beautiful movie.
We didn’t forget to take a look at Netflix’s The Polygamist and we submit that the noise might not be a fluke afterall
Big cultural events also found their own spaces last quarter. From the phenomenal Ojude Oba in Ijebu Ode to the Fanti Carnival in Lagos, we captured and recreated all the fun and fanfare for your enjoyment.
This is the reason why CQ is served hot every quarter – to celebrate and document those special days and occasions that brought joy and media frenzy to the creative industry.
These are the type of stories we love to serve you quarterly in our usual style and in line with our mission.
Like the last edition, our ‘Words on Marble’ quote below returns but this time it captures the thoughtful reminder on our artefacts as aptly expressed by the Hon. Minister for Culture, Art, Tourism and Creative Economy.
Once again, we welcome you most heartily into this beautiful edition of the Culture Quarterly.
