Adire Cultural Night takes centre stage in London

The maiden Adire London Cultural Night, organized by the Tayese Academy of Arts and Culture (TAAC) London held on June 20, 2025, in the United Kingdom, had continued to generate buzz, while sparking positive reactions.

The event sponsored by ROB Travels and Tour Ltd. showcased the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria through the traditional Adire textile, highlighting its significance in Nigerian identity and its potential to promote unity, ambition, and cultural preservation.

Nigerians in UK came out en mass on their various stylish Adire outfits to grace the symbolic occasion which spotlights the Nigerian cultural identity, while inspiring and empowering individuals to embrace their heritage and celebrate their roots.

The Adire fabric dates to the early 19th century in Abeokuta, where yoruba women particularly from the Ẹgbá ethnic group began creating hand-dyed fabrics using indigo, cassava paste, and intricate resist-dye techniques.

The women were not tailors, they were chemists, artists, entrepreneurs. Adire isn’t just decorative, it is declarative, saying – “This is who I am. This is where I come from. This is the story I carry.”
Adire literally means, it comes from “adi” — to tie — and “re” — to dye.

The process itself is a metaphor for life:before the colour comes, you must go through the tying, the squeezing, the soaking the adversity that gives birth to artistry.

In her keynote address, Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, President of Nigerian Women in South Africa, highlighted the significance of Adire in Nigerian culture, noting that Adire is more than just a fabric; it’s a representation of Nigerian culture and identity.

She stressed the importance of preserving Nigerian culture, particularly in today’s fast-paced world where cultural identity could be diluted.

She emphasized that culture breeds character, while Adire teaches valuable qualities such as resilience, discipline, patience, and excellence.

“Let us wear our identity loud, proud, and profoundly from the streets of Lagos to the lights of London.

“Àṣà tí a bá fi ọwọ́ bo ni yóó bọ́ lọwọ́” (The culture we cover with our hands is what will remain in our hands.

“As we celebrate Adire, let us remember we are not just wearing fabric. We are wearing the pride of a people who refused to fade,”she said.

In her remark, the Guest speaker, Ms.Esther Olorunfemi, CEO, Estree London in United Kingdom, who spoke on the Future of Adire and Our Culture in the Diaspora, described Adire as a symbol of Nigerian cultural identity, with its intricate patterns and designs reflecting the country’s rich history and heritage.

Olorunfemi emphasized the importance of preserving Nigerian culture and wearing Adire not just as a fashion statement, but a mindset of promoting unity and ambition.

She charged Nigerians living abroad to be proud of their culture and endeavour to preserve it.

Also, Mr Olanrewaju Sharafa, Founder, Tayese Academy of Arts and Culture(TAAC),in his welcome address, appreciated the guests, partners, sponsors, friends, and lovers of Yoruba arts and culture for attending and supporting the event.

Sharafa, also a Chartered Accountant, paid tribute to the Nigeria traditional institutions and royal fathers, whose influence sustained and promotes yoruba heritage, especially, Oba Adesola Lawal, the Timi of Ede, whose dedication to cultural preservation has been a constant source of inspiration.

He noted that the mission of Tayese Academy is to promote yoruba culture globally through meaningful and innovative programmes, including, cultural training and certification, exchange programmes, sponsorship of international creatives, yoruba film and digital content production, Art exhibitions and cultural storytelling.

“Tonight is just one example of our commitment to celebrating yoruba excellence across the diaspora.

“Adire is our woven heritage, fashion, pride, and we committed to promoting the fabric across the globe,”he said.

The event included, raffle draw, fashion show, music, networking, and cultural displays.