By: Enoch Stephen
Lagos is set to host the inaugural XFP Afro Disability Arts Festival (ADAF) in December 2026.
The event is expected to become Africa’s largest platform dedicated to showcasing the creativity, talent and cultural strength of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Organised by XFP Productions, the festival will run under the theme “Celebrating Ability Through Creativity and Culture”.
It aims to redefine public perceptions about disability by highlighting the capabilities and contributions of PWDs in the creative sector.
According to Anthony Jay Williams, CEO of XFP Productions and convener of the festival, ADAF is designed to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion across the continent.
He said the initiative represents a long-held vision to create a world-class stage where disabled and non-disabled artists can collaborate, express themselves freely and access economic opportunities.
The festival will feature an inclusive street carnival at a major Lagos venue, alongside performances in music, dance and comedy.
A major arts exhibition will showcase paintings, sculptures and photography by disabled artists, while an innovative fashion runway will spotlight adaptive clothing worn by models with disabilities, including persons with albinism and crutch users.
The event will also include the crowning of Miss and Mr ADAF as ambassadors for inclusive arts and culture, and a grand closing ceremony aimed at strengthening future partnerships.
Organisers say the festival goes beyond entertainment, with key objectives such as influencing inclusive cultural policies, expanding job opportunities for PWDs in the creative industry and positioning Lagos as a leading hub for inclusive cultural innovation.
Emmanuella Oluchi Ekwuazi, Project Coordinator for ADAF, said the festival will serve as a platform for artists, advocates and partners to connect and advance disability inclusion.
She noted that ADAF also provides corporate and development partners an opportunity to align with global inclusion goals while promoting diversity and accessibility across Africa.
XFP Productions has called on government agencies, private organizations and media partners to support the initiative, stating that investing in ADAF is a commitment to celebrating ability and strengthening inclusive cultural development on the continent.
