Lagos is about to witness an extraordinary fusion of culture, creativity, and conscious innovation as NMO Management Limited unveils the Artistic Pulse Festival (APF) — a five-day celebration of Africa’s artistic brilliance and sustainability. Billed as Africa’s first sustainable recycling festival, the event will take place from December 3rd to 7th, setting the tone for what promises to be a remarkable #DettyDecember experience.
Set against the iconic backdrop of Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) — the historic site where Nigeria marked its independence in 1960 — the festival’s location reflects its theme of blending heritage with a forward-thinking vision. The setting, both symbolic and significant, embodies the message of transformation: preserving the past while creating a cleaner, more creative future.
This year’s theme, “Footprints of Interconnectivity, Growth and Expansion: Creativity, Culture, Commerce and Innovation,” captures the essence of what APF represents — a dynamic meeting point for artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, and cultural enthusiasts who believe in the power of creativity to drive sustainable development.
According to Dr. Ngozi Omambala, Founder and CEO of NMO Management Limited, the Artistic Pulse Festival is not merely an event — it’s a cultural awakening. “The festival is about celebrating Africa’s creative energy while shaping a sustainable future,” she explained. “We are merging fashion, film, music, technology, and innovation within a waste-free ecosystem that shows what a conscious Africa can look like.”
Over its five-day duration, APF will showcase a rich medley of music performances, fashion exhibitions, Nollywood film screenings, and art installations, all woven together under a sustainability-driven framework. The festival’s creative heartbeat is expected to attract visitors, influencers, and stakeholders from across the continent.
A vibrant Children’s Corner and Art Play Zone will also be part of the program, providing young minds with opportunities to express creativity through painting, crafts, and interactive workshops. The goal is to inspire a generation of eco-conscious creators who see art as a tool for transformation.
Beyond entertainment, the festival will host symposiums, debates, and creative industry workshops. These sessions will feature thought leaders from across Africa discussing the intersections of culture, commerce, and sustainability. For many attendees, APF is expected to be as intellectually stimulating as it is visually captivating.
At the heart of the festival’s program lies the Pan African 11th Annual Music Fashion Runway (#MFR) — scheduled for Saturday, December 6th at the Naval Dockyard, Lagos. Recognized as “Nigeria’s most influential fashion brand showcase,” the MFR is a staple on the continent’s fashion calendar, renowned for blending haute couture with the rhythms of African music.
“The Music Fashion Runway is our flagship — a global showcase of African excellence,” Dr. Omambala said with pride. “It’s a fusion of style, sound, and identity. Each year, it brings together international models, innovative designers, and performers who celebrate our shared heritage and modern creativity.”
Complementing the creative showcases is the APF Trade Fair (#APFTradeFair) — a vibrant hub designed to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Backed by the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment (MCCTI), the fair will spotlight businesses in the fashion, food, and technology sectors, helping them connect with investors and export markets. “Creativity should not only entertain but also empower,” Dr. Omambala emphasized. “Through the trade fair, we’re giving SMEs visibility and a platform to scale their dreams into global ventures.”
In what promises to be one of the festival’s defining moments, international superstar and American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks, has been announced as the headline international act. Her performance is anticipated to ignite the Lagos stage, drawing a diverse audience eager to witness the blend of global artistry and African spirit.
“Having Jordin Sparks perform live in Lagos is monumental,” Dr. Omambala remarked. “It sends a message that Africa’s creative pulse is being felt worldwide — and that global collaborations can foster positive cultural and environmental change.”
For those unable to attend in person, APF will be streamed live on YouTube via NMO Management & PR’s official channel, ensuring the world can join in the experience. The hybrid format demonstrates the festival’s inclusivity and its goal of making art accessible beyond borders.
Sustainability remains the beating heart of APF’s mission. Every aspect — from stage design to vendor operations — will follow a waste-free protocol. “We’re ensuring the entire festival leaves no environmental footprint. This is Africa’s blueprint for a cleaner, greener creative future,” Dr. Omambala noted.
As anticipation builds across Nigeria and beyond, the Artistic Pulse Festival stands poised to redefine the creative landscape — a bold reminder that art, when driven by purpose, has the power to transform societies, inspire innovation, and leave behind not waste, but lasting impact.