KANFEST 2025: Kano Welcomes The World To Grand Celebration of Arts And Culture
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Kano State is to host the maiden edition of KANFEST (Kalankuwa),a festival of arts and culture that will celebrate the rich heritage, creativity, and identity of the people of the state.
Themed:“Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future,”the festival will take place from October 25th to October 27th, 2025, at the Kano Trade Fair Complex, through the Kano State Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
A statement by the State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Wayya, said the event would hold under the coordination of the Deputy Governor of the State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Kano State, I am delighted to announce the maiden edition of KANFEST (Kalankuwa), a festival of arts and culture that will celebrate the rich heritage, creativity, and identity of our people.
“This historic event promises to be a melting pot of tradition and creativity, bringing together artists, cultural groups, investors and visitors from across Nigeria and around the world.
“It represents our government’s firm commitment to preserving our cultural values, promoting creative innovation, and building bridges between the past and the future. Through this festival, we aim to make culture a tool for peace, unity, tourism, and economic growth,” Comrade Wayya said.
The commissioner said the people of the state are proud custodians of history and that history would come alive in the ancient city of Kano during the three-day event.
According to him,Guests would have the unique opportunity to “see, taste, and feel Kano’s soil, and to experience our finest cultural traditions on one stage.”
Highlights of the festival, Comrade Wayya said,include:Wrestling the Old Kano Way, “showcasing our traditional strength and valor,”Majema Tanning Artistry Revealed,” celebrating our global reputation for leather craft.”
Others are:Dukawa Leather Craftsmanship, where innovation meets tradition and
“All Tribes, One Stage, reflecting our unity in diversity.”
“KANFEST is a festival beyond entertainment, it is a cultural rebirth. It is about honouring our heritage and empowering the future, because culture is our identity, and it must be celebrated.
“Through this festival, we are reviving our heritage, creating opportunities for cultural industries, and attracting new investments to Kano truly, from festival to foreign direct investment.
“As we open our doors to the world, I call on everyone within and outside Kano to join us in this cultural movement. Let us show the world that Kano remains the cradle of Hausa civilization, a land of proud people and proud heritage, where culture connects communities and inspires tomorrow.
“Indeed, the world is coming to Kano through culture,” the commissioner added.