Flavours of Africa: A Culinary and Cultural Journey with South African Spice

On the evening of June 21, 2025, guests gathered at the Flavours of Africa event for a curated immersion into the culinary richness and cultural synergy between Nigeria and South Africa. Held in a travel inspired setting with a striking “airport style” entrance, attendees were welcomed with cocktails and an atmosphere that echoed movement, flavour, and connection.

Set to the backdrop of South African music and elegant ambiance, guests were seated as the MC welcomed everyone aboard an “outbound flight” to South Africa. Air hostesses completed the immersive scene, while dignitaries and speakers guided the journey.

The South African Consul General opened the evening with a message of cross cultural friendship. In his remarks, media entrepreneur Lucky Idike emphasised the untapped potential of African food storytelling. Referencing projections that the African food industry in America could be worth billions by 2035, he made a case for TV as a powerful tool for shaping global appetites and expanding culinary horizons.

At the heart of the night was a showcase by Chef Atara, whose cooking bridges Nigerian and South African traditions across the US. Her dishes for the night: barbecue chicken, chakalaka, potato salad, tuna salad, salsa, and more featured spices and ingredients sourced directly from South Africa, offering guests a layered taste of the region’s culinary identity.

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Adding depth to the evening was Chief Mrs. Jibuonu, a wellness advocate whose personal connection to South Africa and Benue’s Mandela Park shaped her view of food as healing. A grandmother of 13 and glowing in her seventies, she spoke of flavour as memory, and spices as tools for wellbeing.

Musical interludes by Gaise Baba, especially his crowd favourite No Turning Back, heightened the celebratory mood. As guests dined on the first course, they were treated to a series of inspiring messages from Pastor Ituah Ighodalo to designer Morin Obaweya, whose work continues to bridge culture and craftsmanship. Mr. Chidi, CEO of Branca Water and one of the evening’s sponsors, also shared a few words before the evening concluded with a live grill by Chef Dee and dessert, followed by a vote of thanks from Dr. Leke Oshunniyi.

From food to fashion, speeches to song, Flavours of Africa celebrated more than a meal. It created a moment that brought together heritage, entrepreneurship, and the shared future of African creative industries. In an increasingly connected world, events like this offer a taste of what unity through culture can look and feel like.

To keep up with upcoming experiences from Afro Flavours, follow their journey on Instagram @afroflavoursevents.

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