#2 Contemplating Community

Community KDW © Goethe-Institut

This session had the Egbe rites of the traditional people of Ibadan led by Ayodele Olofintuade in dialouge with a house music set of the alternative music scene of Lagos led by Sons of Ubuntu.

This dialouge contectualized religion, community and thirdspaces sharing the rituals which communities use to maintain cohesion and compliance amoungst members, rites of introduction needed for community building and the necessity of space for a shared practice.

KDW 2 © Goethe-Institut

KDW 22 © Goethe-Institut

KDW 23 © Goethe-Institut

What are alternative frameworks for third spaces in Nigeria?

In Yoruba indigenous ecosystems, Olodumare sustains multiple realities in harmony with other beings like Ìyàmi (primordial mothers), Èṣù (messenger god), Irúnmolè (primordial divinities), and Orí, the personal god guiding each individual’s destiny. Central to this is Egbẹ, spiritual companions who help navigate life’s challenges, offering support and connection. Similarly, house music has served as a powerful force for community building, especially among marginalized groups, creating safe spaces for care, growth, and shared healing. For this edition we invite you to dialogue between the Egbe framework in Yoruba spirituality alongside the thriving house music communities in Lagos, reflecting on how both foster belonging and collective well-being.

Speakers and Contributors

Chinyere Obieze
Head of Library and Information
Patrick Odimife
Didi Museum, Curator
Moderator
Ayodele Olofintuade is yet to understand the concept of cis-heteronormativity. They are the author of Swallow:Efunsetan Aniwura(2022), Lakiriboto Chronicles: A brief History of Badly Behaved Women(2018), Eno’s Story(2010), which was shortlisted for the NLNG Prize for Literature in 2011. They are famous for being genius at creating chaos by merely existing. Their short stories, non-fiction, research and essays have been published in diverse international magazines and journals. They're n Ifa and Òrìsà scholar presently researching indigenous peoples of Yoruba and ways their practices are intertwined with stewardship of the land and nature. And has earned herself the cognomen of Egungun within these circles for wearing colourful socks with everything. They live in Ibadan with their kids and a pair of half-wild cats
Sons of Ubuntu is a Lagos based DJ known for his transcending and emotionally experiential sets. He leads you on an inward journey in pursuit of harmony and self-awareness by immersing you in a musical experience that resonates with your soul and elevates your spirit. A founding curator at Sweat It Out, SoU is a community builder and a music producer.

#2 Contemplating Community

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Speakers and Contributors

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#2 Contemplating Community

Reading List

Speakers and Contributors

Olofintuade Ayodele Author

Sons of Ubuntu DJ Founder Sweat it Out

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