Imagine a world where our old traditions spark new fires, where our forgotten stories are dusted off and worn like badges of honor. That’s a cultural renaissance in Plateau State in a nutshell. Cultural Renaissance is a fresh wave of love for one’s roots. When we blend the past with the modern vibe, we create something very powerful.
Across Africa today, people are ditching the perception that Western ways are in any way better than ours. Instead, Africans are firmly hugging their languages, dances, and customs very tight. Take for instance the Afrobeat tunes that echo global charts, and the fashion runways flaunting our Ankara prints. Africans are proudly shouting, “This is us, and we’re proud!”
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Fun fact: In Nigeria alone, cultural festivals have spiked by over 30% in the last decade. This draws millions who crave an authentic connection. Now, zoom into Nigeria’s coolest gem — Plateau State. Here, the renaissance isn’t just mere talk—it’s alive in the streets, songs, and styles, turning the “Home of Peace and Tourism” into a beacon of cultural pride.
The African Cultural Awakening: From Global Trends to Local Pride
This shift started with a global pushback against losing our true identities in a fast moving world. Africans, got tired of the colonial hangovers, and started reclaiming and changing narratives through social media and art.
Even the libraries are getting renovated, with Governor Mutfwang hosting a 2025 Literary Festival with the aim of reviving reading as a part of our cultural comeback. It’s not just the officials—everyday more people are in on it. This is making Plateau State a model for how our heritage can heal and unite.
Plateau’s Creative Boom: Musicians, Actors, and Content Creators Leading the Charge
When you step into Plateau’s creative scene, you’ll see how our creators are turning local flavors into global hits. Musicians like those from the Ngas tribe drop tracks rich with traditional beats, like Richard Doyo’s cultural tunes that rack up views on TikTok. Top artists such as Ice Prince and Ezra Jinang, with Plateau roots, collab with locals. Young promising Plateau musicians like Dicekid SOS, GTapzy, and other contemporary artists blend hip-hop with indigenous sounds.
Fun fact: The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Plateau chapter welcomes dancers, comedians, and even lawyers, creating a big family of creatives pushing heritage forward.
Actors and content creators aren’t left behind. Think Sha Nyiri Gwom and Arin Izere, they were named ambassadors for the ‘Plateau Cultural Carnival’, for starring in skits and films shot in the midst of Jos’s rocky hills.
Also, some top content makers in Jos’s fast rising entertainment wave use Plateau languages and locations to tell beautiful stories that resonate. From Instagram reels on our indigenous music to the YouTube docs on our tribal lore, these creatives are making culture cool again.
Events like the Experience Plateau Art and Fashion Exhibition showcase this, with fashion the designers highlighting our local fabrics in modern ways. It’s a boom that’s not just fun—but economic. This can go a long way in attracting tourists and spotlighting Plateau State’s over 50 ethnic groups.
Think Nollywood films spotlighting our African folklore or Nigerian musicians like Burna Boy weaving some Yoruba vibes into hits.
In Plateau state, it’s the same energy but with a local twist. Senator Simon Lalong has been vocal. He called the cultural renaissance a fix for peace and growth. The state government breathing life into spots like the 36-year-old Art & Culture Centre, will boost creativity and jobs.
Fashion Fusion: Youths Blending Modern Drip with Traditional Vibes
Gone are the days when beautiful traditional clothes gathered dust in our wardrobe. Plateau youths are now owning their identity by mixing it with street style, creating unique looks that turn heads. Imagine sneakers paired with Berom attires or hoodies rocked with Afizere patterns— that’s the vibe. Brands like those in the African Cultural Week 2025 flaunted this fusion, with models rocking bold designs that honour our heritage while staying fresh.
Fun fact: The Mupun attire’s navy blue, white, and brown colors carry spiritual meanings, and youths are weaving them into everyday outfits, like tees symbolizing unity.
This blend showcases deep pride. Contemporary kids in Jos blend global trends with our local twist. At the Nzem Berom Festival fashion shows, tradition was blended with contemporary styles without losing soul. Designers research on cultural fashion, helping us nail that perfect mix. This goes beyond wearing clothes—it’s a statement: “I’m Plateau, and I’m proud.” This trend echoes Nation-wide, where youths reimagine fashion to keep heritage alive and kicking.
Hands-On Heritage: Youth Involvement in Festivals and Cultural Activities
At Plateau State’s festivals, the renaissance pulses strongest, with youths attending in their mass. At Pusdung, the Ngas harvest celebration, youths lead dances and parades. They infuse energy that keeps traditions thriving. The Plateau Youth Council pushes for cultural tourism, getting kids involved in events that showcase dances, wrestling, and feasts.
Fun fact: Music festivals in Jos North boost youth engagement, turning passive watchers into active participants who learn and perform heritage arts.
Documentaries and activities follow suit. Youths are now filming stories and documentaries of our culture. Even amidst various challenges, they use their creativity to express and preserve our culture. The NAHWAI Festival wows audiences with different activities, leaving the attendees hooked on Plateau’s rich heritage.
The Plateau Cultural Carnival also helps in uniting communities. Young ambassadors are inspiring their peers to dive deep into our heritage. This hands-on approach helps in building skills and pride. It also ensures that our culture isn’t just remembered—but lived.
Preservation Efforts of Cultural Renaissance in Plateau State: Safeguarding Plateau’s Rich Legacy
To keep this fire burning, Plateau State got solid plans. The government is eyeing a roadmap that revives our heritage, our troupes and updates the Tourism Master Plan.
Initiatives like harnessing Pan Chiefdom’s Artifacts for Sustainable Growth, focus on material culture for development. Open GLAM campaigns also promote free knowledge on geography and heritage, involving schools so as to teach kids early.
Fun fact: Jos National Museum’s colorful events, like International Museum Day, draw crowds to explore preserved artifacts.
Tourism boosts come from eco-projects and festivals, they attract global eyes while funding preservation. The Ministry of Tourism is working on infrastructure. Infrastructure that would make sites like waterfalls and other natural attractions accessible but protected. These efforts are combatting globalization’s threats, as noted by leaders. This ensures Plateau’s diversity—from Berom to Ngas—remains strong.
Finally, Plateau’s cultural renaissance is a promise kept. With the youths leading, the creators innovating, and the communities uniting, our heritage isn’t fading—it’s evolving, stronger than ever. Our pride is swelling; Plateau’s story proves that our roots can weather any storm, and shine bright for generations. Let’s keep the flame alive—because Plateau culture? It’s unextinct and unbreakable. It is here to stay!