KANFEST 2025: Kano Welcomes the World to a Grand Celebration of Arts, Culture

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 is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kano by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya.

He said the three-day festival, themed “Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future,” would hold from October 25th to 27, 2025, at the Kano Trade Fair Complex.

He explained that the event, organised through the Kano State Ministry of Culture and Tourism would be coordinated by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo and is expected to attract artists, cultural groups, investors, and visitors from within and outside Nigeria.

“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”

According to him, KANFEST 2025 represents the government’s commitment to 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.

Waiya listed some of the major highlights to include ‘Wrestling the Old Kano Way’, ‘Majema Tanning Artistry Revealed’, ‘Dukawa Leather Craftsmanship’, and ‘All Tribes, One Stage’, which would reflect Kano’s 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” Waiya said