The Irie Vibes Fest in conjunction with the Slum Party will hold a special programme to celebrate dance culture, creativity, and also create awareness about cervical cancer and prevention. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 25 at Slum Party, Oworonshoki Youth Centre, Lagos.
The irie Vibes Fest is an initiative of Lucia Ikediashi of Shimmers Services in partnership with Omotola Ibeh of 09.16 Enterprises to empower women through education and community engagement. According to the organisers, the coming edition is sponsored by Hydrocarbon Advisors Limited in collaboration with Shimmers Services, 09.16 Enterprises, and Slum Party.
Slum Party is an initiative by Obiajulu Ozegbe, a young creative who created the platform primarily to use dance and performance art to redefine the perceptions of slums in Nigeria.
According to a release by the group, Irie Vibes is committed to combating cervical cancer by providing free cervical cancer screenings and essential information to 300 women in Oworonshoki Community. This year’s festival will include educational sessions focused on prevention strategies, such as regular screenings and equipping attendees, with the knowledge needed to prioritize their health.
The event will also feature a lineup of inspiring artistic performances by participants of Slum party’s residency that highlight women’s stories, struggles, and achievements. Free screenings will be held throughout the day, encouraging attendees to reflect on these narratives while fostering a deeper understanding of the role the cervix plays in women.
One of the founders of the fest, Lucia Ikediashi spoke further on the festival: “Irie Vibes Fest aims to create an inclusive atmosphere where community members can come together to celebrate art and culture. Reggae music will be played throughout the day, and freshly fried hot and succulent puff puff will be served to all the women, ensuring a vibrant and festive environment.
“We invite everyone to participate in the Irie Vibes Fest. Your presence is vital in fostering a supportive community that uplifts women and promotes health awareness. This is the time to show true love to your female relatives and friends, invite them to come take advantage of this opportunity to check their cervix. Together, we can make a difference in cervical cancer prevention.”