Lagos people gathered out in big numbers for the 2026 edition of Knorr Jollof Fest in Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, turning the site into a colourful gathering based on food, entertainment and shared cultural experiences. Demographics
Now in its fourth year, the festival attracted thousands of people who spent the day travelling between food stations, live performances and interactive areas centred around one of Nigeria’s most popular foods — jollof rice, says Saturday Vanguard.
The gathering also served as the platform for the release of this year’s Knorr Smokey Party Jollof Seasoning.
In addition to the product launch, the festival was a full day cultural event with cooking demonstrations, tasting sessions, art installations and live entertainment, with music artist Adekunle Gold capping the evening with a headline performance.
“The idea behind the event is to celebrate the role food plays in bringing people together and to create a space where food, music, art and culture intersect in ways that feel familiar and distinctly Nigerian,” Damilola Dania, Foods Demand Creation Lead at Unilever Nigeria Plc, said reflecting on the idea behind the event. Music& Audio
The festival grounds were dotted with themed areas for attendees to explore including a Herbs and Spice Garden, Vendor Village, Jollof Sampling Station, Main Stage arena, VIP Lounge, Fuji Dome and the Gist and Jollof Podcast Studio hosted by Taymesan.
The diversity of activities produced an atmosphere of culinary exploration, entertainment and social interaction.
The event also included other noted culinary voices. Facilitators who presented insights on culinary techniques, flavour combinations and emerging food trends influencing modern Nigerian kitchens were Chef Dee, Chef Amaka and Dr Roberts.
Following the Lagos outing, the festival is slated to continue in Abuja on July 12 and Port Harcourt on July 19 to take the debate around food, music and culture to other regions of the country. Population
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