The Hyson Green Youth Club was transformed into a vibrant hub of colour, rhythm, and communal joy on Saturday, 6th September 2025, as the Yorubas of Nottingham Nottinghamshire (YONN) hosted their annual ASA Day Cultural Celebration. Under the resonant theme, ‘Culture and Community Care’, the event powerfully showcased the enduring spirit and rich heritage of the Yoruba people in the heart of the East Midlands.
The festivities commenced with a heartfelt opening prayer offered by Dr. Adedamola Soremekun, a retired veterinary doctor who had travelled specially from Nigeria to celebrate with the community led by his son, Mr. Adewale Soremekun, the YONN President.
Setting the perfect tempo for the day was the charismatic MC, Chief Alfred Savage, popularly known as ‘Elder Nature’. With his witty banter and seamless flow, he expertly guided the audience through a packed schedule. The air was perpetually filled with infectious rhythms, courtesy of the masterful Chief Sola Adegboyega, aka DJSholley, whose playlist was a delightful fusion of timeless Yoruba classics and contemporary Afrobeats.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, underscoring its importance to the wider Nottingham community. The Special Guest of Honour, the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Patience Ifediora, was in attendance, alongside the Guest of Honour, Deputy Police Commissioner Councillor Angela Kandola. Their presence highlighted a beautiful synergy between the city’s civic leadership and its vibrant cultural groups.
In a keynote address that was both insightful and inspiring, the Lord Mayor commended YONN for its vital role in the city’s social fabric. She eloquently linked the event’s theme to broader civic values, stating that the core tenets of “Culture and Community Care” are the very bedrock of a strong, integrated, and healthy society. She praised the Yoruba community for showcasing how preserving one’s unique identity strengthens, rather than diminishes, the collective community. Her speech was met with resounding applause, affirming a shared vision for a caring and culturally rich Nottingham.
The Lord Mayor’s words were soon put into joyful practice. A highlight of the afternoon was the breathtaking performance by the Yoruba women. Adorned in a stunning array of beautifully tailored Ankara dresses, they moved with grace and power. Their synchronized dancing and uplifting songs captivated everyone in the hall. In a truly unifying moment, both the Lord Mayor and the Deputy Police Commissioner were warmly invited to join the dance. They enthusiastically participated, their smiles mirroring the collective joy of the room. This spontaneous display of cultural sharing was a perfect embodiment of the day’s theme.
The future of Yoruba culture was proudly on display through the children. Dressed in their own unique and colourful Ankara outfits, the young ones took to the stage with confidence and poise. They delivered captivating performances that included poetic recitals, soulful songs, and powerful Oriki (praise poetry) from various Yoruba towns. Their clear diction with understanding of the Yoruba language was a heart-warming sight, offering a promising glimpse into the legacy of their heritage.
Key officers of the association addressed the gathering, each reinforcing the central message. The Chairperson, Mrs Patricia Aboyeji, delivered a powerful and heartfelt speech. She passionately enjoined Yoruba parents in the diaspora to consciously teach their children the Yoruba language and culture. “Our language and traditions are the greatest legacy we can bequeath to our children,” she stated. “We must not allow this beautiful heritage to go into extinction. It is our duty to ensure it thrives here in Nottingham and beyond.”
The President, Mr. Adewale Soremekun, welcomed everyone with open arms, expressing his delight at the massive turnout. He thanked the members for their unwavering support. The Chairman of the Event Committee, Mr. Olusegun Oyediran, also delivered a warm welcome address, outlining the day’s programme and thanking all the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
Adding a profound historical layer, Chief Richard Kayode Kelekunyo, a YONN Director and respected community leader, delivered an enlightening speech on ‘Yoruba History and Culture’. He identified Ile-Ife as the cradle of Yorubaland, with descendants of Oduduwa reigning as kings for generations. Chief Kelekunyo detailed unique Yoruba cultural identifiers like the mode of dressing, religious beliefs, artistic traditions and social structures. He urged the Yoruba people worldwide to proudly promote their traditions. He clarified that Yoruba culture, with its own recognition of a supreme being, Oludumare, is not in conflict with religious faith saying that faith and culture are distinct. He concluded by appealing to all to teach children their history, calling it our collective strength and pride.
The hall was filled to capacity, a magnificent sea of gorgeous and radiant traditional attire. The members of the association, both men and women, were a particular sight to behold. They wore a specially commissioned Ankara fabric, each outfit sewn in different, elegant styles that reflected individual creativity while showcasing a unified identity.
The celebration was a truly pan-African affair, with the presence and solidarity of several invited communities. Groups such as the African Base, the Anioma Community, the Edo People Nottingham, the Igbo Union Nottingham, the Igbo Women of Nottinghamshire, and the Yoruba Community Sheffield, among others, were present. Their attendance strengthened the bonds of friendship and cultural exchange across different African diasporas in the region.
This successful event was made possible through the generous support and funding of YONN’s dedicated members and several forward-thinking organisations. The association extends its profound gratitude to Oja Foods, Open Arms Organization, Yappady Foods, Ede Yoruba, and Tharma, for their invaluable contributions.
The 2025 ASA Day was more than just a celebration; it was a vibrant declaration. It declared that the Yoruba culture is alive, dynamic, and deeply cared for in Nottingham. It demonstrated that this care for one’s own culture naturally extends into a broader care for the entire community, creating a richer, more colourful, and more harmonious city for all.
