Pan-African Art Music Fundraiser Night
Event Details
Location: Connect Gallery, Hyde Park, Chicago
Parking: Free street parking available
Dress Code: African-inspired attire is encouraged
Gallery from 2024 Taste of Nigeria: View photos
Event Overview
Àkójọpọ̀ is proud to host the Second Annual Taste of Nigeria: African Art Music Fundraiser Night. This special event brings together the rich traditions of Nigerian cuisine, African art music, and visual art in a celebration of community, culture, and creativity.
Last year’s Taste of Nigeria concert marked Àkójọpọ̀’s debut in Chicago and offered guests an unforgettable journey into Nigerian culture. Our audience experienced the vibrancy of African music, shared in the joy of traditional cuisine, and enjoyed a curated exhibition of local artwork. We are excited to continue this tradition and invite new and returning guests to connect through food, music, and shared values.
What to Expect
This year’s celebration will take place at Connect Gallery in Hyde Park, Chicago. We are pleased to welcome back our returning host, Zion Ali, whose energy and passion brought the event to life last year. Guests will enjoy an inspiring art exhibition curated by Chicago-based artists, live performances of Pan-African Art Music, and a traditional Nigerian meal prepared by Mobisayo Kumapayi, the mother of Àkójọpọ̀’s founder, Daniel Kumapayi.
All food served will be peanut-free, and the menu offers something for everyone. Whether you're familiar with Àkójọpọ̀ or attending for the first time, we invite you to experience the beauty and depth of Nigerian culture through a thoughtfully curated evening of music, cuisine, and community connection.
Culinary Experience
The event features a tiered ticket system offering different levels of meals and experiences:
1-Course Meal: Includes plantain, jollof rice, chicken, and a choice of soft drinks or still water.
2-Course Meal: Added for Tier 2 (on top of Tier 1) are jollof rice or coconut rice, meat pie, fufu with egusi, plantain, chicken, and Nigerian salad. Guests will also receive one mocktail or soft drink, instead of just a soft drink or water. Chin chin will also be provided as an appetizer.
4-Course Meal: For Tier 3, the protein options are expanded to include goat meat. Guests will receive two mocktails or soft drinks instead of one, along with unlimited refills. Nigerian coconut “pound” cake slices will also be served, and chin chin will be provided as an appetizer.
Raffle Prizes
This year’s event includes exciting raffle prizes sponsored by local Chicago businesses. Each ticket tier includes a chance to win high-quality, locally sourced prizes that showcase the creativity and generosity of our community partners.
1-Course Ticket: No raffle entry
2-Course Ticket: One raffle entry
4-Course Ticket: Two raffle entries
Raffle winners will be announced during the event.
About Àkójọpọ̀
Àkójọpọ̀ began in 2020 with support from optiMize, a University of Michigan initiative that provides resources and mentorship to student-led projects. Originally named Nigerian Art Music, the organization focused on providing educational resources, musical instruments, and classical music training in Lagos, Nigeria.
In 2023, Àkójọpọ̀ rebranded to reflect a broader Pan-African mission—supporting artists, educators, and communities across the African diaspora. This expansion allowed us to deepen our impact through collaboration, innovation, and cultural preservation. We are now incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in both Michigan and Illinois and are proudly based in Chicago.
To learn more about our mission and view our impact, visit akojopo.org/pages/impact.
How Your Support Helps
Proceeds from this fundraiser will directly support Àkójọpọ̀’s year-round initiatives, which include:
New Commissions and Concert Performances
We regularly host performance events and commission new music, amplifying the voices of Pan-African composers and bringing greater visibility to African Art Music.
Music Education and Community Engagement
Through our Lessons & Workshops program, we provide accessible music education in both virtual and in-person formats. We partner with schools, festivals, and community centers around the world to share the richness of Pan-African musical traditions.
Publishing and Sheet Music Library
Our editorial board curates and publishes quality works by Pan-African composers. These collections are available through our online store and are used globally by educators and ensembles.
Arts Administration Education Programs
We offer internships, workshops, and incubator programs to support the next generation of arts administrators and cultural producers in Africa and throughout the diaspora.
General Organizational Support
Àkójọpọ̀ is driven by a small but dedicated team of volunteers who have built the organization from the ground up. As we expand our work and professionalize our operations, your support helps us grow sustainably and continue our mission on a global scale.