The Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) has successfully hosted the maiden edition of ÀRÌRÀ, an alumni homecoming created to strengthen creative bonds and celebrate the achievements of its rapidly expanding community.

Held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event drew alumni from multiple cohorts across Lagos, Ogun and Kano.

ÀRÌRÀ offered an engaging cultural experience that underscored creativity, collaboration and community spirit. The gathering featured performances, storytelling sessions, competitions, food and a shared atmosphere of artistic connection. A standout moment of the evening was a spoken-word performance by Divinefavour Udechukwu, a TAFTA alumna whose delivery captured themes of resilience and artistic identity.

A key highlight of the programme was the official launch of the TAFTA Young Women Advisory Group (YWAG). The initiative aims to support young women within the academy’s network through mentorship, leadership development and structured guidance to help them excel in the creative industry. Alumni welcomed the launch, describing it as a timely step towards building a more inclusive and empowered creative community.

The evening also featured a friendly inter-cohort competition that brought participants together in a lively display of talent, teamwork and innovation. Alumni from different years showcased a range of performances that added colour to the event and fostered a stronger sense of belonging among members of the TAFTA community.

Speaking on the success of the homecoming, JO Umoibom, Academy Lead at TAFTA, expressed pride in the continued growth of the alumni network. He said: “ÀRÌRÀ has become a reminder of why TAFTA exists. We are not only training young creatives; we are building a community that supports one another long after the classroom experience. The energy, creativity and camaraderie we witnessed tonight reflect the strength of this network and its potential for the future.”

Chinedu Isagbah, Programmes Manager for Lagos State, also emphasised the importance of sustained alumni engagement. He said: “The creative economy grows stronger when communities stay connected. ÀRÌRÀ reinforces the value of continuous learning, mentorship and collaboration. I am excited to see how this gathering contributes to the professional and cultural ecosystem TAFTA has worked hard to develop.”

With over 57,000 young creatives trained across its three hubs and more than 32,000 already employed in various creative roles, TAFTA continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative skills development and sector-wide empowerment.

ÀRÌRÀ ultimately served both as a celebration of alumni achievement and a reaffirmation of the academy’s commitment to sustaining a vibrant, supportive and future-focused creative community.