AfroFlavour: A Taste of Unity Between South Africa and Nigeria

ObinnaChima

In a city known for its vibrant palate and unapologetic love for bold flavours, the ‘AfroFlavour: Taste of South Africa’ event held in Lagos recently did more than just serve food — it served culture, connection, and a shared sense of identity. The evening was a delicious reminder that food is far more than sustenance; it is a language that speaks to memory, history, and belonging.

As Chef Atara and Chef Dee plated up fragrant South African dishes for an eager Nigerian audience, what unfolded was not merely a culinary showcase, but a cultural exchange layered with nuance. From bobotie to chakalaka, guests were introduced to the warmth of the South African table — not as outsiders looking in, but as kindred spirits finding familiarity in difference.

The evening also saw Gaise Baba performing his powerful anthem of determination and faith – No Turning Back – to the delight of the audience.

AfroFlavour was a quiet but powerful statement: that two countries with distinct yet intertwined pasts can build bridges through shared experiences — and few things build bridges like food. In every bite, guests found echoes of their own traditions, stories that felt close to home even when the spices came from far away.

In his remarks, South African Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Bobby Moroe, commended the organisers for coming up with the concept, just as he pledged to support the initiative.

“I want to recognise the efforts that Lucky has made to recognise food in general and in particular, that South Africa should headline this event. I also want to extend a big thank you to Chef Atara from South Africa for always promoting South African cuisine, and I do not doubt that she would deliver. This is a beautiful evening of love, laughter, and new friendship.

“We must understand the power of food in friendship, the power of food in culture, the power of food in love, the power of food in heritage, and in exchange of ideas. I am sure many  of us will who are married will attest to the fact that when they first met the love of their lives, he probably took them out on a date, and that was where they popped the big question. They will also attest to the fact that whenever there is conflict in the house, they will go to a fine restaurant to dine. That is how powerful food is. Tonight, the fact that we are gathered here is another testimony to the power of food,” Moroe said.

He added: “I was trying to read about the benefits of food before I came here this evening. Food transcends cultures. Those who play golf would always argue that it is the source of friendship, and that soccer is the source of friendship as well. But I cannot think of anything else that brings humanity together like food.

“This evening we will have an opportunity to reunite with all kinds, make friendships, discuss business and even to conceive new business ideas and with propositions to host this event, which I believe will not only be an annual event, but also lead to the proposition I want to make to Lucky that we host this event with South African week next April.

“Also, I am proposing that in one of the subsequent events, we can host this event in South Africa to create social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians. We are brothers and sisters and we need to unlock that relationship through food. Africa is a continent of the future and this is an event that brings all of us together and to realise the common vision that we have. “

In his opening remarks, Lucky Idike Jr., the founder of Afro Flavour, said the vision of AfroFlavour was simply to promote Africa.

“Every day, hundreds and thousands of Africans eat English meals for breakfast, the Chinese for launch for lunch or dinner. And together, we contribute more than $6 billion to that amount. So, we see a future for African cuisines. What we try to do is to create a TV series on African food so that the world will know what we have in Africa. This would be promoted on YouTube. A lot of us do not understand the power that the media plays in driving food and travel decisions,” he added.

Co-founder of Didi Museum, the first private museum in Nigeria, Chief Elizabeth Jibunoh, pointed out that food is not just for nourishment for the South Africans, but a ritual, “and we can say that most Africans as well. Cooking in South Africa isn’t rushed. Slow cooking allows the nutrients and ingredients to really come to life.”

“When a man meets a woman, most of the connection is done through food. He will invite her to a restaurant and in that, a lot of commitments are shared. South African meals are emotional and also bring about peace, comfort, and not sort.

“I am also a wellness coach, and when I make my presentation, the question I ask is Who are you? In this context, you are what you eat. So, when you eat, do you know why you are eating what you are eating? What is the reason for eating that Amala? Why are you eating that Ewedu? Why is this chakalaka very important? It is very important that you know what you are eating, because even the animals understand why they are eating what they are eating.

“So, it is important that you take stock of what you are eating. As chronic illnesses rise and fast food dominate, there is a return to the healing knowledge of our grandmothers and the likes. Indigenous foods are healing and they remind us that food is medicine, not metaphorically, but literally.”

Mr. ItuahIghodalo also spoke on the need for Africans to look inwards and appreciate what God has blessed the continent with, citing the numerous talents within the continent. He praised the organisers  and urge them not to drop the balls.

Events like this are a reminder of what pan-Africanism can taste like — authentic, rich, collaborative. They challenge us to look beyond borders and see how much we have in common, especially when we sit together at the same table. AfroFlavour wasn’t just a feast for the senses; it was a call to keep discovering ourselves in each other.

As the aromas lingered and laughter echoed through the Lagos night, it became clear that food can do what politics often struggles to: bring people together, spark curiosity, and create moments of shared joy. If this event proved anything, it’s that Africa’s richest flavours are found not only in its kitchens, but in its connections.