By Solape Alatise
Lux Afrique Polo Day. It calls itself the largest polo festival in Europe, and arguably the largest African polo festival in the world!
We Are Black Journos Ambassador Solape Alatise took in the layer of the land at the annual event held in July.
What was most striking about this event was the pride in Black culture expressed in its various forms.
Sartorial elegance was the dress code and attendees did not disappoint, including our very own Solape! African attire was on full display in all its glory, representing many parts of the continent.
The culture explosion spilled over into the catering and traders on site. Nigerian and Jamaican food, which genuinely made the mouth water and the stomach very happy, was being served.
There were beautiful and vibrant canvas artworks by Strokes of Africa available to order, and scents on offer formulated by a fragrance house made in Ghana called Scent of Africa. These were just a few of the fantastic businesses on display.
There was a real sense of comradery even amongst complete strangers at Lux Afrique, and networking was free-flowing amongst fellow journalists, celebrities and business owners alike.
A good balance was stuck between corporate and professional encounters, and getting the chance to have a great time in the sunshine with current and newly-found friends.
The horseback ball game of polo was a good experience for those who may have never seen it played before, and the music on the main stage was a fusion of Afro beats, Jamaican classics and 90s R&B and Hip Hop. There were several enthusiastic acts that accompanied the music, and kept the crowd dancing late into the evening.
We Are Black Journos’ Solape truly enjoyed the experience. The one piece of advice she would give is this, wear the biggest boldest brightest sunhat you can find when you attend next year’s Lux Afrique. It will keep you shaded and might win you best dressed.
