Bole Festival has celebrated its 10th anniversary in Port Harcourt with three days of food, music and cultural performances featuring some of Nigeria’s leading entertainers.
According to The Guardian, the 2026 edition ran from September 4 to 6 under the theme, “Power of X,” marking a decade since the festival began as a small gathering centred on roasted plantain and fish.
Organisers spread the celebration across three days, with each day offering a different musical experience.
Bole Festival brings stars to Port Harcourt
Terry G and a reggae band performed during the opening programme, which focused on reggae and old-school music.
The second day featured soul and contemporary sounds, with performances from Johnny Drille, Magixx and Savy Henry.
Meanwhile, the final day brought a larger lineup that included Timaya, Duncan Mighty, Faze, Peruzzi, 1Da Banton, Guchi, Carter Efe, Mavo, Dan Dizzy and Beri Tigga.
Wizard Chan also brought a traditional element to the celebration with a performance featuring his signature masquerade.
Festival grows from 300-person gathering
Organisers said Bole Festival began in 2016 with about 300 people gathered around a bole seller and a fire.
Since then, it has grown into an annual cultural event that combines Rivers State’s popular roasted plantain dish with entertainment and business opportunities.
“The Power of X is not only about marking 10 years, but celebrating the collaborations and community that have sustained the festival and looking forward to the next decade,” organisers said.
The festival paused in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic before returning in 2021.
Organisers said they now plan to expand the event beyond Port Harcourt and attract more visitors from Nigeria and other African countries.
