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GAB - Where Influence Meets Action, Conversations Shape Culture, and Connections Drive Impact
At Griots and Bards (GAB), influence is the currency, and conversation is the catalyst for change. We curate thought-provoking dialogues, immersive storytelling, and meaningful connections that shape culture, perceptions, and real-world impact.
GAB is more than an event — it is a thriving community and brain trust of thinkers, innovators, and changemakers across generations and industries. Engagement happens daily within the GAB network — through discussions, collaborations, and exchanges of ideas — culminating in monthly meetups that bring together a curated audience of leaders, creatives, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and cultural influencers. These gatherings foster deep discourse, expand influence, and drive transformation within communities.
For centuries, Griots (storytellers) and Bards (poets/orators) have been the custodians of history, shaping minds, preserving culture, and influencing communities through spoken word and storytelling. In the village squares of old, societies gathered to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and inspire action. GAB continues this legacy by curating a modern-day intellectual village square where conversation fuels transformation, influence drives impact, and connections spark new opportunities.
As we scale, technology is amplifying this experience — bridging the physical and virtual worlds. From livestreamed global conversations to an immersive future of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)-enabled interactions, GAB is evolving towards a tech-powered ecosystem of advanced human engagement. By integrating digital platforms, extended reality, and AI-enhanced dialogues, GAB expands access to a global audience, ensuring deeper, more dynamic participation across borders.
GAB Aspirations
We use creativity and conversation as tools for mentoring, collaboration, and empowerment. GAB’s community initiatives focus on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and economic development.
From Lagos to the global African diaspora, GAB connects diverse voices through technology and shared values. We’re building a digitally connected, globally inclusive modern village square.
GAB is a celebration of African heritage through diverse artistic mediums—from poetry and storytelling to dance, pottery, and visual art. We amplify voices that preserve tradition while shaping the future.
Our gatherings spark thought leadership and civic awareness. Every conversation is a launchpad for action, reshaping public narratives and social behavior.
Through our archiving initiative—podcasts, streams, and digital records—we are preserving the spirit of today’s culture for future generations.
We foster entrepreneurial thinking through mentorship and networking, providing the tools for creatives and change-makers to lead impactful ventures.
By blending physical and virtual spaces, we offer an immersive village square experience—accessible to anyone, anywhere, via VR and digital tools.
Core Pillars
Leadership Team
__REZ
Adebola ‘REZ’ Afolabi
Chief Curator, Convener and Operations Management
Akinyele ‘Solchild’ Ikuyinminu
Events and Community Experience
___RG
Rafiat ‘RG’ Gawat
Communications & Contents
Femi Morgan
Creative Strategy & Media Relations
Beloved
Habeeb ‘Beloved’ Ajijola
Platform Growth & Partnerships
Lanre ‘LL’ Lawal
Consultant - Creative Collaborations & Partnerships