by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
November 12, 2025
The occasion proved that jollof rice continues to carry the group collectively.
The Fifth Annual Battle of Jollof cooked up some excessive power in New York for these throughout the Black diaspora.
The occasion, which passed off Nov. 7 at Pier 36, featured the very best jollof makers as they represented their international locations’ tackle the signature West African dish. Because the competitors blended with cultural custom, just one nation may take dwelling the crown for the very best jollof of the yr.
The high-profile occasion featured star-studded attendees throughout the leisure business. From Nigerian-American rapper Wale to Actual Housewives of Beverly Hills‘ Bozoma St. John, the cook-off impressed these, irrespective of their background, to dig in. Different celeb attendees included media host Speedy Morman, NBA and WNBA stars OG Anunoby and Arike Ogunbowale, and Afrobeats artist King Promise.
This yr, Nigeria earned the title of the world’s prime Jollof rice producer. Followers and judges tried out the 2 dishes, created by Ghana’s Chef Nana Wilmot and Michelin-recognized Chef Ope Amosu from Nigeria. Whereas an in depth competitors, the Naija nation reigned supreme with their recipe.
Nonetheless, jollof was not the one dish on the menu. Delicacies from different nations, akin to Senegal and Ethiopia, have been on full show for attendees to strive.
Past the Battle of Jollof, the occasion had different contests that introduced the group collectively. Nigeria bested Ghana once more in a pleasant but fierce celeb basketball sport, profitable 80-74. Throughout the sport’s halftime, a 1-versus-1 event was held alongside a DJ Battle with Supersmashbroz and DJ RB Good.
Together with partnerships with Tequila Don Julio, Wingstop, and Crown Royal, attendees sipped on specialty cocktails as winners took dwelling bedazzled bottles of the spirits. To maintain the enjoyable going, the battle additionally hosted cultural activations and community-focused experiences, all centered on Black unity and heritage.
Because the Battle of Jollof continues one other yr, it fulfills its function of bridging tradition, group, and unimaginable eats for all to take pleasure in.
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