Cleotrapa is coming outside—and she’s bringing her Nigerian pride with her. The rising US-based Nigerian rapper, content creator, and Staten Island native has officially joined the lineup for the 2026 Nigerian Independence Day Parade & Cultural Festival in Manhattan.
The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) announced her participation with a fiery message: “NAIJA MADE. NYC GIRL. Nigeria meets New York City! @iamcleotrapa is bringing her energy to the streets as she vibes with the crowd along the parade route!”
The celebration kicks off Saturday, October 3, with the parade gathering at 10:00 AM on East 38th Street before marching through Manhattan. The festivities transition into a vibrant cultural festival at Madison Square Park from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Cleotrapa joins a stacked lineup that includes Afrobeats heavyweights Runtown and BNXN. Organisers are also teasing “major surprises still to be announced.”
For the NYC-raised Nigerian talent, this is a full-circle moment. Raised by a strict Nigerian mother in Park Hill, Staten Island, Cleotrapa has often spoken about how her heritage shaped her upbringing—including her mother’s push for a traditional career like nursing before music took over.
She’s currently riding high on her latest single “Run For Cover” and has been expanding her independent music career following a major viral turning point. Her recent appearance at The Hip Hop Museum in Manhattan and support from rapper Azealia Banks have kept her in the spotlight.
Cleotrapa has also openly shared her desire to visit her father in Nigeria, whom she hasn’t seen since she was a toddler.
The organisers have made it clear—Cleotrapa is coming outside to celebrate with us. And NYC better be ready.
