The Festival of African Arts and Culture (FESTAC), revered as “Africa’s largest cultural celebration” by its organisers, is preparing for its highly anticipated 5th edition after an absence spanning over 45 years.
Following successful comebacks in 2022 in Zanzibar and 2023 in Arusha, the 2024 edition is set to grace Kisumu, Kenya from August 25 to September 1. This pan-African extravaganza vows to showcase the enduring spirit of the African continent, casting a luminous spotlight on its diverse cultural heritage and artistic brilliance for a global audience.
The chairperson of FESTAC Africa, Yinka Abioye, explained that Kisumu’s selection as the venue is a deliberate choice aimed at honouring and celebrating African culture.
“Kisumu stood out for several reasons. Its vibrant cultural scene, proximity to neighbouring East African countries, and enthusiastic support from local authorities were pivotal factors in our decision-making process,” he said.
FESTAC, one of Africa’s largest pan-African arts and culture events, has a history spanning nearly six decades.
It began in 1966 in Dakar, but the most significant edition was in 1977 in Lagos, Nigeria, where over 60 countries participated, and around 16,000 individuals contributed to its success.
FESTAC Africa’s CEO, Grace Mumo, aims to emulate the legacy of the 1977 festival while offering unique experiences in 2024.
The festival’s evolution focuses on creating significant impacts, celebrating the African continent’s rich culture and artistry for a global audience.
Mumo describes FESTAC 2024 as an impactful and life-changing festival, advocating for African rights and promoting sustainable development through health screenings, tree planting, and mental wellness workshops.
The festival will also focus on raising awareness about mental wellness in the creative industry, urging policymakers to recognise the economic potential of the arts and culture sector.
The diverse programme includes activities for all ages, such as art workshops, storytelling sessions, and sports tournaments, fostering creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange.
Organisers anticipate a surge in participant numbers, with strong interest from East Africa, Southern Africa, and countries beyond the continent, including India, the US, and the UAE.
FESTAC 2024 will feature African cuisines, fashion, and linguistic art forms. Panel discussions on social and economic issues and business forums will reinforce pan-Africanism, aligning with the theme “The Africa we want to see.”
The festival will emphasise gender inclusivity with programmes aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering gender-inclusive dialogue.
Notable women participants include fashionista Akinyi Odongo from Kenya, luxury businesswoman Carol Bouwer from South Africa, and Kenyan advocate Mercy Wamato.
Sports activities, including golf and football, will also be part of the festival, thanks to a partnership with the East African Community. Social media endorsements from luminaries like PLO Lumumba and Raila Odinga are building anticipation for the event.
FESTAC 2024 promises significant economic benefits for local tourism and hospitality sectors, encouraging visitors to explore Kisumu’s rich cultural heritage.
Leading up to the festival, build-up events such as film screenings, dialogues, art residencies, live music performances, and community initiatives will set the stage for the celebration.
Heavy rains in Kenya forced a postponement of the festival, initially planned for May. Tickets range from US$5 for one-day access to US$20 for a 7-day pass.
FESTAC 2024 also aims to leave a lasting legacy through sustainable development and community engagement initiatives like tree planting.