New horizons festac
Festac '77!
Festac '77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was a major international cultural festival held in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 15 to February 12, 1977. The festival was organized by the Nigerian government and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to promote African culture, unity, and solidarity.
The festival was a significant event in African cultural history, bringing together artists, musicians, dancers, and performers from all over the world to celebrate African culture and heritage. The event was attended by over 15,000 participants from 56 countries, including many African countries, as well as countries from the Caribbean, Europe, and North America.
The festival featured a wide range of performances, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Some of the notable performances included:
- Music: The festival featured a diverse range of music genres, including Afrobeat, Highlife, Juju, and traditional African music. Some of the notable musicians who performed at the festival included Fela Kuti, King Sunny Adé, and Ebenezer Obey.
- Dance: The festival showcased various traditional African dances, including the famous Nigerian dance, the "Festac Dance."
- Theater: The festival featured a range of theatrical performances, including plays, musicals, and traditional African storytelling.
- Visual Arts: The festival exhibited a wide range of visual arts, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts.
The festival was also marked by several notable events, including:
- The opening ceremony, which featured a grand procession of African leaders and dignitaries.
- The "Festac '77" song, which was written and performed by Fela Kuti and his band, Africa 70.
- The "Festac Dance," which was choreographed by Nigerian dancer and choreographer, Segun Adefila.
Festac '77 was a significant cultural event that celebrated African culture and unity, and it had a lasting impact on the development of African arts and culture. The festival also helped to promote African culture globally, and it paved the way for future cultural festivals and events on the continent.
In recent years, there have been efforts to revive the spirit of Festac '77, with various cultural festivals and events being organized across Africa and the diaspora. These events aim to promote African culture, unity, and solidarity, and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the African continent.