With less than 150 days remaining until the highly anticipated FESTAC Africa Festival, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Victoria in Kisumu, Kenya, another significant figure has confirmed their participation in the 5th World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC AFRICA FESTIVAL).
As Kisumu gears up to proudly host this seven-day gathering of Africans from around the globe, it will have the privilege of welcoming the esteemed Euzhan Palcy. A trailblazing filmmaker whose pioneering contributions to international cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry, Palcy will lead several sessions sharing her insights on achieving global success, the importance of storytelling, womanhood, pioneering spirit, black representation, and more, drawing from her illustrious 40-year career.
Palcy's presence will enrich an ambitious week-long program aimed at addressing issues affecting African people, both on the continent and in the diaspora, and their global relations. Hosted by H.E (Prof) Peter Anyan’ Nyong’o, Governor of Kisumu County, and organized under the leadership of Engr. Yinka Abioye (Chairman) & Madam Grace Mumo (CEO), this "African meeting" will feature luminaries such as Prof PLO Lumumba, focusing on youth matters, and H.E Prime Minister (Dr) Louis-Georges Tin, advancing initiatives for the State of African Diaspora.
This festival, dedicated to fostering African unity politically, socially, and economically within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), continues a legacy that began 58 years ago in Dakar, Senegal, under the leadership of H.E. Leopold Sedar Senghor. The 1977 edition in Lagos, Nigeria, remains the largest African event in history, nurtured by the festival's patron, former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR).
State of African Diaspora (SOAD) Prime Minister, (Dr) Louis-Georges Tin, emphasizes the festival's significance, stating, "FESTAC AFRICA FESTIVAL is an integral part of our African heritage, and we at SOAD are proud to participate in its 5th iteration, inviting Africans worldwide to this momentous gathering." With a mandate from the President of the African Union to establish the 6th Region of Africa, SOAD's involvement in FESTAC will be substantial, featuring luminaries such as Euzhan Palcy, who serves as the Minister of Culture for SOAD.
Festival director, Lehlohonolo Peega, highlights the importance of Palcy's participation, particularly for black South Africans, recalling her courageous efforts to expose the injustices of apartheid in the film "A Dry White Season," which will be screened during Festac. "A Dry White Season" holds a special place in our hearts, especially as we celebrate 30 years of democracy this year," affirms Peega.
With a newly appointed A-list board of directors, FESTAC Africa Festival promises to be bigger and better this year under the guidance of Prof PLO Lumumba, Mr. Patric Obath, Dr. Rosemary Gituma, Amb (Dr) Wallace Williams, Mrs. Suhuru Ogada Odhiambo, Chief Kojo Yankah, and Dr. Olaseni Shoroye.
Travel from May 13th to June 3rd, 2024, and enjoy a 15% discount by using the FESTAC24 short code. There's no excuse not to join us in Kisumu, Kenya, via Kenya Airways, and immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of African culture, dance, cuisine, networking, discussions, and unity-building as we work together to shape the Africa we envision.
