The eagerly awaited fifth edition of the FESTAC Africa Festival has begun today, August 24, 2024, in Kisumu, Kenya, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Victoria. Running until September 1, 2024, the festival promises a week of vibrant cultural displays, diverse entertainment, and enriching activities.
FESTAC Africa 2024, themed “Sustainable Growth Trajectory for Africa through Culture, Trade, Travel, and Tourism,” will feature over 7,000 participants, 18 conference sessions, and a lineup of 200 speakers, 100 artists, 36 films, and 150 exhibitors. The festival aims to celebrate African heritage, unity, and sustainable growth while fostering intra-African trade and global networking opportunities.
The festival’s grand pre-opening ceremony takes place today at Dunga Hill Camp, with the main opening ceremony scheduled for Monday, August 26, at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium. Throughout the week, attendees can expect a rich program including cultural performances, movie screenings, trade summits, fashion shows, and the prestigious Africa Gala Dinner and Awards Night.
Prominent figures such as former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Kisumu County Governor Anyang Nyong’o are among the distinguished guests expected to attend.
Highlights of the festival include performances by artists from across the continent and beyond, such as Empress Aje from Trinidad and Tobago, Benny Willis Wallace from Nigeria, and Kim Poole from the United States, alongside traditional acts like the Burundi Drummers. The event will also showcase the work of fashion designers from Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria, and feature films such as “For Ikemefuna” and “Royal Conspiracy.”
FESTAC Africa 2024 promises to be a landmark event, blending tradition with modernity and providing a platform to celebrate Africa’s rich cultural diversity and its potential for future growth.
