The FESTAC AFRICA Mission is a resounding commitment to the profound objectives that underlie the festival’s existence. It is a mission that goes beyond the surface celebrations and delves deep into the transformative power of culture, education, and empowerment. The core elements of this mission include:

• Education: FESTAC AFRICA recognizes that education is the cornerstone of personal and societal growth. The festival is dedicated to providing a platform for education, emphasizing the importance of access to quality learning for all. Whether it’s through workshops, seminars, or dedicated initiatives, FESTAC AFRICA seeks to inspire, inform, and instil a love for learning. The mission is clear: education is not a privilege but a fundamental right.
• Empowerment: Empowering individuals, particularly the youth, is at the heart of the festival’s mission. FESTAC AFRICA believes in the untapped potential of young people and their capacity to create positive change. Empowerment encompasses a range of areas, from economic opportunities to social and emotional well-being. It is a mission to equip the youth with the tools they need to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and inspire others.
• Cultural Exchange: At its core, FESTAC AFRICA is a festival of cultural exchange. It is a mission to create an environment where the African diaspora and those from the continent can reconnect with their roots. Through music, art, dance, language, and traditions, FESTAC AFRICA bridges the gap between Africans living abroad and their heritage. The festival provides an opportunity for people to embrace their culture, share their experiences, and strengthen their sense of identity.
• Bridging the Gap: One of the festival’s essential missions is to bridge the gap between the African diaspora and Africa itself. It recognizes the physical and emotional distance that can exist between those living abroad and the continent. By offering a warm and inviting platform for reunion and rediscovery, FESTAC AFRICA brings people back to their roots, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
• Promoting Unity: The mission of FESTAC AFRICA extends to promoting unity among African nations and across the African diaspora. The festival seeks to dismantle the barriers that have historically divided Africans and work toward greater unity and solidarity. Through cultural exchange, shared experiences, and open dialogue, FESTAC AFRICA fosters a spirit of togetherness.
• Celebrating Diversity: FESTAC AFRICA revels in the diversity of African culture. Its mission is to showcase the multiplicity of traditions, languages, and customs that make up the continent. It underscores the importance of celebrating this diversity and using it as a source of strength and pride.
• Inspiring Change: FESTAC AFRICA recognizes that cultural events are not just about entertainment but also about inspiration. Its mission is to inspire change, both within individuals and across communities. The festival showcases role models, highlights success stories, and encourages a sense of possibility, particularly among the youth. The year 2024 holds special significance, as we focus on “Sustainable Growth Trajectory for Africa through Culture, Trade, Travel, and Tourism.” We are committed to promoting education, empowerment, health, and wellness. The festival will address crucial areas, including health screening, wellness awareness, mental health, dental health, youth empowerment, education, sports, leadership, entrepreneurship, trade, exploration, and entertainment.

The FESTAC AFRICA Mission is a resounding commitment to the profound objectives that underlie the festival’s existence. It is a mission that goes beyond the surface celebrations and delves deep into the transformative power of culture, education, and empowerment. The core elements of this mission include:

• Education: FESTAC AFRICA recognizes that education is the cornerstone of personal and societal growth. The festival is dedicated to providing a platform for education, emphasizing the importance of access to quality learning for all. Whether it’s through workshops, seminars, or dedicated initiatives, FESTAC AFRICA seeks to inspire, inform, and instil a love for learning. The mission is clear: education is not a privilege but a fundamental right.
• Empowerment: Empowering individuals, particularly the youth, is at the heart of the festival’s mission. FESTAC AFRICA believes in the untapped potential of young people and their capacity to create positive change. Empowerment encompasses a range of areas, from economic opportunities to social and emotional well-being. It is a mission to equip the youth with the tools they need to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and inspire others.
• Cultural Exchange: At its core, FESTAC AFRICA is a festival of cultural exchange. It is a mission to create an environment where the African diaspora and those from the continent can reconnect with their roots. Through music, art, dance, language, and traditions, FESTAC AFRICA bridges the gap between Africans living abroad and their heritage. The festival provides an opportunity for people to embrace their culture, share their experiences, and strengthen their sense of identity.
• Bridging the Gap: One of the festival’s essential missions is to bridge the gap between the African diaspora and Africa itself. It recognizes the physical and emotional distance that can exist between those living abroad and the continent. By offering a warm and inviting platform for reunion and rediscovery, FESTAC AFRICA brings people back to their roots, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
• Promoting Unity: The mission of FESTAC AFRICA extends to promoting unity among African nations and across the African diaspora. The festival seeks to dismantle the barriers that have historically divided Africans and work toward greater unity and solidarity. Through cultural exchange, shared experiences, and open dialogue, FESTAC AFRICA fosters a spirit of togetherness.
• Celebrating Diversity: FESTAC AFRICA revels in the diversity of African culture. Its mission is to showcase the multiplicity of traditions, languages, and customs that make up the continent. It underscores the importance of celebrating this diversity and using it as a source of strength and pride.
• Inspiring Change: FESTAC AFRICA recognizes that cultural events are not just about entertainment but also about inspiration. Its mission is to inspire change, both within individuals and across communities. The festival showcases role models, highlights success stories, and encourages a sense of possibility, particularly among the youth. The year 2024 holds special significance, as we focus on “Sustainable Growth Trajectory for Africa through Culture, Trade, Travel, and Tourism.” We are committed to promoting education, empowerment, health, and wellness. The festival will address crucial areas, including health screening, wellness awareness, mental health, dental health, youth empowerment, education, sports, leadership, entrepreneurship, trade, exploration, and entertainment.

FESTAC AFRICA, the Festival of Black and African Arts and Culture, has a rich history, a cultural journey that has spanned the decades and united nations. It began in 1966 in Dakar, Senegal, as an homage to our collective heritage, creativity, and identity, representing the first step towards a celebration of Africa’s rich tapestry. FESTAC ’77 in Nigeria was monumental, solidifying the festival as a global cultural phenomenon. In 2022, the festival made a historic return to Africa with its inaugural event in Zanzibar. The significance of this resurgence cannot be understated; it’s a revival of a cultural movement that’s now more vital than ever. The festival’s journey continues from Arusha in 2023 to Kisumu in 2024, marking the 5th World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, a monumental milestone

Africa plays a central and historically significant role in the FESTAC AFRICA Festival, making it a truly Pan African event of great importance. The festival is not merely a cultural gathering but a symbol of unity, celebration, and the preservation of Africa’s rich heritage. Here’s how Africa’s presence is defined and highlighted in the festival:

• Historical Significance: FESTAC AFRICA is deeply rooted in history, as it originated from the Festival of Black and African Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 1966. The inaugural FESTAC was held in Dakar, Senegal, and it served as a pivotal moment in acknowledging and celebrating the diverse cultures and identities that make up Africa. The subsequent FESTAC ’77 in Nigeria further solidified the festival’s place in history, and in 2022, it made a historic return to Africa with an event in Zanzibar. This journey underscores the historical importance of FESTAC AFRICA, marking the revival of a cultural movement that’s now more vital than ever.
• Pan African Festival: FESTAC AFRICA is unquestionably a Pan African Festival. It’s an event that transcends borders, bringing together nations, regions, and communities from across the African continent. By celebrating and promoting the vast array of African cultures, traditions, languages, arts, and music, the festival underscores the unity that binds the continent. It serves as a platform for Africans, both on the continent and in the diaspora, to come together, share experiences, and embrace their common heritage.
• Cultural Unity: The festival celebrates the unity within Africa’s diversity. It recognizes that the continent is home to a multitude of cultures, languages, and traditions. FESTAC AFRICA is a testament to the idea that these differences are not barriers but rather sources of strength. It is a unique opportunity for Africans to express their cultural pride and for the world to appreciate the extraordinary richness of African cultures.
• Cross-Continental Connection: FESTAC AFRICA aims to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their roots on the continent. It’s a homecoming, a journey of rediscovery, and a means to bridge the physical and emotional distances that have separated communities. By engaging with Africans living abroad and welcoming them back to Africa, the festival symbolizes the reunification of the African family.
• Promotion of African Excellence: The festival celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of Africans across various fields. From art and music to business, leadership, and sports, it recognizes and promotes the excellence that emerges from the continent. In doing so, FESTAC AFRICA reinforces Africa’s place on the global stage. FESTAC AFRICA is a historical milestone and a Pan African Festival that rekindles the spirit of unity, celebrates diversity, and pays homage to Africa’s past, present, and future. It underscores the significance of coming together to honour, preserve, and promote the continent’s unparalleled heritage and cultural legacy.

Kisumu as the host city for FESTAC AFRICA 2024, with a particular emphasis on the city’s robust youth and sports culture, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene:

• Rich Cultural Heritage: Kisumu’s vibrant cultural tapestry is a testament to its significance as the host city. The city is a melting pot of various African cultures, making it an ideal location to celebrate African diversity. This multiculturalism not only enriches the festival’s offerings but also promotes cultural exchange, unity, and understanding among attendees.
• Historical Significance: Kisumu’s historical importance in the region is undeniable. As a key port city on Lake Victoria and a prominent railway hub, it has played a pivotal role in shaping East Africa’s cultural and economic landscape. This historical significance makes Kisumu a symbolic choice for the FESTAC AFRICA, which aims to honour and celebrate African history and heritage.
• Youth and Sports Culture: Kisumu has a dynamic youth and sports culture. It is known for producing talented athletes who have excelled on national and international stages. The festival can harness this energy and enthusiasm by organizing sports events, workshops, and mentorship programs for young athletes. Celebrating sports can foster discipline, teamwork, and unity among the youth.
• Arts and Culture Hub: Kisumu is home to a thriving arts and culture scene. The city hosts numerous art exhibitions, music festivals, dance performances, and theatrical productions throughout the year. This creative spirit aligns perfectly with FESTAC AFRICA’s focus on the arts and culture. The festival can leverage this artistic vitality to showcase and celebrate African creativity.
• Community Engagement: The community in Kisumu actively participates in cultural events and takes pride in its role as the host city. Their engagement can add authenticity and warmth to the festival. Encouraging local artists, musicians, and cultural organizations to be part of the festivities will create a true sense of belonging and collaboration.
• Promoting Youth Empowerment: FESTAC AFRICA’s mission to empower the youth resonates strongly in Kisumu. The festival can offer educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and workshops aimed at equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to shape their futures. Kisumu’s young population can benefit significantly from such initiatives.
• Sports Development: Kisumu’s strong sports culture provides an excellent platform for promoting sports development. The festival can partner with local sports organizations and schools to introduce youth to various sports and instil values like discipline, teamwork, and leadership through sports-related activities.
• Cultural Exchange: Kisumu’s existing cultural exchange programs can be incorporated into the festival. This includes exchange programs with other African countries, enabling a sharing of traditions, languages, and artistic expressions. The festival can become a hub for cultural exchange, fostering understanding and unity.
• Mental Health and Wellness: FESTAC AFRICA’s commitment to promoting mental health and wellness aligns with the increasing awareness and advocacy for mental health support in Kisumu. The festival can collaborate with local mental health organizations to raise awareness and offer resources for the well-being of both the youth and the community at large.
• Legacy for Youth: The establishment of the Inspire Africa Academy in Kisumu, focusing on education, talent development, youth empowerment, mental health, and wellness, represents a significant legacy project for the city. It demonstrates the festival’s dedication to making a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Kisumu, nurturing their potential, and providing opportunities for growth and development.
  In summary, Kisumu’s rich cultural heritage, youth and sports culture, vibrant arts and culture scene, and community engagement make it an ideal host city for FESTAC AFRICA 2024. The city provides a strong foundation for the festival’s mission, ensuring that it leaves a meaningful legacy of youth empowerment, cultural celebration, and unity. Kisumu’s young and dynamic population, coupled with its cultural richness, offers an excellent backdrop for the festival’s objectives to educate, empower, and embrace African heritage