Straddling along the shores of Lake Victoria, the Kenyan city of Kisumu has been selected to host the fifth Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 2024 tipped to be the biggest festival in Africa. The event presents the perfect opportunity for those interested in interacting and learning the African culture and African Lifestyle to foster the richness of the culture and arts available on the continent. Several players in the world of culture and arts will grace the event. It that will take place between May 20 and May 26, 2024. READ ALSO: Discover the most expensive cities to live in Africa in 2023
According to Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, the FESTAC Africa Festival 2024 is a beacon of hope for young people. The chairman of FESTAC, Yinka Abioye, and the organization’s CEO Grace Mumo made the announcement during a visit to the lakeside city. The organizers of the festival believe it will be the biggest festival in Africa.
What is FESTAC festival?
FESTAC chairman Yinka Abioye (Left) presents a certificate to Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o at City Hall in Kisumu, Kenya
FESTAC Africa Festival 2024 has been touted as the largest festival to celebrate the entire Africa and all aspects of African Lifestyle within a period of just seven days. Are you thinking about understanding the entire concept of African culture? This is the place for you to attend to enlighten yourself. The festival is a celebration of African arts, music, dance, fashion, poetry, travel, tourism, hospitality and food. The festival is where you will also learn about some of the African stories through story-telling performances. It brings together different cultures across the continent. READ ALSO: Kwanzaa, a Celebration of African Heritage to Brighten Your December Festivities
History of FESTAC Festival
A woman wearing traditional clothes depicting the African culture
FESTAC festival has a rich history and has been a focal point in celebrating the African Heritage and African Lifestyle. The footprints of the festival date back to 1977 when a group of participants from more than 50 African countries convened in Lagos, Nigeria to celebrate the African culture and African Lifestyle. According to Festac Africa, the festival was the brainchild of former Senegalese president Léopold Sédar Senghor. The former Head of State was keen to promote the African continent and its Pan-African ideals. Furthermore, an earlier event that took place in the 1960s set the ground for the festival. During that event, enthusiasts of African culture and its rich heritage explored ways to celebrate the uniqueness of the continent.
Over the years, Africans have converged in various places to celebrate the biggest African festival. This year, various stakeholders pitched a tent in Tanzania to mark the celebrations. According to Capital FM, among the African bands that were slated to perform in the festival included Kenyan band Les Wanyika. In Kisumu, local African bands and cultural groups will entertain attendees and showcase the wealth of African cultural heritage.
Where is Kisumu located?
The iconic Kit Mikayi stone in Kisumu, Kenya. Kisumu will host the FESTAC 2024 Festival
Kisumu is one of the major cities in Kenya and is famous for its rich cultural history. The city is located in Western Kenya and in the Nyanza region where former US President Barrack Obama has his roots. The governor of Kisumu is the father of Hollywood star Lupita Nyong’o. Kisumu has an international Airport but there are few direct international flights to the lakeside city. For international travelers, accessing Kisumu is easier by connecting flights from the Kenyan capital Nairobi. Alternatively, you can opt for an 8-hour drive from the Kenyan capital Nairobi, and enjoy the views of some of the country’s tourism gems.
Kisumu is a major tourism destination in Kenya and is home to a number of tourism destinations. According to the Kisumu County Government, the city is known for Lakeside viewpoints at Dunga Hill and Hippo Point. The city also has the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary which is home to herds of impalas.