Festac '77

Definition

Festac '77, or the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was a significant cultural event held in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 15 to February 12, 1977. It celebrated the richness and diversity of African cultures through performances, exhibitions, and discussions that showcased traditional and contemporary arts, reflecting a cultural renaissance in Africa.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Festac '77 attracted participants from over 60 countries, showcasing a diverse array of artistic expressions from literature to dance, visual arts, and music.
2. The event aimed to promote unity among African nations and highlight the importance of African heritage and identity in a post-colonial context.
3. Festac '77 featured notable performances from renowned African artists, including musicians like Fela Kuti and dramatists like Wole Soyinka.
4. The festival was marked by the construction of the National Arts Theatre in Lagos, which became a symbol of Nigeria's commitment to cultural development.
5. Festac '77 provided a platform for discussions on issues facing African nations, such as colonialism, identity, and the role of culture in nation-building.

Review Questions

• How did festac '77 contribute to the cultural renaissance in Africa during the late 20th century?
  • Festac '77 played a vital role in fostering a cultural renaissance by bringing together artists, thinkers, and performers from across the continent and diaspora. It created a space for dialogue about African identity and expression post-colonialism, showcasing traditional art forms alongside contemporary innovations. This celebration not only highlighted the diverse cultures within Africa but also encouraged a sense of pride among Africans regarding their heritage.
• Discuss the significance of the National Arts Theatre constructed for festac '77 and its impact on Nigerian arts and culture.
  • The National Arts Theatre was constructed as a key venue for festac '77 and has since become an iconic landmark in Lagos. It symbolizes Nigeria's commitment to promoting arts and culture on a national level. By providing a space for performances and exhibitions, it has supported the growth of artistic expression in Nigeria, allowing for both local talent to flourish and international collaborations to thrive within the creative industries.
• Evaluate how festac '77 reflected broader socio-political themes within Africa during the 1970s, particularly concerning Pan-Africanism.
  • Festac '77 encapsulated the socio-political climate of Africa in the 1970s by emphasizing themes of unity and collaboration among African nations. As countries grappled with post-colonial challenges, this festival became a platform for expressing Pan-African ideals, encouraging solidarity against shared histories of oppression. The event fostered discussions on cultural identity while addressing contemporary issues such as governance and economic development—showing how art can serve as both a reflection of society and a catalyst for change.

Related terms

Cultural Renaissance: A revival of cultural practices and expressions, often characterized by a renewed interest in traditional arts and heritage as well as innovative contemporary creations.

Pan-Africanism: A movement that seeks to unify African people and nations, emphasizing shared history, culture, and goals to promote social, political, and economic cooperation.

Nigerian Civil War: A conflict that took place between 1967 and 1970 in Nigeria, which had lasting effects on the nation's identity and cultural expressions leading up to events like festac '77.