What historical event fascinates you the most?

Saw this some days ago and, I felt quite drawn to it cause’ I knew lots of historical events and even when I didn’t, I would explore and do research on one. History was my thing. I felt the post would ignite the curious me to get back to history.

And so, I went exploring and before the day was over, I told myself, I will put this up here but, I procrastinated. Hence, after procrastination had ruined my plans, I left in the draft.

But now, I choose to write on it. And, one interesting topic which took my interest was Festac ’97. A festival of arts, black culture, and an event which promoted Pan-africanism.

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Festival Black Festival of Arts & Culture was a festival created by Leopold, Cesaire and other Black descendents for the resurgence of African values, culture, arts and civilisation.

Tracking back to 1950s, Leopold and Cesaire(a Black who advocated for the Black recognition through a programme who made called New Negro), had both collaborated to make a journal called ‘Societe Africaine de Culture) in 1956 to promote African culture, value, aim for the recognition of African and black culture identity to be recognised globally.

Their idea also included the promotion of pan africanism and act of negritude. They believe that through the creation of events that promote African arts and culture, it will bring about unity and progress for every black descendant. Even those in diasporas.

A picture of Leopold Senghor

And eventually, this led to a conference held in Italy and Rome(Conference of Black Writers) in which people from different African and Afro descendant heritage did attend.

They had laid discussions on how to bring Africans together through social gathering and in so doing, the meeting led to the creation of Festac, which was known as World Black Festival Of Arts and Culture, then. In the latter days, France would get involved and help in making this idea a reality.

In 1966, Festac came to reality. It was celebrated in Dakar, Senegal in (1-24, April,2026). It was filled with splendid celebrations, ecstasy, and also involved the promoting of African belief through the various events that were being performed  on that day.

Eventually, Festac would draw lots of international attention and eyes. And then, Nigeria, a country in West African later got invited to be the next location of Festac.

Nigerian would then go on to facilitate the infrastructure, settings, and idea of Festac. But, prior to Festac being held, various events did happen in Nigeria which included the civil war, decouple of Gowon’s  government; Gowon whose current ruling was dethroned and replaced by another head of state.

Festac was supposed to have happened in 1972 but, postponed to 1975 and during that time, little festivals were held which included Carrifista and Nigerian Nafest to keep the heat on and the idea of the festival alive.

After a series of events, it was eventually held in 1977 at Lagos which was the then Capital of Nigeria. It was held in various locations like Tafewa Balewa Square, National Stadium and National Theatre.

Not excluding, it was conducted using an emblem to represent Nigeria cultural values and beliefs of the Benin part of  South-South.

The Ivory Mask above was worn by a Benin King, Ovonramen in 1857 who was later dethroned by Ralph Moor of a protectorate created in that era.

The festival did occur; Many artistes across the globe were invited such as Stevie Wonder, Gil Gilberto, Behmeya, Marian Makena.

The festival was done in such elegance that every scenery then is still etched in the participants heart and still celebrated till now.

~Ace_xx.

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