ARTROAD – Culture | FESTAC Africa 2025 Comes Alive As Accra Gears Up With ‘Akwaaba’ For A Cultural Renaissance.
Now, almost 50 years later, FESTAC returns under the powerful theme “Reimagining African Renaissance”, with Accra ready to welcome the world.
This September, Accra will pulse with the energetic but familiar rhythm of Africa’s rich heritage as it hosts FESTAC Africa 2025, a modern revival of the legendary cultural festival that once captured the soul of the continent. For culture lovers, creatives, and curious travellers alike, the Ghanaian capital offers more than just a venue, know very well that it is a living symbol of Pan-African pride. Writes Ireho Aito
FESTAC buzz is already exploding and gaining momentum on social media platforms and one cannot shy away from real time information being uploaded on such platforms. The team behind the festival is definitely working round the clock to provide and play host to a befitting festival that will promote the symbol of Africa in September.
To understand the depth of this moment, iBAND Magazine spoke with Villager Salami Olamyde Ojuinu, a bonafide member of the organising team behind FESTAC who has been closely involved with FESTAC’s revival journey over the years. His voice carries not just the facts, but the fire of someone deeply committed to Africa’s cultural rebirth.
“Accra is the perfect host,” he begins. “It’s one of the oldest cities in Africa with deep Pan-African roots, and you cannot talk about African unity without mentioning Ghana and the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah. This place breathes the spirit we are celebrating.”
“Accra is the perfect host,”
The roots of FESTAC can be traced back to Dakar, Senegal, in 1966 when then President Léopold Senghor held the first edition. The movement truly caught fire in 1977, when Nigeria, under the leadership of General Olusegun Obasanjo played host to thousands of African and diaspora artists and culture producers for a month-long spectacle. It was the most important gathering of people of black origin. “That was more than a festival,” Salami reflects. “It was a statement right after Nigeria’s civil war and during its oil boom. The country spent billions at the time to show what Africa was capable of.” For Nigeria to accommodate the thousands of participants, the Federal Government of Nigeria had to build a new residential town known as FESTAC town to provide shelter.
Now, almost 50 years later, FESTAC returns under the powerful theme “Reimagining African Renaissance”, with Accra ready to welcome the world. The line-up is nothing short of inspiring from sports and film to arts exhibitions, music, fashion, women’s leadership forums, and even a “Dinner in the Dark” experience under the glowing night skyline.
“FESTAC Africa is about unity,” Salami says passionately. “We have already paid the price of liberation. Now it is time to stand together and shine.” Countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Cameroon, the DRC, Burkina Faso, and even nations beyond the continent such as Trinidad, Haiti, India — have all confirmed participation. “Ghana is leading with pride. It is going to be a memory our children will talk about.”
FESTAC Africa is about unity,
A key part of the event will be the blending of Africa’s deep traditions with its bold, creative future. From traditional drums to digital installations, every art form is being honoured. The popular “Africa Day” All-White Celebration is back and that is just a moment to celebrate Ubuntu, the spirit of oneness. “It is a festival where old meets new, where legends like Osibisa sounds mix with today’s Afrobeats stars, and where raw, young talent gets the spotlight they deserve.”
It is a festival where old meets new, where legends like Osibisa sounds mix with today’s Afrobeats stars,
Salami is especially excited about the role FESTAC will play in giving new artists, designers, and models a stage to shine. “Our stages are world-class. If you are a young creative, this is the place to be. Just register through the website and come show the world what you have got.”
Of course, no African festival is complete without food and yes, the famous Ghana versus Nigeria Jollof rice battle is on! “We will settle that friendly rivalry once and for all,” he jokes. “But more than that, good food brings people together. It is another way we are welcoming the world to Africa.”
But more than that, good food brings people together. It is another way we are welcoming the world to Africa.”
Salami also touched on how FESTAC Africa continues to strengthen ties with the diaspora. “In 1977, we had over 2,000 diaspora participants. In Zanzibar 2022, Arusha in Tanzania 2023 and Kisumu in Kenya 2024, we saw African-Americans, Puerto Ricans, and others join us from Day One. This festival is not just African. It is global.”
This festival is not just African. It is global.”
So what lasting impact does FESTAC Africa 2025 hope to leave behind?
Salami answers without hesitation, “We want to spark bold conversations about African identity and cultural pride. It is time for Africa to take the driver’s seat in global development. Culturally, politically, economically and the time is now.”
And for those planning to attend? He urges them to explore beyond the main stages. “Ghana is a gem to behold from its gold markets and arts and crafts to its warm people and deep history. Come with an open heart. Come ready to connect.”
As our conversation ends, Salami offers a final thought, “I call FESTAC Africa 2025 the eighth wonder of Africa. If you are Black, wherever you are in the world, this is your homecoming. Don’t miss it.”
Photographs courtesy FESTAC Africa Renaissance archives, Kisumu, Kenya 2024. All photographs courtesy of Engr. Yinka Abioye. Engr. Yinka Abioye is the Chairman of FESTAC AFRICA Renaissance Festival
iBAND Magazine 