Celebrating African Unity and Cultural Revival: The Festac Africa Festival in Kisumu

A Historic Gathering of Leaders and Cultural Icons

The London Political Summit and Awards is delighted to welcome our first Honorary Guest Speaker, H.E. Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, and Summit Co-Chair, Amb. Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, to the Festac Africa Festival in Kisumu County, Kenya. Hosting this prestigious event from August 25th to September 1st, 2024, at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu Mamboleo, is an absolute honor. The participation of esteemed leaders and dignitaries, including H.E. Olusegun Aremu Matthew Obasanjo, H.E. Raila Odinga, H.E. Governor Nyong'o, H.E. Ruth Odinga, H.E. Dorothy Nyong'o, H.E. Emily Nyaribo, and H.E. Amb. Josephine Ojiambo, has significantly elevated the festival. We are thrilled to celebrate African culture and unity in this vibrant region of Kisumu, renowned for its cultural energy, heritage, and hospitality.

Festac, short for the "Festival of Arts and Culture," traces its roots to the historic Festival of Black Arts (FESTAC '77), held in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1977. This monumental cultural event celebrated African culture and heritage on a global scale, bringing together artists, musicians, writers, and thinkers from across Africa and the African diaspora. FESTAC '77 showcased the richness of African traditions and arts, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity among people of African descent. It was a continuation of the movement to reclaim and celebrate African cultural identity after centuries of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade, providing a platform for African and diaspora communities to express their histories, struggles, and aspirations.

Kisumu County, located in western Kenya along the shores of Lake Victoria, holds significant historical, cultural, and political relevance, making it an ideal location for a modern Festac event. Home to the Luo people, Kisumu is a cultural hub with a vibrant arts scene deeply rooted in music, dance, and traditional crafts. The region's historical significance is underscored by its role in Kenya's post-independence era and as the birthplace of key political figures, including Raila Odinga, a symbol of the struggle for democracy in Kenya. Hosting Festac in Kisumu under Odinga's patronage adds a layer of political significance, highlighting the region's role in Kenya's national narrative and his influence in fostering African unity and cultural revival.

Reviving Festac in Kisumu not only honors the legacy of FESTAC '77 but also reinforces the importance of cultural diplomacy in contemporary Africa. This event serves as a platform to address modern challenges facing the continent while celebrating the cultural diversity that unites it. The London Political Summit is excited to be part of this historic festival and believes it will continue to bridge historical legacies with present-day aspirations for a united and culturally empowered Africa. We also look forward to welcoming H.E. Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and Amb. Dr. Josephine Ojiambo at the 9th Annual London Political Summit and Awards 2024, set to take place this October at the House of Parliament in London.