The Organisers of the fifth World Blacks and Africa Festival of Arts and Culture, FESTAC AFRICA, have decided to postpone the event to August due to a devastating flooding disaster that has affected cities in Kenya.
Originally set to take place from May 20 to May 26, 2024, the event will now be held from August 25 to September 1, 2024.
Philip Adundo, Chairman of the festival’s Steering Committee, and Yinka Abioye, Chairman of FESTAC AFRICA International, jointly issued a statement urging service providers, including airlines and hotels that had made bookings for the festival, not to cancel them but to adjust them in accordance with the new dates.
Former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, who had confirmed his attendance at the event in April, emphasized the significance of African history, heritage, and culture, which would be the focal points of the festival to be held in Kisumu, Kenya. The city is anticipated to host a distinguished gathering of personalities from around the world, bringing together expertise, passion, and vision.
The festival is themed: ‘Sustainable Growth Trajectory For Africa Through Culture, Trade, Travel, & Tourism.’
“This is going to be a very historic meeting,” Odinga expressed in a video shared on X by @FESTACAFRICA last month. “People are going to be talking about African culture, African history, and African heritage. I will be there on May 20th,” he affirmed in the 44-second video.
Although preparations were well underway for the event, the organisers regretfully announced the postponement due to aggravated and unpredictable weather conditions in Kisumu County and other parts of Kenya, stemming from heavy rainfall and widespread flooding which has claimed over 200 lives.
“Some of the venues reserved for FESTAC along the shores of Lake Victoria have been submerged, due to backflow from the lake, making them inaccessible,” they elaborated.
Read Also: Kenya Set To Host FESTAC Africa Festival
Describing FESTAC AFRICA FESTIVAL as an unparalleled celebration of African heritage, unity, and sustainable growth, the organisers emphasized its role as a meeting point for diverse cultures and industries.
They highlighted the festival’s objective to celebrate Africa’s uniqueness and identity while fostering intra-Africa trade and creating a global business networking platform.
“This week-long event typically offers an excellent opportunity for participants to showcase their culture through music, fashion, dance, and cuisine, as well as engage in meaningful discussions on investment and bilateral trade opportunities,” they conveyed in a message to editors.
