Nigeria Urged to Revive FESTAC 1977 for Cultural Leadership

LAGOS — Cultural advocate and producer Yinka Abioye is pushing for the return of FESTAC Africa to Nigeria. He argues that the time has come for Nigeria to reclaim the cultural leadership it demonstrated at the legendary 1977 festival, which showcased African and Black culture to the world on an unprecedented scale.

Abioye made the case in an opinion piece published by The Guardian Nigeria on Wednesday. He said the question is no longer whether Nigeria can remember 1977, but whether it can convert that memory into cultural leadership, tourism, inclusion, and continental influence in 2026 and beyond.

FESTAC 77, officially the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was held in Lagos in January and February 1977. It was one of the largest cultural events in African history, drawing over 16,000 artists, performers, scholars, and cultural figures from 59 countries.

The festival put Nigeria at the centre of global black culture. Its legacy helped position Lagos as Africa’s cultural capital. Abioye said a 21st-century FESTAC could achieve similar results, drawing global attention to Nigeria’s creative industries and driving significant tourism revenue.

The Case for Revival

Nigeria’s creative sector is at its strongest ever. Afrobeats dominates global streaming charts. Nollywood is the world’s third-largest film producer by output. Nigerian fashion, visual art, and literature are all gaining international recognition. A major festival could consolidate these gains into a powerful national cultural brand.

In addition, Africa’s creative economy is growing rapidly. Countries including Rwanda, Ghana, and South Africa are investing heavily in cultural tourism. Abioye argues that Nigeria, with its incomparably rich cultural heritage and Lagos as a global city, should be leading that investment, not watching others take the opportunity.

Furthermore, a revived FESTAC could also address social inclusion. The 1977 festival celebrated diversity within the African diaspora and within Nigeria itself. A modern version could use culture as a bridge across the ethnic, religious, and regional divides that continue to challenge national unity.

Government Response

The Lagos State Government has shown interest in major cultural events. Commissioner for Tourism and Arts Toke Benson-Awoyinka has spoken about Lagos’s ambitions as Africa’s entertainment capital. The upcoming LEAGA sports and entertainment festival is one example of the state’s investment in large-scale cultural programming.

However, a full-scale FESTAC revival would require federal government commitment and significant funding. Previous proposals for a FESTAC revival have stalled over budget disagreements and political priorities. Abioye said the time is right to revisit those proposals with fresh urgency.

Cultural institutions, diaspora organisations, and African governments are being invited to a planning summit that Abioye hopes to convene before the end of 2026. He said wide African and diaspora support would make it easier to secure government commitment and international sponsorship for a revived FESTAC.