Grace Mumo discusses her journey organising FESTAC Africa 2024 in Kenya, uniting the continent through culture, tourism, and inclusion.
Grace Mumo, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Inspire Africa Connect and CEO of FESTAC Africa Renaissance, has taken a pivotal role in resuscitating the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) after its 45-year dormancy.
In a recent interview with TOFARATI IGE, Mumo shared her experience organising the 2024 edition of FESTAC in Kenya and the festival’s broader impact on African unity, culture, and tourism.
The revival of FESTAC
When asked about her connection to FESTAC, Mumo credited Yinka Abioye, Chairman of FESTAC, for introducing her to the festival’s legacy.
“Our chairman is from Nigeria, and FESTAC has always been close to him,” Mumo said. Recognising its historical significance, her team engaged with the African Union to breathe new life into the event.
“We feel privileged to have been entrusted with its revival,” she added, noting that this year’s edition was more inclusive than the previous two held in 1966 and 1977.
Unlike the earlier editions, FESTAC 2024 broadens its scope by incorporating key groups that were previously overlooked.
“We focus on three areas: the youth, women, and people with disabilities,” Mumo explained. This approach highlights the festival’s evolution from being solely a cultural showcase to a more holistic platform for African empowerment.
The challenges and triumphs of organising FESTAC
Organising an event of this magnitude is no small feat. Mumo stressed that passion plays a crucial role in overcoming the inevitable challenges.
“When it’s something you are passionate about, fatigue doesn’t factor in,” she remarked, reflecting on her experience managing such an intensive project.
For her, building a dedicated, highly focused events team is essential to ensuring the success of each edition.
“Each year comes with different lessons, but the key is to have passionate people around you. FESTAC is not just about the seven-day festival; it’s about leaving a lasting legacy.”
FESTAC 2024: A personal triumph for Kenya
FESTAC 2024 held special significance for Mumo, as it took place in her home country of Kenya, specifically in Kisumu, a city recognised as a cultural hub.
“I fought to bring the festival to Kenya,” she said, emphasising her deep connection to the event’s location. “It was personal for me, even though it wasn’t in my hometown. Kisumu, being the epicentre of arts and culture in Kenya, was the perfect venue.”
Despite her Kenyan roots, Mumo sees herself more as a Pan-Africanist. “I’ve worked in West Africa more than I have in Kenya,” she noted, adding that her exposure to 33 different African countries has shaped her vision for FESTAC.
moting intra-Africa tourism and trade through FESTAC
Mumo believes that FESTAC Africa plays a crucial role in fostering intra-Africa tourism and trade, two areas often hindered by logistical barriers.
“One of the main goals of FESTAC is to encourage Africans to explore their own continent,” she explained. However, high airfare costs and visa requirements between African countries remain significant obstacles.
“Travelling within Africa can be more expensive than flying to Europe, which is absurd,” Mumo said, urging governments to make intra-Africa travel more accessible.
FESTAC, with its emphasis on cultural integration, offers a platform for businesses and tourists to connect. “We had global cultural trade platforms where companies showcased their goods and services,” Mumo highlighted.
“By bringing the festival to different African cities, not just the capitals, we can unlock the continent’s potential.”
Government support for FESTAC
While FESTAC has the potential to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth, Mumo expressed disappointment at the lack of substantial government support.
“A festival like this should be fully supported by governments. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves swimming alone,” she remarked.
For FESTAC to be sustainable, Mumo called on African governments to commit resources and recognise the festival’s potential to drive tourism and trade.
“FESTAC is a game changer for any country. It can drive economic growth and tourism within just seven days,” she said. Mumo urged governments to embrace the festival fully, ensuring that it has the financial backing to thrive.
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