Culture

Salon Africana Celebrates FESTAC ‘77 Cultural Legacy

Published

2 years ago

May 3, 2024

The opening preview of Salon Africana’s much-anticipated exhibition, ‘The Fabric of Courage’, was held at the historic Old Printing Press on Broad Street, Lagos Island recently, as an extraordinary celebration of the cultural legacy and enduring significance of FESTAC ‘77.

The event, which was conceived and curated by Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist, writer, and scholar, Somi Kakoma, is the salon-styled exhibition which presents a captivating array of photographs capturing the essence of FESTAC ‘77.

The collection includes remarkable large-scale images by acclaimed American photographer, Marilyn Nance, who made her first return to Nigeria since 1977, for the opening preview of the exhibition.

It hinted that Nance did not only participate in FESTAC ‘77 but also meticulously documented the journey of the American delegation to the festival.

The exhibition also showcased Tam Fiofori’s iconic work, ‘The Crowd at FESTAC ‘77’, which captures the atmosphere of the opening ceremony, along with photographs sourced from the archive of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization.

The statement remarked that exhibition features a video installation by Kakoma and a sound installation curated by Chimurenga, further enhancing the immersive multidisciplinary experience.

Another highlight of the opening night was a riveting performance by Somi and her international band, culminating in a moving homage to the late South African icon, Miriam Makeba, who was one of the remarkable rosters of great artists such as Stevie Wonder, King Sunny Ade, James Brown, and others who graced the FESTAC stage in 1977.

A thought-provoking panel session featuring luminaries such as Culture Curator, Producer and Communicator, Jahman Anikulapo; and Executive Programme Director of the Culture Advocates Caucus; Professor Duro Oni, Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters and retired Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Lagos; Marilyn Nance, and Director-General of the Centre For Black and African Arts and Entertainment, Aisha Augie, underscored the importance of revitalising the archives of FESTAC ‘77 for historical relevance.

The discussion centred on the imperative to make these archives more accessible, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the cultural significance of the festival.

Also present were representatives of the government, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe; Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Ayo Adeagbo, and other notable guests from the Lagos creative community and society. Their presence added an invaluable dimension to the event, enriching the dialogue and deepening the appreciation of FESTAC’s profound cultural legacy.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”