The maiden edition of the Festival of African and Caribbean Cultures (FESTACC) was held last Saturday at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. Jimoh Rasaki reports for The Sun:

[. . .] FESTACC focused more on the resuscitation and preservation of African and Caribbean cultural heritage. It was a dream come true for the Sani Abu Mohammed-led troupe, which travelled all the way from Canada to initiate a five-day workshop in the department and celebrate the two continents through dance, costumes, music and drama.

Meanwhile, FESTACC also featured, among others, awards presentation, seminars, talk shows and a few solo performances. On the list of awardees were Professor Chris Ugolo, Muyiwa Osinaike, Princess Nike Apata, Ambassador Christopher Emmanuel Abdul and S.K Adewu Asepo. Also in attendance were Professor Hyginus Ekwuazi, Professor Dele Layiwola, Yomi Duro Ladipo and Dr Chuks Okoye (former Head of Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan).

The final segment of the festival saw the Ijo Voodoo team dazzling the audience with their peculiar stagecraft. Each of the performances had a thematic link with the vision of the festival which, according to Dr Tunde Awosanmi, current Head of the Department, was inspired by the Second World Festival of Black African Arts and Culture (FESTAC) hosted by Nigeria in 1977.

The master of ceremony, Ojo Babatunde, added his own stints to the show, doubling at intervals as performer and anchor. The curtain raiser was the Ijo Voodoo’s Psalm 32, a dance drama which started and ended on a well choreographed, solemn and prayerful note. Following this was a solo dance by Wasiu, and a dance ensemble showcasing songs and costumes of Edo origin. The Panos also performed in quick succession with Princess Apata leading the vocals. Coming on the heels of Panos was the Sikus; featuring an all-male dance group in Makossa, Soki and other popular dance steps. Other highly creative dance pieces included “Mangana, Honey” (a romantic duet mimed by Apata and a male dancer), “Efe” (a contemporary dance form) and the seven-man team of dancers, which represented Fela Kuti.

The latter expectedly re-enacted the late Afrobeat legend’s mannerisms and stagecraft, thus underscoring the musical essence of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, popularly called Abami Eda. Perhaps the highpoint of the show was the explosive drum ensemble by the Ijo Voodoo team. [. . .]

For full article, see http://sunnewsonline.com/new/ibadan-hosts-festacc-to-celebrate-afro-caribbean-cultures/