Africa doesn’t need validation from the West- FESTAC Africa Chairman
Engr Yinka Abioye, the Chairman of FESTAC Africa, a prominent arts and culture organisation, has boldly declared that Africa doesn't need validation from the West due to its rich cultural heritage.
He mentioned that his position is a powerful assertion of African identity and creativity, emphasising the continent's rich cultural heritage and its ability to stand on its own merit.
Speaking at the official launch of 2025 FESTAC Africa Renaissance Festival held at the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Tuesday, June 10 and to officially announce Ghana as host, Mr Yinka encouraged Africans to take pride in their cultural achievements and to recognise the value of their own stories and experiences. ( Read Ghana to host 6th FESTAC 2025)
"FESTAC AFRICA is more than a festival—it is a Pan-African movement of cultural reclamation, honouring ancestral wisdom, economic empowerment, and African pride.
“Africa's true power lies not in her minerals, but in her people. Culture is the language that unites us beyond boarders. It is how we remember, how we resist, and how we rise.
“Culture is our compass and our currency. We no longer need to seek validation from the west. Let us look inward - to our ancestors, our elders, and our youth for the blueprint of our renaissance. Ghana, with its unmatched leadership in heritage and unity, is the rightful host for this renaissance,” he said.
The festival’s launch also saw the announcement of Ghana with its national capital, Accra, as the host of this year’s FESTAC Africa Renaissance Festival 2025, taking place from September 21 -27, 2025.
The festival’s theme, “Harnessing Health, Culture, Trade, Climate Change, Gender Equity, and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth,” aims to promote Pan-Africanism, cultural restoration, and economic collaboration.
The festival dates hold special significance, as they coincide with two important celebrations: September 21st, the birthday of Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and September 27th, World Tourism Day.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, said her team was proud to support FESTAC Africa 2025, recognising its potential as a driving force for cultural and economic growth, while showcasing Ghana's position as a leader in African culture and tourism.
“Today marks a defining moment in our national and continental journey. We are proud to officially launch FESTAC AFRICA 2025, with Ghana as the host country of this monumental celebration of African culture, heritage, innovation, and unity.
This is not just a festival. It is a declaration and want to use the opportunity to invite Africans, private sector stakeholders, public sector institutions, and the media to participate in this celebration of unity, culture, and economic transformation,” she said.
First held in Dakar, Senegal, in 1966, then later in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1977, FESTAC Africa Renaissance Festival didn’t hold for 45 years until its return in 2022 when it was held in Zanzibar.
Since then, the festival which has been a yearly affair has been held in Tanzania (2023), Kenya (2024) with Ghana taking the baton as host tin September.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FESTAC Africa Renaissance, Grace Mumo announced a line up on interesting activities featuring cultural performances, sports camps, art gallery, exhibitions, conferences, movie and health screening.
Also, the festival would feature food and fashion shows, climaxing with a Ghana-Naija jollof showdown.
