CONTRIBUTION OF FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CULTURE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICAN CULTURE

The erroneous belief that Africa is somehow childlike in its cultural development has been denounced as people become more familiar with the cultural traditions of the continent. Arts and culture, no doubt, is a mixture of our history and identity in today’s world. Hence, the need for African people to uphold their indigenous culture rather than borrow foreign cultures with their attendant negative consequences on the society. This paper, therefore, examines celebration of festivals of arts and culture as a modest way of projecting the memories of our indigenous religion and culture. The authors also look at festival of arts and culture as a great platform for mobilizing stakeholders in the arts and culture industry in which they interact, showcase talents and project the values of heritage as well as develop the spirit of national identity and peaceful coexistence.