Salon Africana recently hosted a remarkable exhibition titled “The Fabric of Courage,” celebrating the cultural legacy of FESTAC ’77. This event, curated by the talented Somi Kakoma, showcased a stunning collection of photographs capturing the essence of the historic festival.
Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Somi Kakoma curated the exhibition, featuring captivating images by acclaimed photographer Marilyn Nance. Nance, who documented the American delegation’s journey to FESTAC ’77, made a poignant return to Nigeria for the exhibition. Additionally, Tam Fiofori’s iconic work and photographs from the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation added depth to the immersive experience.
The exhibition also featured a moving performance by Somi and her band, paying tribute to the late Miriam Makeba and other legendary artists who graced the FESTAC stage in 1977. A thought-provoking panel discussion emphasized the importance of preserving FESTAC ’77 archives for future generations.
Notable guests, including government representatives and cultural luminaries, attended the event, enriching the dialogue and appreciation of FESTAC’s cultural significance. “The Fabric of Courage” will be on display until April 14, 2024, at the Old Printing Press in Lagos Island.
Salon Africana, the cultural production agency behind the exhibition, challenges conventional notions of African cultural production. Through curated experiences that celebrate artists exploring African identity politics, Salon Africana invites audiences to reimagine the global Black experience. For more information, visit www.salonafricana.com or follow @salonafricana on social media.
