NAN-ELS-1
Festival
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, Jan. 26, 2018 (NAN) The 2018 African Festival of Arts and Culture (AfrikFest), Las Vegas, Navada, United States is set to showcase African culture aimed at changing negative narratives about Africa.
Mr Darlington Okpebholo, the African Coordinator of the event, made this known at a news briefing on Friday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival had been scheduled for April 13 and 14 in Las Vegas, Navada.
AfrikFest, Las Vegas Inc., is a socio-cultural organisation working for cohesion of cultural heritage among Africans in the United States and around the world.
The group is led by Mr. Christopher Usigbe and Mrs Favour Chikelu
“In the wake of different negative narratives circulated about Africa by the west, AfrikFest, Las Vegas has taken the initiative to redesign the perception about Africa and Africans.
“This is to tell our story about the continent by Africans, through the creation of festival and carnival to promote African cultural values.
“We will use the opportunity, in conjunction with Las Vegas authorities, to honour deserving African leaders who have contributed to human development and capacity building,” Okpebholo said.
He disclosed that leaders from Africa including some state governors, outstanding parliamentarians, captains of industries and opinion leaders had been nominated for awards in different categories.
“There will be diverse cultural display and exhibition from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda and other parts of Africa.
“Participants will have the opportunity to exhibit their cultural dances, arts, crafts and the use of natural organic product,’’ Okpeholo stressed.
He noted that the festival would also bridge the gap for African Americans who were desirous to have a realistic link to Africa “the motherland.’’
He added that the festival would be the first of its kind in Las Vegas, stressing that the organisers were known as the pacesetters of African cultural events in the city.
“However, with the diverse background of the organisers and good relationship built both in Nigeria and the U.S., we are optimistic of pulling this epic event successfully,’’ he said. (NAN)
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Edited by Ese E. Ekama