Asaba, Delta State, will come alive with cultural activities as the first edition of Indigenous Arts Festival (IAF) holds. The four-day festival begins on September 26 and ends 29. The festival will feature cultural displays, workshops, and performances that highlight indigenous traditions and sustainability.
The cultural carnival is themed: “Ecosystem Sustainability Through Indigenous knowledge and Practices”. The event promises a thrilling experience of the magic of traditional knowledge through immersive cultural encounters amid nature’s tranquility, according to the festival director, Uba Chukwuemeke Washington.
He said the festival is aimed at creating awareness and reviving the country’s cultural heritage through different indigenous art styles and techniques including, visual arts, dance, drama, music, poetry etc. “Through this event, those who have Indigenous knowledge in different fields of art will share their experiences/expertise with the younger generation. The event is a veritable platform for networking with like minds. Attendees and cultural enthusiasts will experience the rhythm of traditional music, enjoy arts in various forms. It will also offer them opportunity to partake in moving ceremonies and relive childhood memories of gathering ‘round the fireplace for storytelling.”
Artist/performance poet Evelyn Osagie is taking her poetic and fabric art campaigns for environmental sustainability to the state. Known on stage as Evelyn D’POET, Osagie is the festival’s guest poet.She will also lead a textile workshop on tie-and-dye techniques, promoting slow, sustainable fashion. She would be showcasing various design practices and her fabric artworks, driven by the idea of sustainable lifestyle. The attendees will engage with the style, and immerse themselves in practical activities where they will create their own version of ‘sustainability’ fabrics.
Widely celebrated actor, Soibofae Dokubo, will be anchoring a session on storytelling. He’ll be taking guests into the imaginative world of African storytelling under the moonlight.
