July is a special month globally but more so for South Africans, as it is a reminder that Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a hero who shone a spotlight on SA’s societal ills and planted a seed for generations to come to make a positive difference in society and in their lifetime. I am reminded of the week-long, Festac Africa Festival that I attended in Zanzibar in May 2022.

Leaving the miserable, cold South African weather for the beautiful, hot white sandy beaches of Zanzibar and sipping on freshly cut coconuts, I was indeed taken to paradise on earth and grateful to Headlines for sponsoring the trip.

Similarly, I believe that we have found a new hero, in Yinka Abioye, chairman Festac Africa festival. Someone with a genuine love for the continent of Africa and what it is capable of achieving – only if we worked together as a people. Not discriminating against one another, not trying to be superior to each other but sharing our knowledge, culture, food, arts, and experiences. Creating solid and true relationships. It was very brave of him and his team from various parts of the continent, including Grace Mumo, an award-winning entrepreneur, based in SA, to take the bull by the horns and revive the festival.

The concept has been tried, tested and been shown to work. But why did it not fully work this time around? I have been quoted saying that the locals were not involved, which from my point of view was true. If such a great event were to be staged in SA, the locals, and taxi industry would be roped in because through word of mouth they would be able to encourage visitors to go and experience the festival.  The sidewalk entrepreneurs would be well informed and would want to make their merchandise seen and sold and so the micro economy would be boosted.

The last time that this amazing cultural, and networking session was held, was in 1977 in Lagos, Nigeria. From those that have heard the stories, it’s an event that truly brought Africans together not to talk war and politics but to make a way for the future.

Festac festival really pulled all stops to get Africans from diverse backgrounds and countries to participate not only in the discussions but in pledging to do their part in making this initiative work. It’s a super festival created by Africans and for Africans and so let’s roll up our sleeves and get the ball rolling. Festac 2022 was a revival. It may not have pulled the crowds as anticipated, but the will was there. The seed has been planted. Culture and tourism are unifying forces. If only we can forget about colour of our skins, forget what divides us and understand that being an African it's for everyone born and bred in Africa, with roots entrenched in Africa, we would then see the continent flourish.

This event and the organiser managed to connect those that were present through engagement. Those who would say that they did not have anything to take back home, have done themselves a disservice in not participating and networking. I was happy that I met Rashde Fidigo, a freelance photographer from Zanzibar that managed to take photographs of me and make me look youthful and not break his camera lenses in the process. I can share the BizCBook website with South Africans – a business founded by Gerald Walker from the US whose ethos is taking businesses and connecting them to the world. I was able to connect to Africans with the word-of-mouth show on Ebizradio and really share the heart, and excitement of the festival. SA Commuter Radio were we able to live, laugh and just be merry.

ASANTE SANA!