*Evelyn D’POET set to perform
Asaba, the capital city of Delta state, Nigeria will host the inaugural edition of the Indigenous Arts Festival (IAF) next weekend. The city will be agog with vibrant cultural activities as the first edition of the four-day festival begins from Thursday September 26th and ends on the 29th.
A cultural event that is created to boost creative economy, the festival will feature vibrant cultural displays, workshops, and performances that highlight indigenous traditions and sustainability.
The cultural carnival with the theme: “Ecosystem Sustainability Through Indigenous knowledge and Practices” 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 purpose for the Indigenous Arts Festival is to create awareness and revive our 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 the opportunity join the lively riel dancing, partake in moving ceremonies and relive childhood memories of gathering ’round the fireplace for storytelling that will transport you through time.”
Performance poet, Evelyn Osagie will dish out her poetic and fabric art campaigns for environmental sustainability at this festival. Known by stage name Evelyn D’POET, Osagie is the festival’s guest poet.
In addition to the performance, she will also lead a textile Workshop on tie-and-dye techniques, promoting slow and 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.
Also, as part of its environmental sustainability campaign, the Woman Editor, Sun Newspaper/ Co-founder, One Million Tree Initiative, Josfyn Uba will also lead the Green Workshop. The Green Workshop which is in partnership with One Million Tree Initiative is devoted to students in Primary and Secondary schools will engage young students on environmental issues such as climate action, encouraging them to think sustainability.
The ICC Youth Creative Club, partnering with Afro-art studio, will also offer an art and crafts workshop to nurture youths’ creativity.
