Centuries of slavery and colonization dealt a devastating blow to Africa’s cultural heritage. European powers looted invaluable artifacts and works of art, many of which now sit in museums in Paris, Madrid, and London. Colonial influence also altered African languages and even traditional cuisines.
By the mid-20th century, Africa began to gradually reclaim its cultural identity. In 1966, Senegal’s first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, organized the first World Festival of Black Arts in Dakar. Nearly 2,500 participants from 30 independent African nations, as well as diasporas from the US, Brazil, and France, came together to celebrate African literature, music, film, and dance.
In 1977, another major event – FESTAC – was held in Nigeria. This time, around 16,000 participants and half a million spectators took part. Today, the continent’s cultural revival continues, successfully blending tradition with modern technology and global trends.
