2nd Igbo World Festival of Arts & Culture (2015)

2nd Igbo World Festival of Arts & Culture

​The second Igbo World Festival of Arts and Culture took place July 23-25, 2015 at the Igbo Village in Staunton, Virginia. This event featured an impressive lineup of cultural entertainment, topical presentations, social interactions and more. The event attracted thousands of attendees from three continents (United States, Africa and Europe) and the participation/support of dozens of Igbo organizations. Seven African American families whose DNA tests confirmed their Igbo ancestry participated in the Reconnection and Naming Ceremonies.

Highlights

Cultural Heritage Showcase
  • Display of Igbo cultural artifacts and presentation of Igbo masquerades by Chief Ononaku
  • Egedege Dance by Anambra State Association Women’s Wing, led by Mrs. Vicky Agba and Dr. Ujunne Akpuaka.
  • Enugu State Association Women’s Wing, led by Mrs. Francisca Nkiru Onyema (Odibeze)
  • Multiple performances by children/youth of PILA, led by Mrs. Kanayo Ntukogu
  • Performance by Boston Igbo School, led by Dr. Benjamin Aduba
  • A thrilling performance of Nkwa Umuagbogho Afikpo Women’s Dance, led by Ms. Lilycent Uchechukwu Ogbuagu
  • Egwu Umu Agbogho by Nwannedinamba Association USA, Youth Wing, led by Ms. Nneka Ikpeama
  • War Dance, led by Jerry Uka and Chief Okorie Mbah
  • Performance by Ms Igbo Queen (Erica Akpuaka)
  • Performance by Ms Africa Queen (Frances Udukwu)

In Attendance

  • Chief Gary Igariwey, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo
  • Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman of South East [Nigeria] Traditional Rulers Council
  • Igwe Obidiegwu Onyeso, Eze Nri Enweleana II of Anambra State
  • Igwe Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II of Awka, Anambra State
  • Eze Daniel Emereonye of Imo State
  • Chief Alexander Chukwudimma Nwokeabia of Ugwuoba, Enugu State
  • Igwe J.N. Gbuye of Ugwuoba, Enugu State
  • Igwe Cyril Anayo Anochili of Umuogbugbuagu, Enugu State
  • The Nigerian Consulate in New York represented by consuls Kate Igbodike and Ifeoma Dibia
  • African Americans, some of whom participated in the Reconnection and Naming Ceremony
  • Igbos and culture enthusiasts from all walks of life
Photos and Videos