5th Igbo World Festival of Arts & Culture (2018)
5th Igbo World Festival of Arts & Culture
The 5th Igbo World Festival of Arts and Culture featured the largest lineup of Igbo cultural entertainment till date. The event took place July 19-21, 2018 at Igbo Village in Staunton, Virginia.
Highlights
A record number of 18 Igbo cultural music, dance, drama and masquerade presentations thrilled the audience. No other Igbo organization/festival in Diaspora came close to matching this record.
For the second consecutive year, Igbos and African Americans worshiped together in a non-denominational service on the last day of the Festival. The audience included people from the city of Staunton and neighboring areas.
Cultural Heritage Showcase
- Welcome song by Igbo children and youths
- Igbo traditional wrestling contest led by Dr Edward Nwachi
- Dramatization of Igbo palm wine tapper by a performer from Atlanta Igbo School
- Igbo drama and dance performance led by Ms Lilycent Ogbuagu
- Several dance performances by PILA led by Mrs Kanayo Ntukogu
- Igbo pageant and dance led by Ms Chioma Ogueri
- Several dance performances by Atlanta Igbo School led by Mrs Queenette Ohaya
- War Dance led by Mr Jerry Uka
- Northern Virginia men and women’s dance
- Mmanwu masquerade presentation led by Chief Okey Ononaku
- Exhibit of Igbo material culture (cultural artifacts)
Reconnection and Naming Ceremonies
African Americans of Igbo ancestry were reconnected with their Igbo brethren in a formal Reconnection Ceremony, and given Igbo names in a formal Naming Ceremony.
In Attendance
- President General of Ohanaeze Ndiigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo
- His Majesty, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri of Eri Kingdom
- Chairman of World Igbo Congress, Prof Anthony Ejiofor
- Prince Ikenna Onyeso, Regent of Nri Kingdom
- The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, represented by Githoni Kamau
- Members and representatives of several Igbo organizations from the United States and other countries
- Culture lovers and enthusiast from all walks of life
Photos and Videos
