FESTAC 77 Festac '77 , also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (the first was in Dakar, 1966 ), was a cultural jamboree [1] held in Lagos , Nigeria , from 15 January 1977 to 12 February 1977. The month-long event celebrated African culture and showcased to the world African music , fine art , literature , drama, dance and religion . About 16,000 participants, representing 56 African nation and countries of the African Diaspora , performed at the event. [2] [3] Artists who performed at the festival included Stevie Wonder , Gilberto Gil from Brazil , Bembeya Jazz National from Guinea , Mighty Sparrow , Les Ballets Africains , and Franco Luambo Makiadi . At the time it was held, it was the largest pan-African gathering. [4] The emblem of the Festival was the royal ivory mask of Benin . The hosting of the festival led to the establishment of t