Monday, August 12, 2024 From August 25th to September 1st, 2024, Kisumu, Kenya, will host FESTAC 2024, the world’s largest festival dedicated to Black African Art, Culture, Trade, and Family. This grand event will be a vibrant celebration of African heritage, bringing together cultures, traditions, and communities from across the globe. Among the distinguished attendees is Anthony “Amp” Elmore Sr.
, a five-time World Karate/Kickboxing champion and filmmaker from Memphis, Tennessee. Elmore’s mission at FESTAC is clear: to bridge African and African American heritage, fostering unity, cultural pride, and a shared vision for the future. FESTAC, also known as the Festival of Black and African Arts and Culture, has a rich history that dates back to its inception in Dakar, Senegal, in 1966.
Over the years, FESTAC has grown into a global cultural phenomenon, celebrating Africa’s heritage, creativity, and identity. The 2024 festival in Kisumu marks a significant milestone as it will be the 5th World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, themed “Sustainable Growth Trajectory for Africa through Culture, Trade, Travel, and Tourism.” This theme highlights the festival’s focus on educating, empowering, and embracing African culture through various platforms, including health, education, sports, leadership, entrepreneurship, trade, fashion, art, music, and dance.
Elmore’s journey to FESTAC began when Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, the Governor of Kisumu, personally invited him to speak at the festival. Elmore’s connection to African culture is deep-rooted. In 1986, he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in “The Contemporary Gladiator,” a film that premiered in Nairobi in 1990, marking a spiritual turning point in his life.
His involvement in Kenya includes introducing kickboxing, promoting soul music concerts, and marrying a Kenyan woman in 1995, with whom he shares a son. Elmore’s efforts to connect African and African American communities extend beyond his personal experiences. Following President Barack Obama’s election, Elmore felt a profound connection to Tom Mboya, a Kenyan labor leader and one of the nation’s founding fathers.
This connection has driven him to foster trade, family, and cultural ties between Africa and the African American community. Orange Mound, a historic Black community in Memphis, serves as the birthplace of African Cultural Diplomacy in America, thanks to Elmore’s efforts. Orange Mound, established in the late 19th century, is the first planned community in America built for and by Black people.
In 2016, Elmore hosted “The Tom Mboya 60th Celebration” at his Orange Mound residence, paying tribute to Mboya’s contributions to African American history and culture, particularly through the “Airlift America” program. This celebration not only honored Mboya but also emphasized the deep cultural connections between Africa and African Americans. Elmore’s vision for FESTAC 2024 extends beyond the festival itself.
He advocates for the establishment of permanent structures across Africa where African Americans can immerse themselves in the continent’s vibrant culture and heritage. One of his key initiatives is the proposed construction of the “Tom Mboya African and African American Museum Education Cultural Economic and Entertainment Centers” in Nairobi, Kenya. This project would be a monumental step in honoring and preserving the intertwined histories of Africa and African Americans.
Memphis has a storied history with FESTAC, largely due to Elmore’s pioneering efforts. From promoting the first kickboxing bouts in 1979 to producing Memphis’s first independent 35mm theatrical film, Elmore has consistently championed African culture and its connections to African Americans. His work includes the creation of Elmore African Imports, a venture that forged significant collaborations with African designers to tailor products for the American market.
These efforts have not only brought African culture to the forefront in America but have also highlighted the viability of African-made products in the American marketplace. Elmore’s commitment to fostering trade and cultural ties between Africa and America is unwavering. Despite the challenges, such as high shipping costs, Elmore envisions establishing a robust trade infrastructure that positions Memphis as a pivotal distribution center for African goods.
His ultimate goal is to ensure that products made in Africa meet “American Quality Standards,” thereby cementing a sustainable and mutually beneficial trade relationship. Elmore’s efforts in cultural preservation and representation are exemplified by the establishment of “The 1st All African Home in America,” located in the historic Orange Mound neighborhood of Memphis. This 5000-square-foot residence showcases furniture crafted entirely by African artisans, symbolizing the deep connections between Africa and African American culture.
Elmore’s vision for the future includes the creation of a trade deal between Kenya and Memphis, supported by Memphis U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen.
This initiative aims to strengthen the economic and cultural ties between Africa and America, culminating in the first African American Family Reunion in Africa, scheduled for August 2026 in Kisumu, Kenya. FESTAC 2024 is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of African heritage, a platform for cultural exchange, and a bridge between African and African American communities. Anthony “Amp” Elmore’s participation in this event underscores the importance of unity, cultural pride, and shared history.
As Kisumu prepares to host this monumental event, the legacy of African culture and its impact on the world will be celebrated, honored, and preserved for future generations..
