By Tunde Johnson, Abuja
Jimi Solanke, ace Nigerian playwright says he is ready storm the 2018 AFRIKFEST festival slated for Las Vegas in a grand style.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, the Nigerian film actor, dramatist, folk singer and poet said the festival will feature some of the most refreshing home-grown artists as well as the nation’s national troupe.
Solanke said the festival will showcase Nigeria’s rich culture and tell the ‘’world our own stories from our perspective and not the lies the western media platforms are circulating about us.’’
He said, the goal is to have the rich heritage of Africans in the US and nations in Africa to come together under a united umbrella to showcase the beauty of the African culture through the socio-economic, political and entertainment branding of Africa.
According to him, ‘’We have conceptualised the event and we are looking forward for the great event in Las Vegas. We are preparing in top gear with the national troupe.
‘’The ideas is to show case Africa, Nigeria in particular in Las Vegas, costumes to be used are strictly homemade, there will also be folk tales, folk singing translated in a very contemporary and millennium manner, we are going to be strong.’’
The ace plawright also called on the federal government to promote culture, tourism and entertainment because, apart from giving relaxation and memorable experiences, it is also a huge source of revenue for the nation.
“If such is moved to the federal level, it will amaze you the huge revenue it will generate for the government and enjoyment for the people,’’ Solanke said.
He averred that Nigerians are already earning millions of Naira from manufacturing costumes to be used at the event.
‘’Tourism is a huge source of revenue. It is simply an untapped sector.
“Imagine if we are government and doing this festival periodically. It is possible for the government to create jobs in the sector. It is just for them to be serious,’’ he said.
He said that the African Festival of Arts and Culture coming up in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April had already provided more than 500,000 jobs for young Africans.
He continued: ‘’There will be a diverse cultural exhibition from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Uganda and other African countries.”
Some governors, captains of industry, outstanding parliamentarians and opinion leaders from Nigeria and other African countries will be given awards in different categories.
