The exhibition "K. Kofi Moyo and FESTAC ’77: The Activation of a Black Archive" curated by Theaster Gates and Romi Crawford highlighted the work of graduate students at the University of Chicago who sought to reinterpret and reinvigorate the legacy of the Festival of Black and African Arts and Culture (FESTAC). One notable installation was "The Story of Sound," created by the art historians Cortlyn Kelly and Ayrika Hall, which traced the journey of African diasporic sound through time and space.

​

FESTAC 77' was a cultural celebration that took place in Lagos, Nigeria in 1977. It was a gathering of over 20,000 participants from around the globe, including artists, intellectuals, and political leaders, with the goal of showcasing and promoting the diverse cultural traditions of Africa and the African diaspora. Music played a central role in this celebration, with a variety of rhythmic styles and melodic techniques being represented across the continent. From traditional African drumming and chanting to modern forms of music such as Afrobeat and highlife, FESTAC 77' was a showcase of the diverse and rich musical heritage of Africa. In addition, to live performances, FESTAC 77' also featured exhibits and workshops focused on the role of music in African culture. These included presentations on the history and evolution of African music, as well as demonstrations of various instruments and techniques. The celebration of music at FESTAC 77' was not only a way to showcase the diversity and richness of African culture but also a way to promote unity and solidarity among the African diaspora. Through music, participants were able to connect with one another and celebrate their shared cultural heritage. Overall, FESTAC 77' was a powerful celebration of the diversity and richness of African culture, with music playing a central role in this celebration. It served as a reminder of the enduring power and influence of African music on a global scale and the importance of preserving and celebrating the cultural traditions of Africa and its diaspora.

​

Kelly and Hall's installation sought to highlight the sheer breadth of these musical traditions and their representation at FESTAC 77'. Through a collection of songs, visitors were able to experience the diverse and rich musical heritage of Africa and its diaspora. The installation also aimed to demonstrate the ways in which these musical traditions have evolved and been influenced by other cultures, both within and outside of Africa.

​

In reinterpreting and reinstituting the legacy of FESTAC 77', Kelly and Hall's installation serves as a testament to the lasting influence of African music on a global scale. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the diverse cultural traditions of Africa and its diaspora, and the role that music plays in this process. Ultimately, "The Story of Sound" serves as a tribute to the enduring cultural legacy of FESTAC 77' and the ways in which it continues to shape and influence the world of music today.