Racecourse, CBAAC Launch ReBAND to Drive Road to FESTAC 2027

Racecourse Media has partnered with the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) to launch ReBAND (Reclaim, Restory, Reunite Black, African Nations, and Diaspora), a multi-year initiative aimed at reconnecting Africa and its Diaspora ahead of the 50th anniversary of FESTAC ’77 in 2027.

Unveiled on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, ReBAND is designed as a traveling caravan of African culture, showcasing art, music, film, fashion, and storytelling across major global cities. The project aims to strengthen cultural and economic ties among Africans worldwide while positioning Nigeria as a hub for creative collaboration and innovation.

According to Racecourse Media, ReBAND will serve as a core part of CBAAC’s “Road to FESTAC” initiative, functioning as both a cultural campaign and a capacity-building platform for young creators. Through international activations and partnerships, the movement seeks to reshape global perceptions of Africa while unlocking new economic opportunities within the continent’s creative industries.

“For us, FESTAC is a living statement of who we are and what we can become,” said Chukuka Chukuma, Partner at Racecourse Media. “ReBAND isn’t just about celebrating a moment. It’s about creating connections between culture and capital, legacy and innovation, and building a platform where African creativity can inspire the world.”

His fellow Partner, Emeka Obinna, added that empowering artists and storytellers will help “drive sustainable growth for Africa and the global Diaspora.”

Underpinning the initiative are key collaborations: Adia Creative Agency will lead storytelling and communications, while Sunroof Studios Inc will manage international media outreach and engagement. The project aligns with broader development frameworks, including Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, by using creative expression as a tool for unity and economic progress.

CBAAC’s Director-General, Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie, described the partnership as both a tribute to FESTAC’s legacy and an investment in Africa’s creative future. “As FESTAC’s 50th anniversary nears, this partnership with Racecourse is a foundation for Africa’s next chapter. Culture remains our force for economic growth and global influence,” she said.

Similarly, Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, Chairman of the FESTAC Committee, noted that the collaboration will define the continent’s creative narrative for a new generation. “FESTAC defined our past; with Racecourse and CBAAC, we’re shaping the future and making African creativity a catalyst for unity and progress,” he said.

Racecourse Media;  a subsidiary of Racecourse Capital Partners has a history of engaging Nigeria’s creative industries through strategic partnerships and investments. Its team has worked with EbonyLife, Filmhouse Cinemas, Alara, Flytime Entertainment, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and has been involved in publishing and international film distribution.

Since 2011, the firm has supported projects that merge culture and commerce, from financing large-scale entertainment ventures to mentoring emerging creatives.

Through ReBAND, Racecourse and CBAAC plan to:

• Reframe Africa’s global image through creative excellence and innovation.
• Equip young creatives with mentorship and access to global opportunities.
• Connect African and Diaspora creative ecosystems through festivals and policy dialogue.
• Elevate the creative sector as a driver of job creation and growth.

Richard Spiropoulos, Founder of Sunroof Studios Inc, described his company’s involvement as a privilege. “Showcasing FESTAC on the world stage ahead of 2027 is an honor that no African can take lightly,” he said.

With ReBAND as the cultural engine leading to FESTAC’s Golden Jubilee, Nigeria is set to champion a new wave of artistic collaboration between Africa and its global Diaspora — proving, as organizers note, that the continent’s richest resource lies not in its ground but in the imagination and creativity of its people.