The Enugu leg of the expressions tour took place at Protea Hotel’s Nike Lake Resort. The theme for Enugu was the New Yam Festival. This is an annual event of feasting and indulging which takes place within Igbo communities of Eastern Nigeria during August or September. It is celebrated in honour of the yam god Ifejioku.
Masquerades play a major role in the festival, most of which are decorated elaborately with beads and fibers. They are very colourful, reflecting the predominance of arts and creativity within Igbo culture. The entire festival evolves around artistic expression in dance, a statement of gratitude by a community thankful to the gods for a bountiful harvest.
The festival inspired lots of creative art expression from children. During the exhibition’s private view, there was a drama filled youth performance telling the New Yam story. This inspired most present.
Children’s creative writing was also inspired by the festival and the artists, Enugu being the home of the largest collection of artistic talent on the tour and this was reflected in the artwork. The tranquil lake and rocky terrain of the Nike Lake resort also created the perfect backdrop for filming for the documentary – “Voices of the Unheard”.
