The Evolution And Globalisation Of African Festivals: A Study Of The Igue Festival – Past, Present And Future

This paper is a careful examination of the dynamic nature of culture and the cultural evolution of festivals, which are the major vestige and by-product of culture. The study utilised the literary or analytical methodology which enabled the researcher to garner relevant information from critical materials and interviews. The study examined the evolution of the Igue Festival of the Benin Kingdom. Three stages of evolution were clearly discernable, namely: the ancient, the modern and the global. The study concluded by asserting that if properly managed, organised and reinvented, the Igue Festival has the potential of developing into a substantial industry and cultural Olympiad, ensuring economic wealth, development and self-reliant growth.