Aké Arts and Book Festival

The Aké Arts and Book Festival is an annual celebration of literature and the arts, held in Nigeria since 2013. Bringing together writers, artists, and thinkers from across Africa and beyond, it features panel discussions, readings, performances, and exhibitions, with recent editions taking place in Lagos each November.

• Founded by Lola Shoneyin in 2013 in Abeokuta, Nigeria
• Features writers, poets, and artists from across Africa and the world
• Hosts panel discussions, book chats, performances, and exhibitions
• Themes change annually, shaping the festival’s focus
• Recent editions held in Lagos each November

What it is

Aké Arts and Book Festival is a vibrant annual gathering dedicated to celebrating African creativity in literature and the arts. Founded in 2013 by Nigerian writer Lola Shoneyin, the festival draws writers, poets, artists, and thinkers from across the continent and the world. Its program is rich with book chats, panel discussions, performances, exhibitions, and workshops, all aimed at exploring contemporary African issues and artistic expression. Aké has become a key meeting point for those passionate about African stories, ideas, and culture, fostering dialogue and collaboration among established and emerging voices.

Where it comes from

The festival was established in 2013 by Lola Shoneyin, who envisioned a space where intellectuals and creatives could discuss African issues on African soil. Named after Aké, a town in Abeokuta, Ogun State—birthplace of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka—the festival began at the Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta. Its early years focused on providing a platform for African writers and artists to connect with audiences and each other, quickly growing into one of the continent’s most significant literary events.

How it is celebrated

Each year, Aké Arts and Book Festival presents a diverse program that includes panel discussions on literature, social issues, and the arts, as well as book chats with authors, poetry readings, stage plays, film screenings, and art exhibitions. Themes change annually, shaping the conversations and creative works showcased. The festival has hosted renowned writers, poets, and artists from Nigeria, Africa, and around the world. Attendees can expect lively debates, workshops, magazine launches, and performances by musicians and actors. Special events such as the Palmwine & Poetry Night and the Africa Rights Forum add to the festival’s dynamic atmosphere, making it a space for both reflection and celebration.

Joining in

Visitors to Aké Arts and Book Festival can immerse themselves in a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment. Recent editions have been held in Lagos, at venues like the BON Hotel Ikeja Residence, with events spread over several days in November. Expect a mix of formal discussions and informal gatherings, with opportunities to meet writers, attend readings, and explore exhibitions. The festival is open to all who are curious about African literature and arts, and its accessible program encourages participation from newcomers and seasoned festival-goers alike.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Aké Arts and Book Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Aké Arts and Book Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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