Here's 5 things you should know about the upcoming 'Ake' festival

shakirudeen taiwo

November 13, 2017 12:57 PM

This festival showcases the cultural and intellectual artistry of Africa.

The Aké Arts and Book Festival is Africa’s largest annual literary, cultural and art event that takes place in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

The festival starts on the 14th of November and lasts the entire week. It features new and established writers alike from across the world.

The festival's focus has been centred on its desire to promote, develop and celebrate creativity on the African continent in diverse genres.

1) Aké Arts and Book Festival was started in 2013 by a Nigerian writer called Lola Shoneyin who is the author of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives which was published in the UK in 2010.

2) The festival has its name after Aké which is a town in Abeokuta, Ogun State. It is where Wole Soyinka who is Africa's first Nobel Laureate in Literature was born in 1934.

3) The official publication of the festival is called the Aké Review. Not only is it published in English but also Yorùbá and French language. The Aké Review collects submissions of African writers, a summary of events and its top guests.

4) Every edition of the festival is centred around a theme. Other editions themes include, ‘Bridges and Pathways’ and ‘The Shadow of Memory’.

The 2017 edition has the theme of ‘The F-Word’ which is about feminism with female guests from across diverse genres expected to tackle topics facing women around the globe.

5) The 2017 edition has promised to have 6 book chats, 1 art exhibition, 1 stage play, 2 storytelling sessions, 1 in-depth interview, 12-panel discussions, 5 film screenings, 1 musical concert and a night of poetry performance.

Also, all books discussed at the event will be available at the Aké bookstore on sale for bargain prices.

shakirudeen taiwo

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