Africa's biggest cultural and literary event is here

15:19 - 09 November 2015

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The Ake Arts & Book Festival, Africa's biggest cultural and literary event is here!

The third edition of one of Africa’s largest literary events will take place at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto-Abeokuta, from 17-21 November, 2015.

This year's theme 'Engaging the Fringe and dialogue' will focus on the genres and creative endeavor that do not get the same attention as Art forms considered as mainstream.

The festival communications manager, Byenyan Jessica Bitrus revealed to Pulse that this year's event intends to explore topics about African life and living in Africa in an honest, open and constructive way.

She added that the Ake Arts and Book Festival will once again host African writers, artists, filmmakers and thinkers from all over the world to develop, promote and celebrate creativity on the African continent, on African turf.

Among those to host panel discussions at the event include one of Africa's best poet and writer, Professor Niyi Osundare, son of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Dr Olaokun Soyinka, TV host Imanni Da Sylva, Activist Kadaria Ahmed, Governor Nasir El-rufai and Howard French of the New York Times.

81 authors from across Africa and some countries in the Europe would also be present at the event to showcase the very best of contemporary African literature, music, art, film and theatre.

The festival will feature 8 book chats, 3 art exhibitions, 1 play, 2 in-depth interviews, school visits, 18 stimulating panel discussions, 3 documentary screenings, 2 films screenings and a poetry performance event.

In addition, a large bookstore will be opened to booksellers, book lovers, pupils and students who will benefit from Governor’s grants.

With the extraordinary line up of authors, and broad ranging topics for discussion, participants are in for an exhilarating few days in Abeokuta this year.