10 reasons why you must attend Africa's biggest literary event

Held at Arts and Culture Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta from 15-19 November this cultural extravaganza is an annual four-day event that shouldn't be missed. Here’s why:

1. Africa's biggest literary and cultural event.

Ake Arts and Book festival is one of the most prestigious literary festivals in Africa, that attracts the best speakers on its panel from across the world. It hosts African writers, artists, filmmakers and thinkers from all over the world. It also showcases the very best of contemporary African literature, music, art, film and theatre.

2. Bookworm haven

Ake festival is the best treat for all bookworms, and lovers of good literature. The festival sees Nobel laureates, Man Booker, Caine Prize winners, witty, up and coming writers, charming you with intellectual debates, book readings, discussions and more. Also, if you like collecting autographs like me, You are in for a treat.

3. Countryside chilling

Ake is a very beautiful town. People who come to Ake Festival don’t have to contend with the distractions, the glitz and bright lights of big cities. Abeokuta has a beautiful history and the name also has literary resonance, being the title of the first book in the series of memoirs written by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.

4.  So many important dignitaries would turn up

If you ever want to ask politicians intelligent questions, now is the perfect time. Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has once graced the event. Last year, Governor Nasiru el-Rufai, Ibikunle Amosun and so many important personalities showed up. Who knows, daddy Bubu or Yemi Osibajo may turn up.

5. Good music

Ake Festival is not only about books, arts and authors but also music. Visitors get to witness, enjoy and soak in an acoustic music concert with Brymo, Falana, Adunni and Nefertiti.

6. Hidden gems

I met and interacted with brilliant authors like Jumoke Verissimo, Toni Kan, Oyin Oludipe, Yewande Omotoso, Chris Abani at the Ake Festival last year. Not only is the festival centred around authors who are in the news but awesome writers whose books are upcoming or have come out recently.

7.Illustrious line-up

This year, Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, one of Africa's finest living writers today, will travel from Kenya to Nigeria to headline the event. He will sit in conversation with Okey Ndibe about his life and works. He will also be talking about his latest book Birth of a Dream Weaver.

The festival will also host 9 book chats which will feature 18 bestselling and well-known international authors like Helon Habila, Laila Lalami, Teju Cole, Panashe Chigumadzi, Tendai Huchu, Chinelo Okparanta, Noviolet Bulawayo, Jowhor Ile, Sarah Ladipo Manyika, Odafe Atogun, Tade Thompson, Toni Kan, and many more.

8. Art Exhibition, Films/ Documentaries

You will see the works of Laolu Senbanjo whose “Sacred Art of the Ori” featured on Beyonce’s latest album Lemonade; and Fatima Abubakar who captures the lives of the people of Borno State in a stunning series of photographs.

The intense film documentary, Hissene Habre: A Chadian Tragedy, an account of the horror inflicted on the Chadian people during Hissen Habre’s rule will be shown. Some beautiful short films like A Mother’s Journey by Sade Adeniran, No Good Turn by Udoka Oyeka and Salt by Umar Turaki will be screened to celebrate this form of visual storytelling and the people who are fuelling its rapid growth in Nigeria.

9. Writing workshops

Struggling with writing and expressing yourself? Don't worry, Ake is bringing Africa's finest writers and facilitators who are experts in their fields to teach you.

Fiction Writing will be taught by Noviolet Bulawayo, Helon Habila and Sarah Ladipo Manyika. There will also be workshops in graphic novels, script-writing and non-fiction writing.

10. Plenty of books

Are you stumped on books to buy or your local bookshop does not have your favourite African literature books? With over 4,000 books at the festival bookstore, at excellent prices, book lovers should look forward to the event.

Are you tempted enough? Sadly, you have just some few days to plan. Freeze the dates and plan ahead. You can register at the venue, just book your hotel and buy your travel tickets.

Full details of the Ake Arts and Book Festival programme is available for download on www.akefestival.org

ALSO READ: 10 interesting things you should know about Africa's biggest literary event