Ake Arts and Book Festival

The Ake Arts & Book Festival in Nigeria

In West Africa, a vibrant, pulsating festival of the arts unfolds annually, drawing literary giants, avant-garde artists, and culture enthusiasts from across the globe. The Ake Arts & Book Festival (opens in a new tab), a highlight of Nigeria's cultural calendar, is more than just a festival; it's a profound celebration of the continent's vibrant and rich creative potential.

This annual gathering serves as an essential platform for debate, a window of opportunity for emerging voices, and an inspiration to a new generation of African writers and creatives.

The importance of the festival extends far beyond the borders of Nigeria, echoing across the African continent and its diaspora as a vital space for intellectual and artistic exchange.

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The Genesis of a Cultural Phenomenon

The Ake Arts & Book Festival was established in 2013 by Nigerian writer Lola Shoneyin (opens in a new tab) with the dream of establishing a location on African soil where writers, artists, and thinkers could gather to celebrate and critically engage with African creativity.

The inaugural festival was held in Abeokuta, a historic city and the hometown of Africa's first Nobel laureate in Literature, Wole Soyinka (opens in a new tab), who was invited as a guest. This symbolic choice of location underscored the festival's deep connection to Africa's literary heritage.

Since its inception, the Ake Festival has been driven by an annual theme that informs its programming and discourse. The initial theme, "The Shadow of Memory," established the festival's dedication to tackling challenging and pertinent topics. Themes have run the gamut from "Bridges and Pathways" and "Fantastical Futures" to "Black Bodies, Grey Matter" and "African Time," each inviting an intensive and complex examination of the African experience.

A turning point in the festival's development was its relocation from Abeokuta to the megacity of Lagos (opens in a new tab) in 2018. The move to Nigeria's commercial and cultural capital significantly increased the festival's visibility and accessibility, attracting an even broader and more varied audience. Despite the constraints of the global pandemic, the festival continued with virtual editions, showcasing its resilience and dedication to its community.

A Kaleidoscope of Activities

The Ake Arts & Book Festival is a whirlwind of activity, providing a dense and diverse program that caters to a wide array of interests. At its center are the panel discussions, which convene authors, scholars, and activists to explore salient social, political, and cultural matters. These discussions are renowned for their frankness and intellectual intensity, creating a forum for open and honest debate.

"Book Chats" are another highlight of the festival, offering cozy environments for readers to meet their favorite writers. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to listen to writers discuss their books, their creative processes, and the inspiration behind their tales. Poetry is also high on the festival's agenda, with lively performances and open mic sessions that highlight the beauty and power of the spoken word.

Visual arts are a mainstay of the Ake experience, with curated exhibitions featuring the work of both established and emerging African artists. These exhibitions often interpret the festival's theme within the visual realm, contributing an additional layer of meaning and depth to the overall experience. Film screenings, theater productions, and music concerts also augment the festival program, making for a genuinely multidisciplinary celebration of African creativity.

A bustling bookstore, offering a vast selection of African literature, serves as the festival's dynamic hub, a place for discovery and connection.

A Taste of Nigerian Culture

Attending the Ake Arts & Book Festival is not just an intellectual and creative endeavor; it is an immersive experience into Nigeria's vibrant cultural landscape. The festival's atmosphere is charged, filled with the warmth and welcoming nature for which Nigerians are famous.

The air is heavy with the enticing aromas of Nigerian cuisine, as food stalls offer a delectable array of local dishes. From the smoky flavor of jollof rice (opens in a new tab) to the savory treat of suya (opens in a new tab), the festival provides a true feast for the senses.

Music is a constant companion at Ake, with live performances by Nigerian and other African artists infusing the event with rhythm and soul. The visual drama is also part of the attraction, as traditional Nigerian attire, such as the flowing agbada and elaborately tied gele, make a colorful statement. The festival is where traditional customs and artistic innovation meet, providing a fascinating window into Nigeria's dynamic, ever-evolving culture.

What to Expect: Navigating the Ake Experience

For those intending to visit the Ake Arts & Book Festival, it is typically organized in the latter part of the year, usually in October or November. Lagos, a large and vibrant city, offers plenty of accommodation options to fit most budgets. It is highly recommended to arrange accommodation and festival tickets early, as the event is very popular.

Attendees should be prepared to be challenged, stimulated, and inspired. The festival program is packed, so it's wise to glance through the schedule in advance and decide which sessions and events you absolutely do not want to miss. Comfortable shoes are a must, as you will likely be doing a great deal of walking between venues.

Beyond the festival grounds, there is plenty to see and do in Lagos. The city's thriving arts scene, its bustling markets, and its historic sites are all worth exploring.

• A visit to the Lekki Conservation Centre (opens in a new tab) with its famous canopy walk provides a pleasant respite from the city's energy.
• The Nike Art Gallery (opens in a new tab) is another destination that is well worth a visit, showcasing a vast and impressive collection of Nigerian art.

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A Beacon of African Creativity

The Ake Arts & Book Festival has firmly established itself as a pillar in the African cultural and literary scene. It stands as a reflection of the potency of storytelling, the necessity of conversation, and the limitless imagination of the African continent.

For anyone wishing to take the pulse of modern African imagination and thinking, the Ake Festival is an unmissable event. It is a celebration of a continent's voice, a convergence of its best minds, and a beacon of its creative future.