Press Release

Aké Arts and Book Festival 2023 Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Oyeshola Oloyede | comms@bookbuzzfoundation.org | +234(0)8180389525

 

AKÉ FESTIVAL IS BACK WITH A BLAST on 22 - 25 November 2023

The 11th edition of the Aké Arts and Books Festival will take place on 23-25 November 2023. The festival will be held in GRA Ikeja, Lagos. Authors, poets, artists, storytellers, dancers, actors, musicians and thinkers from all over Africa and beyond will converge for three days of cultural immersion.

 

Venue

BON Hotel Ikeja Residence

51 Sobo Arobiodu Street

Ikeja GRA, Lagos

Nigeria

 

Theme

Although the festival is not built around a theme, the way it has occurred in previous years, we are adopting the theme of Blood Ties for the 2023 edition of Aké Review. The publication will explore the complexities of family, relationships, loss and togetherness.

 

In Partnership with Sterling Bank and LUMINATE

Aké Arts & Book Festival is delighted to partner with Sterling Group and Luminate who have consistently supported our goal of celebrating and promoting creativity, while facilitating discussions that empower the youth.

 

The Africa Rights Forum

To build the essential blocks that will enable African publishers to have a presence in the rights marketplaces of the world, we are introducing The Africa Rights Forum, which aims to train agents and editors in Nigeria and the African continent to navigate the global rights marketplaces. Stephanie Steiker will join us from the  United States; Pierre Astier and Lucie Campos are flying in from France; and Emma Shercliff who has a long history with Nigerian literature will join us from the United Kingdom. 

 

Festival Director Fellowship

Aké Festival is delighted to welcome six international festival directors to Lagos, Nigeria, where they will have the opportunity to interact with the writers and artists at Aké Festival. Following their experience, they will enjoy a special reception which has been organised in their honour. Willemijn Lamp, Lavina Frey, Kholod Saghir, Estefania Calanes Perez, Angeles Jurado and Teresa Grotan will be joining us from The Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Norway. 

 

Inspiring Panel Discussions

From 23 - 25 November, visitors to Aké Festival will be treated to stimulating panel discussions which will cover a range of topics. This year, we have incredible panel discussions with topics ranging from Artificial Intelligence, African women in publishing to Nigeria’s gender wars. Everyone leaves Aké Festival feeling enriched.

 

Book Chats

We are excited to present eleven book chats which are in-depth interviews with writers about the themes they explore, their unforgettable characters and the magical worlds they build for us. This year, we’ll be hosting these authors: Petina Gappah, Umubyeyi Beata Mairesse, Bolu Babalola, Kojo Koram, Wole Talabi, Hemley Boum, Zukiswa Wanner, Kelechi Okafor, Bisi Adjapon, DK Nnuro, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Irene Muchemi, Gothataone Moeng, Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi, Nnamdi Ehirim, Ayanna Lloyd Banwo, Wanjiru Koinange, Abimbola Ishola, Stephen Buoro, Dipo Faloyin, Priya Hein and Olusegun Aganga.

 

Film Screening

This year, Aké Festival will celebrate the cinematic excellence of a Netflix blockbuster. We will have director, producer and actor, Femi Adebayo chat with Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko on the making of ‘Jagun Jagun’

 

Palmwine & Poetry Night

The enchanting Palmwine and Poetry segment is the highlight of our annual festival. We present a dynamic blend of cultural elements, fusing traditional palm wine with the contemporary artistry of poetry. This unique combination creates a relaxing atmosphere for festival-goers. Attendees can look forward to captivating performances by Deborah Johnson, Gbadamosi Servio and Tomilola Adeyemo Coco. Poet extraordinaire Wana Udobang will host this segment.

 

Concert

We are proud to present African classical music this year. The festival, known for its commitment to showcasing diverse and outstanding talent, is set to captivate audiences with an evening of musical brilliance with Bantu Music who will be playing known classics from the coast of West Africa. 

 

African Book Quiz

This year, we are testing how much our attendees know about African books and authors. We have lots of book prizes to give away, as well as merch from our sponsors and partners.

 

PublisHer Reception

This is a special event for women in publishing and an opportunity for women who aspire to pursue careers in publishing to meet leaders and mentors within the African publishing industry and beyond. This reception is sponsored by PublisHer.

Journalists, photographers, media personnel and independent bloggers who would like to cover the events and activities at Aké Arts & Book Festival need to have a  Press Pass. For all Press/ media-related enquiries/requests, please email Oyeshola on comms@bookbuzzfoundation.org.

Press Pass

Welcome to Ake Arts and Book Festival Communications Desk

The Ake Arts and Book Festival takes place on 22 - 25 November, 2023

Journalists, photographers media personnel and independent bloggers who would like to cover the events and activities at Ake Festival must apply for a Press Pass. For all Press/ media- related enquiries/requests, please e-mail comms@bookbuzzfoundation.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a press release that I can download?

The Ake Arts & Book Festival 2023 press release is available for download here.

I am journalist and I would like a Press Pass?

If you require a press pass, please apply here. Attendance is free for press.

Can I schedule an interview with the organisers?

Please send an email to comms@bookbuzzfoundation.org if you are interested in scheduling an interview with the organisers of Ake Arts & Book Festival.

How can I interview the Ake Festival 2023 guests before or during the festival?

Contact comms@bookbuzzfoundation.org if you would like to speak to specific Ake Arts & Book Festival 2023 guests. We will do our best to schedule an appointment for you.

How do I get photographs of Ake Arts & Book Festival events?

Any requests for high-resolution photographs taken during the festival should be made to comms@bookbuzzfoundation.org.