Ake Arts & Book Festival Expands Global Reach With “Finding Freedom” 

The Ake Arts & Book Festival announces its most ambitious programming yet, marking a significant shift from its traditionally Afrocentric focus to embrace a more global perspective. The 2024 edition, themed “Finding Freedom,” will host distinguished guests from 15 countries, including India, Canada, Germany, South Africa, Colombia, Palestine, DRC, and Ukraine.

Literary heavyweight Nnedi Okorafor, fresh from securing a million-dollar advance for Death of the Author, headlines an impressive roster of authors. The festival introduces several groundbreaking elements, including Nigeria’s first-ever representation of support needs children in literature through Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie’s Ugo and Sim Sim, and innovative bedtime stories featuring Windham Campbell Prize winner Kathryn Scanlan.

“After a decade of championing African literature, we’re opening our doors wider to showcase Lagos as a global cultural hub,” says Lola Shoneyin, the festival founder and director. Despite prevalent narratives about Nigeria in Western media, we’re demonstrating our capacity for excellence and our deep love for our country.”

The festival’s programming thoughtfully addresses contemporary global challenges, featuring panels on democracy, cancer awareness, and cultural preservation. A notable addition is the festival’s first comedy show, featuring renowned Indian comedian Aditi Mittal, alongside discussions by Ainehi Edoro, the founder of Brittle Paper, and Wale Lawal, the founder of The Republic.

The event will host ten book chats, featuring authors like Abi Daré discussing her sequel And So I Roar, and pioneering panels on Nigerian romance literature. Other highlights include film screenings, the Great African Book Quiz, and the signature Palm Wine and Poetry evening.

Ending her address, Shoneyin commends Sterling Bank, maintaining its eight-year partnership, and new partners including Open Society Foundations, French Cultural Institute, and the EU.