In an era where misinformation often drowns out facts, the Aké Arts and Books Festival returns with a bold mission: “Reclaiming Truth.”
From November 20 to 22 at BON Hotel Ikeja Residence GRA, Lagos, the festival organised by the Book Buzz Foundation promises a transformative cultural experience centred on rediscovering authenticity and the courage it takes to uphold it.
Celebrating its 13th anniversary, Aké will host a vibrant assembly of literary artists, poets, storytellers, filmmakers, musicians, and thought leaders exploring how truth shapes our stories and identities.
The Ake Arts and Books Festival founder Lola Shoneyin, gave assurance that “Visitors will experience a series of stimulating panel discussions featuring eminent guests.”
“Conversations include “Whose Truth Is It Anyway?”, featuring leading authors and thinkers; “The Stories That Matter,” with Mazzi Odu, Paul Okuego, Kiisa Soyinka, and Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie—authors of children’s books; and “The Rise of Romance,” with Fatima Bala, Adesuwa Nwokedi, and Oreva Olujimi.
“Festival attendees will dive into dynamic panel discussions that question the nature of truth in media and storytelling, featuring notable voices such as Adania Shibli, Kunle Ajibade, and Fatima Bala,” she explained.
The festival’s publication, Aké Review, will debut new works challenging prevailing narratives and probing the complexity of meaning-making in our polarized times.
Alongside literary programs, the festival elevates Nigerian cinema by screening When Nigeria Happens, followed by engaging conversations.
The Romance Book Chat line-up expands this year to include Fatima Bala, author of Broken: Not a Halal Love Story, who will present her latest novel Hafsatu Bebi, and Bolu Babalola, with her new book Sweet Heat.
Poetry enthusiasts can look forward to Palmwine and Poetry, an enchanting segment blending contemporary voices like Momtaza Mehri and Wana Udobang’s hosting magic.
Music lovers will enjoy the fresh sounds of The Recurrence, a Lagos-based boy band.
Further enriching the festival are the Bedtime Stories audio sessions, offering soothing readings by authors like Fatima Bala to close each day’s festivities.
Partnering with Sterling Group, the Lagos State Government, and the Open Society Foundation, this edition of Aké reaffirms its role as a vital platform for creativity, critical thought, and cultural connection.
