For Oyenoira Emmanuel, a 24-year-old content writer, the 12th edition of the Ake Arts and Book Festival felt deeply personal.
“You don’t have to be caged to crave freedom,” she told The Record. Despite growing up in a middle-class family, Oyenoira often struggled to balance leaving her comfort zone with the realities of adulthood.
Attending book chats with her favourite authors reignited her passion for self-discovery. “Finding freedom, to me, is the ability to make your own choices without restraint,” she said.
Held from November 21 to 23 in Ikeja, this year’s festival, themed “Finding Freedom,” explored identity, resilience, and democracy. Over the course of three days, 24 events brought together artists, authors, and thinkers, leaving attendees inspired and empowered.
Ukrainian activist Sofia Cheliak, a guest speaker on a panel, defined freedom as “the ability to be yourself.” Her perspective reflected the universal nature of the festival’s theme, which resonated across borders and experiences.
A diverse lineup of voices
While Ake Festival has always been rooted in Nigerian culture, this year saw a broader, more global perspective. The event welcomed international voices, creating a vibrant exchange of ideas. Erica Benner, Juliet Riddell, and Aditi Mittal delved into democracy. Velia Vidal, Wanjiru Koinange, and Kenanao Phele spoke about curating Black culture. And Sofia Cheliak and Rodrigue Isamaleki offered perspectives from Ukraine and Congo.
A highlight of the festival was the screening of uNobuntu, a portrait of the post-millennial South African family made by mother-daughter duo Nombeko Nontshokweni and Sihle Nontshokweni.
The lineup of authors at the book chats was equally impressive. Nigerian authors included Nnamdi Ehirim, Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie, Bunmi Emenanjo, Jordan Ifueko, Erhu Kome, Aiwanose Odafen, Abi Daré, Folusho Agbaje, Florence Olajide, Fatima Bala, Timendu Aghahowa, and Umar Abubakar Sidi.
International authors like Nnedi Okorafor, Musih Tedji Xaviere, Maame Blue, Sue Nyathi, Shani Akilah, Shubnum Khan, and Siphiwe Gloria Ndilovu also graced the stage.
Award-winning writers Kathryn Scanlan and Jennifer Makumbi hosted a heartwarming bedtime story session.
What makes Ake Festival unique?
For Nigerian-American sci-fi writer Nnedi Okorafor, Ake Festival is unlike any other literary event. “I feel something that I can carry with me for the rest of the year. So, coming here is really important to me,” she said.
Attendee Yetunde Folahan echoed this sentiment, describing the festival as “more than just an event—it’s a community.” For others, like Aisha Lawal, it offered a rare chance to buy unique books and interact with authors.
Owner of Boldoz Bookstore in Uyo, Enobong Etuk, discovered the festival by chance while attending the Lagos Fringe Festival. “It was an incredible experience,” she said.
A memorable finale
The festival ended on a high note with its signature Palm Wine and Poetry session. Poets like Albert Morisseau, Taofeek Ayeyemi, Abileola Soyinka, Timi Sanni, Zaynab Iliyasu Bobi, Ruth Mahogany, and Wana Udobang enchanted the audience with their verses.
Another standout feature was the introduction of stand-up comedy by Indian comedian Aditi Mittal, a first for the festival, alongside a unique acoustic music performance by Nigerian singer-songwriter Falana.
The Ake Arts and Book Festival continues to be a beacon of creativity in the Lagos community, offering attendees the freedom to explore, connect, and reflect. In a world where stories shape identities and inspire change, festivals like Ake remind us of the enduring power of words.