The 12th edition of the Ake Arts and Book Festival will kick off on November 20 in Lagos, featuring 24 events over three days and promising an engaging, international cultural experience.
This was announced by the festival director Lola Shoneyin at a press conference on November 8.
This year’s theme, Finding Freedom, aims to explore various aspects of identity, resilience, and democracy.
The festival will be held at Bon Hotel Ikeja Residence in Ikeja GRA, Lagos. An online ticket costs N10,000 and includes the Ake Festival Guide, Ake Review 2024 Edition, a festival ID card with lanyard, access to Wi-Fi, and entry to all Ake Festival 2024 events.
The on-site ticket provides these benefits as well, with a price of N12,000. Additionally, a premium ticket, priced at N150,000, includes a guest room stay and access to the green room, Wi-Fi, buffet lunch and dinner, unlimited refreshments, an Ake Festival gift bag, and the Ake Festival Guide + Ake Review 2024 Edition.
The festival, which now welcomes a global roster of artists, authors, and thinkers, reflects a shift from its traditionally Afro-centric focus.
“After 10 years of celebrating African creativity, we are now curating a more global event,” Shoneyin said.
She said participants are expected from 15 countries, including India, Germany, Colombia, and Ukraine.
The 2024 lineup includes a range of panel discussions, film screenings, comedy shows, and book chats with global authors.
Among notable events, Shoneyin highlighted Demystifying Cancer, a panel on resilience featuring cancer survivors, including literary icon Wole Soyinka. The event will honour the late Tayo Agunbiade, a pioneering Nigerian women’s historian, who passed away recently.
“She dedicated her life to documenting the stories of Nigerian women, an effort we must continue,” Shoneyin said.
A series of book discussions will spotlight prominent voices in African and global literature, from South African author Shubnum Khan to Nigeria’s Nnedi Okorafor, whose latest novel has garnered significant international attention.
Shoneyin also praised the work of ‘bookstagrammers’ and influencers who amplify African literature on social media.
“They are a critical link in the value chain, helping us spread the magic of reading,” she said.
In addition to literary events, the festival will also feature a panel discussion involving filmmaker Juliette Riddle and comedian Aditi Mittal.
Closing out the festival on November 23, Palmwine and Poetry, a signature Ake event, will celebrate the power of spoken word.
Reflecting on the festival’s growth, Shoneyin emphasised Ake’s commitment to promoting Nigerian culture and inspiring a new generation of storytellers.