The 2024 Ake Arts and Books Festival was not just another literary gathering; it was a profound exploration of ideas and culture, masterfully crafted under the theme Finding Freedom. As always, this year’s edition brought together an illustrious lineup of guests and an engaging array of activities, demonstrating once again why Ake remains a cultural beacon on the global stage.
The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) had the privilege of attending the festival, and even from the first day, it was clear that this was more than an event—it was a movement.
A Grand Opening Full of Meaning
The opening ceremony, presided over by the ever-charismatic Wana Udobang, was a fitting curtain-raiser. Goodwill messages from prominent dignitaries underscored the festival’s global significance, with representatives from Sterling Bank, the United States Embassy to Nigeria, the Lagos State Government, and European, British, and Spanish diplomats all in attendance. Their speeches highlighted the importance of arts and culture and celebrated Lola Shoneyin, the festival’s host, for her unwavering dedication to Ake, now in its 12th year of championing storytelling and creativity. The day’s tone was set, emphasizing that this was not just about literature but about celebrating the transformative power of storytelling.
Engaging Panels on Music, Health, and Black Culture
The day’s lineup offered thought-provoking panels that delved into health, democracy, music, and black culture. A standout session on music, moderated by Dami Ajayi, featured a lively exchange between Nels Abbey, Joey Akan, and Falana. Another deeply moving session on cancer, moderated by Ruona Meyer, brought Gloria Okwu and Dr. Olaokun Soyinka (standing in for Prof. Wole Soyinka) to the stage, offering both medical insight and heartfelt homage to the late Tayo Agunbiade.
Intimate Book Chats
For book lovers, an intimate chat hosted by Omotoke Solarin-Sodara revealed the hearts of authors Shani Akilah and Nnamdi Ehirim. Their works—For Such a Time As This and The Brevity of Beautiful Things—captured the disarray of the pandemic era. Shani celebrated black love amid isolation, while Nnamdi reflected on the complexities of enduring friendships. Their stories left the audience with a shared sense of nostalgia and hope.
Beyond Books: Film Screenings and Nighttime Reflections
The festival was not confined to books alone. Day one also featured a screening of uNobuntu by Nombeko and Sihle Nontshokweni, a visual testament to resilience, hosted by Angela Wachuka. As night fell, Kathryn Scanlan delivered on the festival’s promise of a bedtime story, closing the day with a quiet moment of reflection.
Ake’s Unwavering Legacy
The first day of the Ake Arts and Books Festival encapsulated everything the event stands for—literary excellence, cultural celebration, and a profound connection to shared human experiences. From its thought-provoking panels to its intimate book chats, the festival inspired new perspectives and celebrated the boundless creativity of its participants.
As the days unfolded, the festival continued to shine as a beacon for African storytelling, art, and culture. Its ability to bring people together, spark conversations, and champion bold narratives ensures its place as one of the continent’s most vital literary gatherings. The need for Ake’s continued existence cannot be overstated; its invaluable contributions to the literary ecosystem enrich us all, fostering a space where diverse voices thrive and timeless stories are born.
For JAY Lit, attending Ake this year reaffirmed the transformative power of the arts in shaping societies and uplifting voices that need to be heard. With next year’s edition already scheduled for November 20th to 22nd, 2025, we eagerly anticipate another celebration of African brilliance and creativity.
See more photos from the event below:
(This article is written with support from Tobi Ojenike)
