African creativity has a way of gathering people in one place and making magic happen. That’s exactly what the Aké Arts and Book Festival does every year. From writers and poets to musicians, filmmakers, and artists, it’s where ideas meet energy, stories meet curiosity, and culture takes center stage.
This year, the festival returns to Lagos from 20 to 22 November with the theme “Reclaiming Truth.” In a world full of noise and misinformation, it’s a call to pause, listen, and celebrate honesty in storytelling, art, and conversation.
But Aké is more than just panels and book signings. It’s a festival with layers, surprises, and a pulse that captures the spirit of African creativity. To help you get a feel for it, we’ve put together five things you should know about the festival this year, the kind of details that go beyond the headlines and really show why Aké has become Africa’s must-attend cultural experience.
1. It was Created by Lola Shoneyin and Book Buzz Foundation
The Aké Arts and Book Festival started in 2013 thanks to the vision of Nigerian writer and cultural activist Lola Shoneyin. She founded it through the Book Buzz Foundation, a non-governmental organization focused on promoting literacy, supporting writers, and celebrating African culture. From the beginning, the festival aimed to be more than just an event. It was designed as a platform where emerging and established artists could connect, share ideas, and showcase their work to a wider audience.
The festival is guided by a strong team, including a board of trustees that helps steer its direction and ensure it stays true to its mission. Lola Shoneyin continues to lead the festival with energy and dedication, supported by her colleagues, including Ms Mojisola Adeniran and Dr Soji Adelaja. Their combined efforts have turned Aké into one of the most well-organized and respected cultural events in Africa.
Through panel discussions, book launches, performances, and community outreach, the festival has become a space where African creativity thrives and where voices from across the continent can be celebrated.
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2. It is Africa’s Largest Celebration of Books and Ideas
Aké Arts and Book Festival is not just any literary event. It has grown to become the largest celebration of books, ideas, and creativity on the African continent. Since its launch in 2013, the festival has welcomed over 1,000 writers, poets, musicians, filmmakers, and artists from across Africa and beyond. Each edition brings together a diverse mix of voices, creating a space where conversations about literature, culture, and society can thrive.
What makes Aké special is that it goes beyond books. Yes, there are book launches and readings, but the festival also hosts panel discussions, poetry sessions, music performances, film screenings, and art exhibitions. This makes it a hub for cross-cultural exchange, where attendees can learn from different perspectives, debate ideas, and connect with creative minds they might never meet otherwise.
Over the years, Aké has become a meeting point for curiosity, inspiration, and collaboration, showing that literature and the arts can shape conversations and influence communities. It is a place where African creativity is celebrated in all its forms.
3. Every Year Comes with a Bold Theme
One of the things that sets Aké Arts and Book Festival apart is its focus on a bold, thought-provoking theme every year. This year, the festival is exploring “Reclaiming Truth,” a timely reminder of the power of honest storytelling and critical conversations in a world filled with misinformation.
Past themes have been just as compelling. In 2019, “Black Bodies and Grey Matter” sparked conversations about identity, history, and representation. In 2020, “African Time” celebrated the continent’s creativity and resilience while exploring how African perspectives shape art and culture globally.
These themes are more than words on a program. They guide the panels, book chats, poetry readings, and performances, giving each edition a focus that resonates socially, culturally, and politically. Attendees don’t just watch events unfold; they engage in conversations that challenge assumptions, inspire creativity, and shine a light on stories that need to be told.
Every theme invites participants to think deeply, question boldly, and leave with something to carry beyond the festival.
4. It’s a Full Cultural Immersion, Not Just a Festival
Aké Arts and Book Festival is more than just a gathering for book lovers. It is a full cultural immersion that lets attendees experience African creativity in many forms. From panel discussions and book chats to film screenings, music performances, art exhibitions, and workshops, the festival offers something for everyone.
Unique moments like Eat the Book bring literature to life through food and storytelling, while photography challenges invite participants to capture the Nigeria they love. Book launches give readers a chance to meet authors and discover fresh voices. Beyond the programs, Aké provides a space to network, meet creatives, and engage with thinkers from across Africa and the world.
Every corner of the festival pulses with conversation, ideas, and collaboration, making it a place where culture is not just observed but actively experienced.
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5. It Connects Generations and Builds Communities
One of the most powerful aspects of the Aké Arts and Book Festival is its inclusivity. The festival welcomes everyone from young adults and emerging writers to established creatives, making it a place where different generations meet, share ideas, and inspire each other. Community programs and school outreach initiatives bring literature and art closer to local audiences, encouraging a love for reading and creativity from a young age.
Aké also provides safe spaces for discussion and self-expression, where attendees can speak openly about culture, society, and personal experiences. Its impact goes beyond the three-day festival, shaping African literature, boosting publishing across the continent, and celebrating voices that might otherwise be ignored on the global stage. The festival strengthens connections between creators and audiences, fostering a sense of community that lasts long after the panels end and the books are signed.
Where Stories and Culture Come Alive
The Aké Arts and Book Festival is more than a gathering of writers and artists. It is a celebration of African creativity, a space where ideas meet, stories are shared, and culture comes alive. Whether you are a book lover, a poet, a filmmaker, or simply curious about Africa’s vibrant literary scene, Aké offers a front-row seat to the continent’s best and brightest minds.
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