The Ake Arts and Book Festival continues its vibrant run on Friday, November 21, delivering a full day of insightful panel discussions, compelling book chats, and a highly anticipated film screening.
Dedicated to exploring the breadth and depth of Nigerian and African narratives, from reimagining traditional folklore through speculative fiction to discussing the power of storytelling for children and the evolution of modern romance, the day kicks off at 09:50 – 11:00 with a captivating Book Chat featuring Nkereuwem Albert and Marvelous Michael Anson. Hosted by Sharon Adeoye-Alan-Tekobo, the conversation delves into the imaginative voices of debut novelists. Deeply steeped in traditional cultural references, the authors are set to discuss how their work – described as offering “fresh takes on fantasy”- is part of a movement to redefine the landscape of Nigerian fiction by merging contemporary realities with speculative inspiration.
Following this, the 11:00 – 12:00 Panel Discussion, “The Stories That Matter,” addresses a crucial question: What stories should we be telling our children? Moderated by author and advocate Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie, the panel brings together distinguished voices, including Mazzi Odu, Kiisa Soyinka, and Paul Okeugo to explore the vital opportunities in writing for young Nigerians, discussing how children’s literature can empower, educate, and foster a love for reading.
At midday the festival’s energy will flow into the 12:05 – 13:05 Book Chat on New Nigerian Romance. Hosted by bookseller Ifenyi Chukwu, the conversation features authors Leonora Ifeanyichukwu and Bolu Babalola, who delve into the genre’s ability to “write unapologetically about women who want more,” covering themes of desire, voice and ambition. The authors are expected to share how modern romance, by navigating modern complexities, reclaims female identity and strength, proving romance to be a powerful tool for self-definition.
A special 14:20 – 15:20 Book Chat will shine a light on children’s literature with author Tunde Onakoya, known for The Chess Champion. Hosted by author and curator Muthoni Muiru, this session explores Onakoya’s journey and how his book celebrates resilience and hope. The panel highlights how effective storytelling can empower young minds, making diverse books a vital and enriching addition to African children’s literature.
One of the day’s most intellectually stimulating events is the 15:25 – 16:25 Panel Discussion, “Why Speculative Fiction Matters.” Moderated by Mazzi Nwonwu, the panel features writers Chisom Umeh, Adedapo Adeniyi and Marvelous Michael Anson. The discussion centres on how speculative fiction offers a necessary “space to reimagine futures, rewrite histories, and critique the present.” The speakers are to explore how African speculative fiction – often more than just genre – has become a powerful tool for engaging with global imagination and tackling the challenges and opportunities facing the continent.
This is to be followed by the 16:30 – 17:30 Book Chat on Adania Shibli’s Minor Detail, hosted by Khadija Sanusi. Shibli’s haunting narrative revolves around a contemporary woman’s obsession with a 1949 war crime, with its masterful blend of historical trauma and personal, visceral memory. The session explores the novel’s stark, lyrical, and unflinching confrontation with the heavy weight of the past.
The curtains begin to fall on Day 2 with a powerful evening anchored by a Film Screening and discussion.
From 19:00 – 20:30, the screening of the gripping new film, When Nigeria Happens, will take place. The event is to be hosted by Omotoke Solarin-Sodara and Bayo Oduwole. Filmmakers Ema Edosio and Toke Solarin Sodara are to feature in a candid conversation about their work. A must-watch, the film explores youthful dreams and survival in modern Nigeria and the discussion offers insight into the film’s creative journey, its powerful social commentary, and the personal motivations behind telling an “unfiltered look at telling the Nigerian story onscreen.”
Finally, the day concludes with a 22:00 – 22:30 Bedtime Story featuring Fatima Bala. Bala reads an excerpt from Hafsat’u Bebe, a story led by a group of women entering the imposing home of a new husband. The chapter’s unfolding narrative, full of surreal and suffocating details, explores the guarded innocence, secrets, and unspoken power dynamic where childhood meets harsh reality.
