QFEST 2023: “Connecting The Dots” in literature and arts

In a bid to highlight the profound impact of words and foster creative collaboration, the Quramo Festival of Words (QFEST2023), is set to captivate literary enthusiasts and creatives alike from October 4 to 8 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

The organisers announced the dates and exciting details for the 2023 edition at a briefing in Lagos saying the theme for this year, “Connecting The Dots,” underscores the importance of fostering collaboration and communication within the creative and media industries, transcending borders to create meaningful connections.

This year’s QFEST, the organisers stated, promises to be a celebration of creativity, collaboration and cultural richness.

Convened by Gbemi Shasore and presented by Quramo Publishing Ltd, QFEST is a prominent literary and arts festival that has consistently drawn both emerging and established creative minds. 

Mrs Shasore explained the theme’s significance at the briefing at the publishing firm ‘s office in Lagos, stating that it’s now easier for Nigerian and African creatives to connect with the global community than with each other within the continent. Shasore emphasised the need to build stronger communication, travel and distribution networks within Africa to promote homegrown content and products.

“QFEST is an annual literary and arts festival that brings together emerging and established creatives and literary enthusiasts,” Shasore explained. “It’s a fusion of various creative and intellectual expressions, with a primary focus on showcasing the power of words and finding innovative ways to harness that power. We aim to promote human interaction, literary expression, and creative growth through collaboration and positive reinforcement. In essence, we are celebrating, rediscovering and revelling in the beauty of words!”

Also present were members of the Quramo Writers Prize (QWP) judging panel, Dr. Eghosa Imasuen, Anote Ajeluorou and Mrs. Lechi Eke, who gave insight into the entries received and the judging process so far, as welk as Ns. Aduke Gomez, who he’d light on the Irish embassy’s sponsorship of a section of the festival.

QFEST 2023 promises a rich programme for attendees, including enlightening book discussions, expert-led panel sessions, captivating spoken word poetry performances and engaging stage plays. The Word Slam Open Mic competition, offering a substantial cash prize, remains a highlight. A high point of this year’s QFEST will be the unveiling of the winner of the Quramo Writers Prize (QWP), who will secure a publishing deal and a significant cash reward.

This five-day celebration will feature 10 creative workshops, eight panel discussions, four book and author chats, a word slam contest, film screenings, stage plays, Chrysalis Conversations with Kemi Ogunleye, a QConversation session, and the highly anticipated announcement of the Quramo Writers’ Prize (QWP) 2023 winner.

The impressive lineup of speakers and panellists include notable figures such as Yahaya Maikori, Adedotun Eyinade (co-founder of Rovingheights), Anwuli Ojogwu (co-founder of the Society of Book and Magazine Editors of Nigeria), Prof. Karen King-Aribisala (author and lecturer at the University of Lagos), James Murua (a media personality from Kenya), and an appearance by Peter Ryan, the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria.

QFEST 2023 promises to be an event of unparalleled literary and artistic exploration, offering a platform for creatives to forge connections, celebrate unique stories and contribute to the growth of the creative industries in Nigeria and Africa. Mark your calendars for this exciting cultural extravaganza in October.