By Prisca Sam-Duru
The much-anticipated 13th edition of the Aké Arts and Books Festival is set to take place from November 20 to 22, 2025, at BON Hotel Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
This year, the festival organized by the Book Buzz Foundation adopts the compelling theme “Reclaiming Truth,” addressing the urgent need to counter misinformation and celebrate authenticity in today’s fast-changing world.
Speaking during a press conference held in Lagos, the festival’s founder, Lola Shoneyin disclosed that “The three-day event will bring together a diverse group of creatives including authors, poets, artists, filmmakers, and musicians from Africa and beyond. Festival-goers can look forward to a rich program featuring panel discussions, book chats, film screenings, poetry performances, and music nights.”
In this edition, Aké Review, the event publication, presents new writing and art that interrogate truth, challenge dominant narratives, and reflect on how we construct meaning in an increasingly polarized world.
According to Shoneyin, visitors will experience a series of stimulating panel discussions featuring eminent guests. Conversations include “Whose Truth Is It Anyway?”, featuring leading authors and thinkers; “The Stories That Matter,” with Mazzi Odu, Paul Okuego, Kiisa Soyinka, and Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie—authors of children’s books; and “The Rise of Romance,” with Fatima Bala, Adesuwa Nwokedi, and Oreva Olujimi.
Nine Book Chats will showcase leading African and international authors, including Bernardine Evaristo and Adania Shibli. A special session will focus on Mrs Kuti, a memoir of memoir of Remilekun Kuti, the wife of legendary musician Fela Kuti, with appearances from Femi, Yeni, and Made Kuti.
In addition to literary events, audiences will enjoy film screenings of works like When Nigeria Happens, followed by discussions with the producers.
The Romance Book Chat line-up expands this year to include Fatima Bala, author of Broken: Not a Halal Love Story, who will present her latest novel Hafsatu Bebi, and Bolu Babalola, with her new book Sweet Heat.
The popular Palmwine and Poetry segment and an emerging music night featuring The Recurrence band will add vibrant cultural flavour to the festival line-up.
Supported by Sterling Group, Lagos State Government, and the Open Society Foundation, the Aké Festival continues to nurture creativity and important conversations that inspire reflection and connection across diverse communities.
