Ake Arts and Book Festival

The Ake Arts and Book Festival is Africa's premier celebration of books, art, film, poetry, and music. Founded by novelist Lola Shoneyin, the festival brings together writers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts from across the continent and diaspora at the Alliance Française / Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi.

Festival programme:

- Keynote conversations with Booker Prize, Caine Prize, and Pulitzer-nominated authors

- Panel discussions: "Publishing in Africa — Who Tells Our Stories?"

- Poetry slams with open-mic sessions for emerging voices

- Film screenings of adaptations from African literature

- Children's literary village with storytelling, illustration workshops, and book readings

- Art exhibitions featuring visual responses to selected literary works

- Music performances blending spoken word with live instrumentation

Ticket options:

- Online Full Access (₦10,000): All panels, talks, and performances

- Green Room Guest Pass (₦150,000): All-access plus backstage meet-and-greet with authors, curated dinner, and signed first editions

Ake has launched the careers of dozens of emerging African writers and is recognized by PEN International as one of the world's most important literary festivals. The 2025 edition features over 100 speakers from 25 countries.