The Ake Arts and Book Festival is one of Africa’s biggest literary festivals. It takes place in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The 2017 edition was themed “This F- Word” and was headlined by Ama Ata Aidoo and focused on women in various fields of the creative industry, from film to literature.
From 14th to 18th November, artists from all over the world congregated in Abeokuta, Oyo state for the fifth Ake Arts and Book Festival, organised by Lola Shoneyin. The theme ‘This F- Word’ was headlined by Ama Ata Aidoo and focused on women in various fields of the creative industry from film to literature.
Opening night with Celeste Photo: TJ Benson
Visitors perusing Ake Festival bookstore for spoils Photo: TJ Benson
Visitors awaiting the start of the opening ceremony Photo: TJ Benson
Geoff Ryman in conversation with Nnedi Okorafor and another guest Photo: TJ Benson
Arrival of Ama Ata Aidoo Photo: TJ Benson
Deputy Governor of Ogun State Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga with Festival Director Lola Shoneyin Photo@ TJ Benson
Olutimehin Adegbeye, Enajite Efumuaye and Adebola Rayo Photo: TJ Benson
Portion of Ake Festival Guests with Dzekashu Macviban and Sada Malumfashi Photo: TJ Benson
Mona Eltahawy
Halima Aliyu
Saraba team at magazine launch; Dami Ajayi and Emmanuel Iduma Photo: TJ Benson
Howard Meh-Buh Maximus reading from work at the Cross Country Conversations Panel Photo: TJ Benson
Sara Blecher, Tope Oshin, Arit Okpo and Jade Osiberu talking film making Photo: TJ Benson
Ankara shop
Yvonne Owuor and Ayobami Adebayo in a book chat moderated by Dami Ajayi Photo: TJ Benson
Some visitors escaped to a palmwine garden Photo: TJ Benson
Some members of the Afro-Sci-fi community after a brief brainstorming session Photo: TJ Benson
Lola Shoneyin and Hadiza Elrufai during the Ouida book launch Photo: TJ Benson
Molara Wood interviewing Ama Ata Aidoo in the last event for the festival Photo: TJ Benson