From November 20‑22, the Aké Arts & Book Festival returns to Lagos with writers, poets, artists and thinkers uniting under the theme “Reclaiming Truth.”
The Aké Arts & Book Festival is set to light up Lagos from November 20 to 22, 2025, marking its 13th edition as one of Africa’s most vibrant celebrations of literature, art, music, film, and intellectual discourse. Organised by the Book Buzz Foundation, the festival has grown into a key gathering for creatives, thinkers, and readers from across the continent and diaspora.
This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Truth,” encourages participants and audiences alike to engage deeply with issues of identity, memory, culture, and power, reflecting the urgent need to shape narratives from African perspectives in today’s complex world. The festival provides a unique platform for African storytellers to challenge misconceptions and reclaim their histories and futures.
Held in Lagos, a bustling cultural hub, the festival features a packed programme of panel discussions, poetry readings, book launches, live music, film screenings, and interactive workshops. It serves not only as a space for literary celebration but also as a cross-disciplinary hub where writers collaborate with visual artists, animators, filmmakers, and musicians. This creative synergy enriches the festival experience and offers fresh, dynamic ways to tell African stories.
Past editions have helped launch careers and spotlighted established voices like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Teju Cole, and Helon Habila. This year promises to continue that legacy, with a diverse lineup of emerging and renowned authors, poets, and artists ready to inspire. Attendees will also have opportunities to engage in intimate “safe space” conversations, fostering meaningful dialogue on social justice, cultural heritage, and innovation in African arts.
For the ComicPanel community, the Aké Festival is a must-attend, especially for fans of storytelling across media. Whether you are into books, animation, comics, or film, the festival’s interdisciplinary approach highlights how African creatives are redefining the boundaries of narrative and expression.
The Aké Arts & Book Festival 2025 invites everyone passionate about African culture to come together and “reclaim the truth” through art and stories.
Register for the event here.
What African voices or art forms do you want to see more of on the world stage? Let us know below!