The Booker Prize, long heralded as the pinnacle of literary distinction, has unveiled its 2025 judging panel, and among the luminaries is Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, a Nigerian writer whose voice has redefined the boundaries of contemporary fiction. This appointment signifies more than a celebration of Adébáyọ̀’s literary prowess; it is a recognition of her ability to navigate the intricate interplay between the personal and the political, the intimate and the universal. Adébáyọ̀’s presence on the panel is electrifying in its implications. The author of Stay with Me and A Spell of Good Things—novels that pierce the heart of human resilience and…

The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) is set to make its highly anticipated debut in November 2024, bringing together a diverse array of creative minds from across the globe for an unparalleled celebration of theatre. Organized by the esteemed Bolanle Austen-Peters in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, this inaugural edition of LITF aims to cultivate a vibrant theatre community, promote artistic excellence, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s creative industries. Bolanle Austen-Peters, a prominent theatre director, producer, and award-winning filmmaker, emphasized the importance of fostering platforms for artistic expression, stating, “Nigeria is home to an abundance…

This year, the Lagos Book and Arts Festival (LABAF) takes center stage to honor the indomitable spirit and profound contributions of Prof. Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate, literary icon, and global humanist. In its 26th edition, LABAF has aptly declared 2024 as The Soyinka Year, dedicating its events to celebrating the remarkable life, art, and activism of one of Africa’s most revered voices. Themed ‘BREAKOUT: Hope is a Stubborn Thing,’ this year’s festival, often hailed as “Africa’s biggest cultural picnic,” will offer an immersive lineup of over 60 events at Freedom Park, Lagos, and virtually. Among the highlights is the much-anticipated…

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has officially announced preparations for the highly anticipated Afropolis Lagos 2024, a nine-day festival that will bring together 20,000 international and local participants to celebrate and showcase African heritage. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, shared details of the upcoming event during a press briefing held on Wednesday at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos. Themed “We Need New Myths,” Afropolis Lagos 2024 is set to take place from October 26 to November 3, 2024, and is in collaboration with QDance, a partner…

Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS£10 Entrance Fee Celebrate the vibrancy and richness of Black literature at Europe’s largest festival dedicated to honoring Black authors. Founded by Selina Brown in 2021, this exciting event shines a spotlight on Black British writers, offering a platform for both established and emerging talent across various literary genres. The festival is packed with an engaging lineup of activities, including enlightening talks, panel discussions, children’s reading sessions, and a bustling book fair, all designed to foster connection, inspiration, and discovery. This year’s festival brings together an exceptional group of voices. Grammy® Award-winning rapper Eve…