After the smashing success that was ALitFest18 which took place from 5th to 7th July 2018, Abuja Literary Society (ALS) prepares to hold the second edition of the literary and arts festival this July. The maiden edition, which marked the 20th anniversary of Abuja Literary Society, was tagged Nigeria to the World. It was designed to expose Nigerian creativity to the rest of the world.
The event held at the Abuja Exhibition Pavilion, Garki Area 10 featuring panels on various issues pertaining to Nigerian creativity and contemporary society. There was also a film screening, a poetry grand slam, a children creativity workshop, a nature hike, an art exhibition by talented artists from I Can Draw Africa, a spoken word theater performance titled Made in Nigeria by Dike Chukwumerije, poetry and musical performances and lots more.
Guests and attendees at the festival included writers, filmmakers, poets, music artists and political analysts, and bloggers. Some of them are: Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Olusegun Adeniyi, Reward Nsirim, Eketi Edimma Ette, Ukamaka Olisakwe, Efe Paul Azino, Ikeogu Oke, Noble Igwe, Ayisha Osori, Ono Bello, etc.
This year’s festival, scheduled to hold from 11th to 13th of July, is themed Arts & Social Consciousness. The focus of the festival is on the interrogation of how various forms of art (music, literature, film, sculpture, photography, drawing, and painting) relate with society and drive narratives.
There is so much in store for anyone who attends this year’s festival. There will be panels on books, films, politics, literature, mental health, sexuality, and more. Also, a poetry grand slam will take place with N200, 000 cash prize going to the grand Slam Champion and other designated amounts for 1st and 2nd runner ups. There will be book stands available for book aficionados, a festival bar, art exhibition, a dance & aerobics session, a stage re-enactment of Zulu Sofola’s Wedlock of the Gods, and a screening of the film, 4th Republic. The children creativity workshop will also be held while a 4-day prose-writing workshop will be facilitated by reputable writers from around the world.
The event is expected to have in attendance, some of Nigeria’s respected personalities in the likes of Eghosa Imasuen, Chuma Nwokolo, Segun Adeniyi, Toni Kan, Chika Oduah, Dike Chukwumerije, Rafeeat Aliyu, Ayodele Olofintuade, Chris Ngwodo, etc. – all of whom are writers invested in addressing social issues through their written works.
There will be musical performances from some of Nigeria’s most talented alternative musicians, especially the ones based in Abuja. Book readings and signings are a given. And there is going to be an after party to mark a successful conclusion on the last day.
With so many exhilarating activities lined up for 3 days in the second week of July, there’s bound to be something for everyone.