This year’s edition of Aké Arts and Books Festival has unveiled a new theme.
Initially themed ‘Black Magic’, the 8th edition of the festival is now tagged ‘African Time’.
The new theme was revealed in a tweet on the festival’s twitter handle which reads: “Our world has changed forever. And when the world turns, we turn with it. The magnitude of recent world events cannot be ignored. We have therefore decided to change the theme for the 8th edition of Ake Arts & Book Festival to AFRICAN TIME.”
Known for its knack for discussing issues affecting black people around the world, the new theme might have been inspired by the recent ‘Black Lives Matter’ protest sparked by the death of George Floyd.
Organisers had announced on June 6 that as a result of the effects of the world-altering COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s edition would hold online.
Founded in 2012, Ake Festival brings together lovers of books and the arts through book readings, panel discussions, poetry recitals, film screenings, theatre and musical performances, among others.
It has hosted Africa’s top writers including Wole Soyinka, Niyi Osundare, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Ama Ata Aidoo, Nuruddin Farah, and Tsitsi Dangarembga as headliners.