Photo Credits to LABAF 2022 via Twitter.

The Lagos Book & Arts Festival (LABAF) 2022 was the 24th edition of the fest and ran from November 14 to 20.

The theme of the festival was “Pathways to the Future.” The events included book readings and conversations, visual arts exhibitions, performance arts, and more. Attendees had the option to join in person or via Zoom.

Since its birth in 1999, LABAF has been an annual festival for publishers, book lovers, literary activists and artists of all hues. It is designed as a campaign for literacy and human capital development through interactive events, exhibitions of books, art & craft, youth creative workshops and live music, drama, dance and poetry performances.

LABAF Day 1, Nov. 14, kicked off with the screening of the film Saworoide (translating to “Hostages”) at 2 PM. Directed and produced by Tunde Kelani, the film is a political drama that speaks to the current political situation in Nigeria. The screening was followed by a Q&A with Kelani himself. Day 1 ended with a Book Trek.

Check out the photos of Day 1 below including an opening speech by the Chairman of CORA, Kayode Aderinokun.

Day 2 held on Nov. 15, also called the Visual Arts Day, was packed with amazing visual exhibitions and art performances. It also included a special celebration of the legendary Nigerian artist Bruce Onobrakpeya who recently turned 90 years old. This celebration was called “Culture House Fiesta” and included an exhibition of his work, symposium, conversation, and poetry in motion showcase.

See the photos and videos of Day 2 below:

Day 3 of LABAF on Nov. 16 was dedicated to fans of literature and theater with a host of discussions, seminars, and screenings packed into one day. The film The Chief Masquerade was screened to celebrate Segun Adefila turning 50 years old at the Theater Fest.

Take a look at the photos and videos from Day 3 below to gain some insight into the thought-provoking discussions that took place.

Day 4, Nov. 17, was Literacy Day and included workshops, seminars, conversations about publishing and storytelling, and Ifenna Okeke’s book launch for Dead Bones Do Not Rise Again. See the videos below:

Nov. 18, Day 5 of LABAF, kicked off with the Green Festival which involved students from different schools showcasing their talent and cultural creativity. The fest also included a keynote speech by Toyin Akinoso, multiple colloquia on machines and pathways to the future, a documentary film showing, and book giveaways.

See the joyous photos and videos of Day 5 below.

Day 6, Nov. 19, included conversations on “New Wine From Old Skin” and a reading in celebration of the latest works of Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo. Day 6 also included continuing performances of Green Fest, a culture seminar, an ANA authors assembly, a Purple Shelves’ session titled “We Need More Female Poets,” and a birthday celebration for Aduke Gomez.

Nov. 20, the last day of LABAF, was titled CORA Advocacy Day. Day 10 started off with a Youth Assembly which featured readings and discussions by CORA Volunteer Corps. The featured book was Soro Soke by Sunday Akande. The final day ended with a bang with a fascinating 1000 Poets for Change performance and a special Wole Soyinka retrospective on the publication of his essay and poetry collections.

See the photos and events of the final day below:

Looks like LABAF 2022 was a huge success! We cannot wait for LABAF 2023, which will be held Nov. 13-18, 2023. The theme will be “The Reset: History and the Darkling Plain.” Stay tuned for more details.