The Benue Book and Arts Festival (BBAAF) made its UK debut in Nottingham earlier this year on Saturday, 25th January 2025!

Founded by SEVHAGE Arts + Publishers and the SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative, BBAAF celebrates Africa’s rich heritage, particularly Nigeria’s, and aims to foster cultural dialogue between the global diaspora and their homeland. The festival, which began in 2015 as the SEVHAGE Festival and was rebranded in 2019, has become one of Nigeria’s leading cultural events, hosting a diverse mix of writers, artists, musicians, and thinkers.

The festival’s core mission, according to their press release, is “changing the narrative for sustainable development and positive enhancement.” BBAAF also showcases the cultural richness of Benue State, Nigeria, and the broader African diaspora, focusing on inclusivity and intergenerational dialogue.

BBAAF Nottingham, hosted by Chimdinma Onwukwe Adimekwe, was a success, with a host of writers contributing to the festival. Participating creatives included Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim, MaryAnn Ifeanacho, Amaka Obioji, and many others.

In 2025, the keynote speaker was Professor Iyorwuese Harry Hagher, a Nigerian academic, diplomat, and culture advocate. Past keynote speakers include notable scholars and cultural figures such as Chuma Nwokolo, Professor Moses Tsenongu, and Professor Niyi Osundare.

The festival included poetry readings, spoken word performances, and a panel discussion on the role of writers in shaping Nigeria’s national development. The panel, moderated by Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim and Aisha Umar, sparked discussions on migration, the role of the arts, and societal transformation.

This event marks the beginning of a flourishing literary exchange in the UK, reinforcing BBAAF’s role as a catalyst for artistic and cultural dialogue both within the diaspora and globally. The festival’s organizers believe that fostering these literary interactions will not only strengthen the creative industry but will also culturally and socially support the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.

The UK debut of BBAAF was made possible through partnerships with Nottingham City Libraries, the Goethe-Institut, the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit), and other cultural organizations. BBAAF will continue its 2025 programming with events in Makurdi and Abuja. The next major gathering will take place at Empire Suites, Makurdi, on 21st and 22nd February 2025, followed by an event in Abuja on 26th February.

Check out photos from the Benue Book and Arts Festival below!