The Aké Arts & Book Festival returns to Lagos from November 20–22, 2025, with the theme Reclaiming Truth!

Now in its thirteenth year, Aké Festival continues to celebrate African creativity and critical thought. Organized by the Book Buzz Foundation, the festival has hosted more than 1,000 creatives—writers, poets, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and artists—since its inception. This year is expected to be another vibrant celebration of literature, art, and culture, featuring a packed program of panel discussions, book chats, poetry performances, and live music.

With the 2025 theme, “Reclaiming Truth,” the festival invites participants and audiences to examine the narratives that shape our identities and histories. The organizers share:

At a time when misinformation spreads faster than facts, and narratives are engineered to obscure realities, Reclaiming Truth is more than a theme—it is a rallying cry. The 13th edition of Ake Arts & Book Festival urges us to rediscover the power of authenticity and the courage of integrity. From 20-22 November 2025, we shall amplify voices that champion clarity over confusion, and substance over spectacle. Our discussions will explore ideological bias, media literacy, the role of storytellers in shaping collective memory and the foundational value of shared truths.

Behind this ambitious cultural movement is the Book Buzz Foundation, a non-profit founded in 2012 by Nigerian author Lola Shoneyin. The organization, led by a dynamic team of four women, is dedicated to promoting literacy among children, developing educational tools, and hosting events that spotlight reading and cultural engagement.

Shoneyin, known for her bestselling novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives and her wide-ranging literary work—from poetry to children’s books—is also the force behind the Nigerian publishing house Ouida Books.

Mark your calendars for November 20–22 and stay tuned for more updates!