A community of writers and literary enthusiasts converged in the spacious hall of the StoneHedge Hotel. It was the first day of the Kaduna Book and Arts Festival (KABAFEST). Anticipation crackled in the air like electricity. Onstage, a crop of authors were hosting a workshop for aspiring writers. Among them were Helon Habila, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim and Bisi Adjapon.
Similar sessions followed soon afterwards. One, led by Ruona Meyer, a Nigerian investigative journalist, focused on citizen journalism. Content strategist Amyn Bawa-Allah facilitated a session on raising a community of influencers to promote literature from northern Nigeria.
Since its maiden edition in 2017, KABAFEST has earned a hallmark status for celebrating literature and culture from northern Nigeria and led by accomplished authors of northern extraction. Hosted in the city of Kaduna, in northwestern Nigeria, the festival was curated by Lola Shoneyin, a Nigerian writer and arts curator. As the first book and arts festival in northern Nigeria, KABAFEST has continued to command a huge audience not only in Nigeria but also across the world.
In May, the festival returned for its 5th edition after a 1-year hiatus reportedly caused by the change in state government. Through the years, KABAFEST has enjoyed continued funding from the Kaduna State Government and collaborations with non-profit entities.
Yet its influence transcends the borders of the state. Inspired by the success of KABAFEST, a wave of literary festivals has surfaced across northern Nigeria, each carving a niche in its cultural landscape.
Literary festivals taking root across northern Nigeria
The Hausa International Books and Arts Festival (HIBAF) champions writing and literature in the Hausa language, bridging connections within the global Hausa community. Although it began as an offshoot of the Open Arts Foundation in Kaduna, HIBAF was hosted in Kano in 2023 as part of its global mission to connect with Hausa communities around the world. Similarly, the Sokoto Book and Arts Festival (SOBAFEST) shines the spotlight on previously overlooked arts and literature in Sokoto, providing a platform for local talents to flourish.
The Katsina Books and Arts Festival (KT FEST) aims to “change the way the world sees northern Nigeria” by igniting a passion for arts and culture in the state and fostering a sense of community. Meanwhile, the Abuja Literary and Arts Festival (ALITFEST), hosted in the country’s capital, and the Minna Book and Arts Festival (MINNA-BAF) offer diverse festivals and programs that cater to a broad range of literary interests.
In November 2022, Sa’id Sa’ad, a writer and international journalist, launched the Borno Book and Arts Festival (BOBAFEST), determined to correct the negative perceptions about his home. BOBAFEST was attended by a crowd of 700 enthusiasts, bringing to fore a vista of talents and local solutions.
Similar notable literary festivals in the north include YOPAFEST, pioneered by the Yobe Literary Society; and KWABAFEST, amplifying latent stories within Kwara’s cultural landscape.
Unlike KABAFEST, which is regularly sponsored by the state government, many of these northern festivals grapple with funding and societal constraints. Nevertheless, most of them weather the problems through self-funding, partnerships with national and international non-profits, alongside donations from supportive book lovers in their communities.
A lookback at KABAFEST in 2024
The halls of the StoneHedge Hotel buzzed with energy and excitement, with insightful panel discussions on a flurry of topics, from mental health and religion to climate change and gender disparity within the publishing industry.
One of such discussions featured Abubakar Adam Ibrahim and his latest novel, “When We Were Fireflies,” which explores themes of identity, memory, and human connection.
Ruona Meyer also facilitated a film discussion titled “Surviving Long Covid” with Hauwa Saleh, who shared a personal account of living with Long Covid in Nigeria.
Yet the subject of Kannywood, led by popular actors in the industry, commanded the attention of over 600 art enthusiasts.
As the niche film industry of northern Nigeria, Kannywood has faced scrutiny for its portrayal and choice of production. While its influence on shaping societal views is undeniable, many audience members believe there’s room for improvement. The discussion featured strategies that should be adopted in enabling a more inclusive environment for cinema in northern Nigeria. Yet the discussion raised a critical question:. Can films effectively challenge societal biases?
Yet KABAFEST is not all talk and poetry reading. Participants at the 2024’s festival were treated to a delectable repast of continental and local cuisines. Musical performances and art exhibitions were also highlights of the festival. Most of the arts by local artists explored motifs in science fiction and impressionism.
But KABAFEST isn’t just about the here and now; it’s about paving the way for a brighter future. By nurturing talent, fostering connections, and challenging societal norms, it lays the foundation for a more inclusive and enlightened Northern Nigeria.
As the curtains closed on another successful KABAFEST, the echoes of its impact reverberated far and wide. With each festival that flourishes, the cultural landscape of Northern Nigeria transforms, painting a picture of a region brimming with creativity, resilience, and hope.
The Kaduna Book and Arts Festival (KABAFEST) commenced at the StoneHedge Hotel, bringing together writers, literary enthusiasts, and influential sessions led by renowned authors and journalists like Helon Habila and Ruona Meyer. Established in 2017, KABAFEST has become a premier event celebrating literature and culture in northern Nigeria, attracting a global audience. Its success has inspired various regional festivals such as HIBAF, SOBAFEST, and KT FEST, each fostering local talent and cultural expression despite funding challenges.
At the 2024 KABAFEST, discussions covered topics from mental health to gender disparity in publishing, with notable participation from authors like Abubakar Adam Ibrahim. Panels addressing the influence of the Kannywood film industry and its potential to combat societal biases were also significant. The festival featured not only debates and readings but also culinary, musical, and art exhibitions, showcasing local artists and engaging a broader community. KABAFEST aims to create a more inclusive and enlightened Northern Nigeria by nurturing talent and challenging societal norms.
