Vibes were high at the Ake Festival’s first book chat, and we’re spilling all the tea! I mean, what’s an Arts and Book festival without a book chat?
Book Chat 1: Nnamdi Ehirim and Shani Akilah
We kicked off this session with the amazing Omotoke Solarin-Sodara at the helm, hosting talented authors Ehirim Nnamdi and Shani Akilah. Nnamdi’s "The Brevity of Beautiful Things" (hot off the press since 18/11/2024) and Shani’s debut "For Such a Time as This" took center stage.
Shani shared how her experiences as a black woman influenced her writing. Her title, inspired by Esther 4:14, reflected her desire to effect change. Nnamdi revealed how his initial title, "Bridges," evolved into "The Brevity of Beautiful Things."
The authors discussed their writing styles, scene settings, love in the modern age, and more. To take the book chat forward, Shani and Ehirim read from their favorite parts of their books – Shani from "Blood Ink" and Ehirim from "God and Herself." We were hooked!
Book Chat 2: Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie and Bunmi Enenanjo
Hosted by Bunmi Aboderin Talabi, this session didn’t disappoint. Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie’s "Ugo" and Simsim learn-about-Down-syndrome book, alongside Bunmi Enenanjo "I’ll See You In Ijebu," aimed to bridge the gap in children’s literature, offering African stories without stereotypes.
Book Chat 3: Erhu Kome and Jordan Ifueko
Kananao Phele hosted the final book chat, featuring Erhu Kome and Jordan Ifueko. They spoke about their books – "The Smoke that Thunders" and "The Maid and the Crocodile" – delving into fantasy and AfroFantasy.
Erhu emphasized her book’s fantasy elements, while Jordan shared her love for stories that transcend colonialism struggles. Both authors highlighted their passion for showcasing their culture.
The Conversation Continues...
The book chat sessions ended with thought-provoking questions from the house and were followed by book signings, connecting authors with eager fans.
Stay tuned for more Ake Fest updates! The fun is just starting.
