Day 2 Panel Discussions: Democracy, New Voices, and Literary Insights
The sparks from our panel discussion two days ago were still flying, and we couldn't wait to jump into another day of thought-provoking conversations. Day 2 of the Ake festival picked up right where we left off, delivering a fresh lineup of discussions that left us hungry for more. The two panel discussions explored thought-provoking topics that sparked interesting conversations.
A Case for Democracy
The panel discussion on “A case for Democrary” was more than just a conversation – it was a call to action. Hosted by the charismatic Olaokun Soyinka, the session featured Aditi Mittal, Erica Benner, and Juliet Riddell sharing their personal experiences and insights on democracy. The conversation was raw, honest, and thought-provoking. It reminded us that democracy is not just a system of government, but a way of life – one that values freedom, equality, and human dignity.
Documenting New Voices
The second panel discussion focused on "Documenting New Voices” and was hosted by Timi Sanni, who was hosting for the first time ever. The session featured three panelists: Ainehi Edoro, founder and Editor-in-chief of Brittle paper; Taofeek Ayeyemi, founder of Olumo Review; and Wale Lawal, founder of The Republic.
The panelists spoke about the success story behind their platforms and the importance of amplifying new voices in African literature. They all shared a common goal: bridging the literary gap in Africa.
Their advice to emerging writers? Be intentional about your craft, put in the effort, and in a nutshell, Carry your matter for your head.
