ARTS & CULTURE

Book Lovers! Watch Out For These Literary Festivals Every Year

Published

6 months ago

January 28, 2024

Literary Festivals To Watch Out For Every Year | Fab.ng

As a book lover, finding your tribe is one of the best feelings ever. There’s just something beautiful about an atmosphere packed with people who love literature as much as you do. There’s a wave of freedom that hits in such atmospheres. If you’ve ever felt out of place, your sense of belonging fires on with ease.

That’s one of the pros of attending literary festivals. Everyone is there for the love of literature—poetry, prose, drama, flash fiction, spoken word performances, you name it. You also get to discover new and fascinating books from contemporary and word-savvy writers, as well as other artistic fashion and decor pieces. Sadly, literary festivals are not a click away. You’re probably going to do a lot of digging to find and successfully attend one. So I’ve curated a list of three literary festivals that happen annually. That way, you can plan and save beforehand, especially if you want to buy new books or art pieces.

Ake Arts and Book Festival

Literary Festivals To Watch Out For Every Year | Fab.ng

This has to be the most popular festival in the creative community, where creatives from all over the globe come together to discuss books, literary trends, and everything about literature. It’s a well-deserved feat because the festival has lived up to very high expectations and standards. It is organised yearly by a non-governmental organisation called the Book Buzz Foundation. This festival has successfully convened over a thousand writers, poets, playwrights, actors, filmmakers, artists, and book lovers. It usually runs for about four days. Here’s what the order of events at the Ake festival looks like panel discussions, musical performances, spoken word performances, art exhibitions, palm wine and poetry, workshops and masterclasses, and many more. They do not have a static ticket price, so keep in touch with them on their digital platforms for updates on the ticket prices. Click here to access their website.

Abuja Literary and Arts Festival

Literary Festivals To Watch Out For Every Year | Fab.ng

If you reside in Abuja, this is your cue to have some intellectually stimulating fun with the literary community. This literary festival is organized by the notable Abuja Literary Society for the young and thriving literary creatives in Abuja. They have a lineup of captivating workshops, panels, engaging book conversations, and many more. This is also not a free event, so you’ll need to purchase a ticket to attend. But it is worth every penny! Check out their website for more information.

Lagos International Poetry Festival

Lagos people! This one is for you. Usually referred to as LIPFEST, the Lagos International Poetry Festival is one of the most engaging literary festivals to have graced the literary scene since its inception in 2015. Held in the heart of Lagos annually, this literary festival has convened eminent writers, poets, intellectual thinkers, artists, and book lovers from across Nigeria and the world. It’s packed with a lot of fun activities and fiery performances that will leave you stunned.

Crater Literary Festival

The Crater Literary Festival is one of the few literary festivals that celebrate literature and rising talents, with a spotlight on south-eastern Nigeria. It features a variety of masterclasses, workshops, and book readings by different accomplished authors, poets, playwrights, and other artists. This is one festival that will take you deeply into each experience. To attend the next edition of the Crater Literary Festival, check here for more updates.

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Sokoto Book and Arts Festival

The Sokoto Book and Arts Festival (SOBAFest) is a vibrant and growing event celebrating the literary and artistic scene of Sokoto, Nigeria. Launched in 2021, SOBAFest is a relatively young festival, but it has already made a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Sokoto. The SOBAFest programme of events usually includes book chats and panel discussions, art exhibitions, film screenings, theatrical productions, poetry performances, musical renditions, dance, and workshops.

These are great starters to help you find your tribe, discover new books, and network with fellow book lovers.

Check out more updates here.

Related Topics:Book lovers books Featured literary festivals

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ARTS & CULTURE

Babatunde Apalowo’s ‘Londoner’ Wins Best Fiction Feature Prize At Durban FilmMart

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Reporter

'Londoner' wins Best fiction feature prize at Durban | fab.ng

“Londoner” is an autobiographical film that tells the story of Ayo, a Nigerian bank manager who moves to London to reunite with his family. The film, written and directed by Babatunde Apalowo, recently achieved recognition at the Durban FilmMart. It won the Red Sea Film Fund Award for Best Fiction Feature. This prestigious award came with a cash prize of $5,000.

The Durban FilmMart Institute, which organized the event, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting both local and international trade and investment in African film content. This institute plays a crucial role in showcasing and supporting African filmmakers and their projects.

Babatunde Apalowo, the creative force behind “Londoner,” is a Nigerian film director and screenwriter who has made the United Kingdom his base. His portfolio includes several notable works such as “A Place for Happiness,” “Catcher,” “The Millions,” and “Death for Sale.” Apalowo’s talent received international recognition in 2023 when he won the Teddy Award at the Berlin Film Festival for his queer romance film titled “All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White.”

The 15th edition of the Durban FilmMart, held in South Africa from July 19 to July 22, served as a platform for numerous impressive film projects from across the African continent. It was during this event that “Londoner” received its accolade.

Babatunde Apalowo

Produced by Pamela Drameh and Sarudzayi Marufu, “Londoner” goes into the complex emotions of its protagonist, Ayo. The film follows Ayo’s journey as he arrives in London, expecting to join his family, only to face an unexpected and heartbreaking situation. He discovers that his wife has become emotionally involved with another man and is seeking a divorce, adding a layer of personal turmoil to his already challenging experience of relocating to a new country.

The narrative of “Londoner” draws inspiration from Apalowo’s own experiences as an immigrant in the UK.

The director’s struggle to find a sense of belonging in a foreign land forms the emotional core of the film. In an interview with Variety, Apalowo shared his personal insights, highlighting the stark contrast between Nigeria and London in terms of personal space and social interactions. He poignantly described the loneliness he felt in London, a city where the anonymity and indifference of urban life stood in stark contrast to the close-knit communities he was accustomed to in Nigeria.

“Londoner” marks Apalowo’s second venture into feature filmmaking, showcasing his growth as a director and his ability to translate personal experiences into compelling cinematic narratives. The film’s success at the Durban FilmMart not only recognizes Apalowo’s talent but also brings attention to the important themes of migration, cultural adjustment, and personal relationships that the film explores.

The Durban FilmMart also celebrated other talented filmmakers. Among them were Sean Drummond and Sheetal Magan, who received The Known Inner Circle Award for their South African film “Acts of Man.” This award came with a substantial cash prize of $10,000, further demonstrating the event’s commitment to supporting and promoting African cinema.

Check out more updates here.

ARTS & CULTURE

5 Powerful Goddesses Who Answer Prayers In Nigerian Traditional Religions

Published

6 days ago

July 20, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Nigerian traditional goddesses who answer prayers | fab.ng

Nigerian traditional religions are rich with powerful deities, many of whom are female (goddesses). These goddesses play crucial roles in the spiritual lives of their devotees, answering prayers and providing guidance.

Here, we’ll explore some of the most prominent goddesses in Nigerian traditional religions. Also, we would highlight their domains of influence and how they answer the prayers offered to them.

1. Oshun: The Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Prosperity

Oshun, revered primarily in the Yoruba religion, is a captivating and multifaceted goddess. She embodies beauty, love, sensuality, fertility, and prosperity. Often depicted as a woman adorned with golden jewellery and flowing robes, Oshun is associated with the Niger River, a symbol of life and abundance.

Devotees pray to Oshun for:

Love and marriage: Singles seeking love and couples desiring a harmonious relationship turn to Oshun. They offer prayers for finding a compatible partner, strengthening existing relationships, and overcoming relationship challenges.
Fertility and children: Women wishing to conceive often seek Oshun’s blessings. These women pray for a healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and raising happy children.
Prosperity and wealth: Oshun is believed to bring good fortune and financial success. Entrepreneurs and those seeking financial stability pray to her for blessings in their endeavours.

2. Yemoja: The Powerful Mother of the Waters

Yemoja, another Yoruba goddess, reigns over the oceans, rivers, and all bodies of water. She is a powerful protector, especially for women, children, and those travelling on water. Yemoja is often depicted as a fierce yet nurturing mother figure, dressed in blue and adorned with coral beads.

Yemaya: The Goddess of The New Year

The worshippers pray to Yemoja for:

Protection and safe travel: Those embarking on journeys, especially by sea, pray to Yemoja for safe passage and a smooth return.
Healing and wellness: Believers believe Yemoja heals, especially women’s health issues. They offer prayers for recovery from illness, childbirth complications, and emotional well-being.
Blessings for mothers and children: Mothers pray to Yemoja for the well-being of their children, and women struggling with infertility seek her blessings for conception.

3. Aladura: The Earth Goddess of Abundance

In Igbo cosmology, Aladura represents the powerful earth goddess. The people associate Aladura with fertility, agriculture, and the bounty of the harvest. They also see Aladura as the life-giving force behind nature’s bounty.

Devotees pray to Aladura for:

Fertile land and abundant harvest: Farmers and those working the land pray for Aladura’s blessings on their crops, ensuring a bountiful harvest and food security.
Prosperity and wealth: Aladura is also associated with material wealth derived from the land. People in business ventures related to agriculture or natural resources pray to her for success.
Health and well-being: A healthy, thriving harvest is believed to bring health and well-being to the community. Prayers are offered to Aladura for good health and the overall prosperity of the people.

4. Oya: The Powerful Warrior Queen

Oya, a prominent Yoruba goddess, embodies the forces of wind, storms, and change. She is a fierce warrior queen, often depicted wielding powerful winds and lightning. Despite her fierce nature, the believers associate Oya with fertility, the marketplace, and ancestral spirits.

Oya: Nigerian traditional goddesses | fab.ng

Devotees pray to Oya for:

Strength and courage: Those facing challenges or needing strength to overcome obstacles pray to Oya for her warrior spirit.
Transformation and change: Oya represents change and transformation. People facing major life transitions pray for her guidance and support during these times.
Prosperity in business: As the goddess of the marketplace, its believers believe Oja brings success in business ventures. Entrepreneurs pray to her for a thriving business and protection from rivals.

5. Aje: The Spirit of Wealth and Prosperity

Aje, a pan-Nigerian spirit, represents wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. She is not a single, defined deity but rather a spirit that can manifest in various forms, often associated with crossroads and marketplaces.

Nigerian traditional goddesses: Aje Yoruba Goddess of Wealth | fab.ng

Devotees pray to Aje for:

Financial success: Those seeking financial stability, increased income, or success in business ventures call upon Aje’s blessings.
Debt repayment: Facing financial difficulties or struggling with debt? People pray to Aje for assistance in overcoming financial burdens.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Why Is Kano State The Divorce Capital Of Nigeria?

Published

2 weeks ago

July 13, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Why is Kano State the divorce capital of Nigeria? | Fab.ng

Kano State has gained notoriety as the “divorce capital” of Nigeria due to its alarmingly high rates of marital dissolution. This phenomenon has attracted attention from sociologists, policymakers, and the media.

Let’s explore the factors contributing to this situation based on available research and reports:

According to various reports, Kano State consistently records some of the highest divorce rates in Nigeria. The Kano State Hisbah Board, which handles marital issues among Muslims, reported processing over 80,000 divorce cases between 2020 and 2021 alone. These numbers are significantly higher than those reported in other Nigerian states.

1. Cultural and Religious Factors

Kano State is predominantly Muslim, and Islamic law allows for relatively easy divorce proceedings. Under Islamic law, a man can divorce his wife by simply pronouncing “talaq” (divorce) three times. This ease of divorce can contribute to higher rates of marital dissolution.

2. Economic Pressures

Economic hardship is often cited as a major factor in Kano’s high divorce rates. Many couples struggle to meet basic needs, leading to stress and conflicts within marriages. The economic downturn in Nigeria has hit Kano particularly hard, exacerbating these issues.

3. Early Marriages

Child marriage is still practised in parts of northern Nigeria, including Kano State. These early marriages often lead to divorce as young couples struggle with the responsibilities of married life and may grow apart as they mature.

4. Lack of Marital Education

Many couples in Kano enter into marriage without adequate preparation or understanding of marital responsibilities. This lack of premarital counselling and education can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts that ultimately result in divorce.

5. Polygamy

While polygamy is accepted in Islamic law, it can create tensions within families. Disputes between co-wives or feelings of neglect can lead to divorce, particularly if the husband struggles to treat all wives equally as required by Islamic teachings.

6. Changing Social Norms

As more women in Kano gain education and economic independence, they may be less willing to tolerate unhappy marriages. This shift in social dynamics can contribute to higher divorce rates as women feel more empowered to leave unsatisfactory relationships.

8. Lack of Conflict Resolution Skills

Many couples lack the necessary skills to resolve conflicts effectively. Without proper communication and problem-solving abilities, minor disagreements can escalate into irreconcilable differences.

While Kano’s situation is complex and influenced by multiple factors, it highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to strengthen marriages and support families. This includes addressing economic challenges, providing better marital education, promoting gender equality, and offering accessible counselling services.

As Kano State grapples with its reputation as Nigeria’s divorce capital, continued research and targeted interventions will be crucial in understanding and addressing this multifaceted issue. The situation in Kano serves as a case study for other regions facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of balancing cultural traditions with evolving social dynamics to promote stable and healthy marriages.

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