Leila Aboulela to headline inaugural KABAFEST

World-famous Sudanese writer, Leila Aboulela will be joined by established and rising cultural stars such as Zainab Alkali, Jerry Buhari, Kaltume B Gana, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Aisha Umar, Toni Kan, Titilope Sonuga Edify Yakusak, Efe Paul Azino, Aminu Alan Waka, Hafsat Ahmad Abdulwaheed, Andrew Walker, Carmen McCain, Ibrahim Bello-Kano at the inaugural edition of the Kaduna Book & Arts Festival (KABAFEST) which will take place on 5-8 July 2017 at the Gusau Institute, Kaduna State.

In line with Kaduna State’s restoration programme and its commitment to the promotion of literacy, the State Government has partnered with the Book Buzz Foundation and the Gusau Institute, to organize a world class event which will feature; 5 booklogues with 9 authors, 9 panel discussions, 2 film screenings, an art exhibition with four Northern Nigerian artists, Food-

tasting, and a magical poetry performance.

School children are not left out of the programme of events; they will take part in the poetry declamation contest for secondary schools. Students attending tertiary institutions in Kaduna State who register before 5 July can attend for free. They can also apply online for a N10,000 book grant. For the duration of the festival, there will be a fantastic bookstore on-site which will offer a wide range of books at a special festival discount rate.

KABAFEST is a unique event that will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Northern Nigeria, harness the passion of local creatives and bring together some of the finest contemporary writers, artists, filmmakers, poets and thinkers to Kaduna. According to Lola Shoneyin, the Creative Director of the KABAFEST, “We aim to create new and exciting opportunities for social and cultural interaction, the celebration and promotion of creatives in the Northern region of Nigeria and foster tolerance and understanding through dialogue about books, culture, the Arts and society.”