Sokoto Book and Arts Festival Confirms Third Edition; To Hold In November
By: Hussein Nuhu Isa
The Sokoto Book and Arts Festival (SOBAFest) has confirmed that there will be a 2023 edition. The festival is slated to take place from the 17th — 19th of November 2023 and is themed “Roots & Routes”. Poet and spoken word artist, Yusuf Shehu Ambursa and poet and essayist, Isah Aliyu Chiroma are the curators.
This was contained in a press release from the organisers of the festival, Sokoto Book and Arts Foundation (SOBAF) — a literary organisation in Sokoto formed by members of the Caliphate Arts & Literary Forum, Book O’Clock, and Poetry Club UDUS.
While making the announcement, the Co-curator of the festival, Isah Aliyu Chiroma, said, "Through navigating and focusing on exploring the origins and journeys of culture, identity, and creativity, we will get to explore our identity as creative enthusiasts."
He went further to identify storytelling, the interconnectedness of diverse cultures, and artistic expressions as ways to bridge the gap of history.
Urging the world to await the unveiling of its lined-up activities, programs, prizes, and other exciting events, the organiser promised that the festival would inspire thought-provoking discussions, exhibitions, performances, and literary explorations.
Sokoto Book and Arts Festival (SOBAFest) is a hybrid festival aimed at recognising and celebrating arts and literature in a state where both forms were previously neglected. With a series of activities in the festival, it provides a platform for established and budding artists in the state to showcase their art and as well, learn from one another and experts.
Recall that SOBAFest had in July hosted one of the most celebrated writers, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim to a book chat and a writing workshop as well as commenced outreaches to Secondary Schools, those and more will form the pre-festival activities leading to the grand event in November. Anticipate!
