The festival will feature a diverse range of activities, including book chats, panel discussions, art exhibitions, film screenings, plays, poetry performances, music, dance, and more.
By Helena Olori
The Sokoto Book and Arts Foundation, organisers of the Sokoto Book and Arts Festival, (SOBAFEST), have announced the return of the third edition of the festival scheduled to take place later this year.
The annual arts festival had its two-day inaugural edition in 2021 with the theme: “Changing the Narrative,” held in collaboration with Poetry Club UDUS, Caliphate Arts and Literary Forum, and Book O’Clock Review. A second edition followed in November 2022.
The upcoming festival seeks to recognise and celebrate artistic and literary talents, and contribute to the growth of the creative industries in Sokoto.
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With a series of activities lined up for this edition, the SOBAFEST 2023 will serve as a platform for established and emerging artists in the state to showcase their art, foster collaborations, and network with industry experts.
In the previous two editions of the festival, more than 500 art enthusiasts, from within and outside the state, were opportune to participate in these activities. The upcoming festival will build on the successes of the first two editions, and further explore the artistic and cultural history of the Caliphate.
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SOBAFEST23 is curated by Yusuf Shehu Ambursa, a spoken word artist and poet, along with Isah Aliyu Chiroma, a poet and essayist.
Isah Aliyu Chiroma, hails from Bauchi State and is an alumnus of the Usman Danfodio University in Sokoto. He is a talented writer and freelance journalist, and the Editor in Chief at Poetry Club UDUS. His works have been featured in renowned newspapers like Daily Trust, The Guardian, The Nation, This Day, Blueprint, People’s Daily, Opinion Nigeria, and others.
Yusuf Shehu Ambursa, born in Birnin-Kebbi, is a graduate of Sokoto State University. He is a performing and voice over artist, and a broadcaster. Ambursa is the co-founder of Caliphate Arts and Literary Forum.
The festival will feature a diverse range of activities, including book chats, panel discussions, art exhibitions, film screenings, plays, poetry performances, music, dance, and more. The specific date and venue for the event are yet to be disclosed.