Benue Book and Arts Festival

The Benue Book and Arts Festival (BBAAF) returns for the second leg of its fifth edition from 20th to 22nd February 2025, bringing together some of the most exciting literary and artistic voices in Nigeria to Makurdi, the Benue State capital. Organised by SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative and SEVHAGE Publishers, this year’s festival, themed Home and A-Way, looks at the intricacies of identity, migration, cultural heritage, and the intersection of home and foreign influences in an increasingly globalised world. With a legacy of fostering dialogue, creativity, and artistic expression, BBAAF has grown into a premier literary and cultural event, drawing in leading writers, artists, and intellectuals from across Nigeria and beyond.

The fifth edition of BBAAF had its first leg in Nottingham on the 25th of January 2025 as the festival debuted in the UK as several African creatives converged for an unforgettable experience. As the Benue Book and Arts Festival 2025 unfolds from 20th to 22nd February in Makurdi, it promises a rich array of intellectually stimulating, beautiful cultural and artistically immersive events designed to engage attendees across different creative and intellectual disciplines. There will be film and documentary screenings, panels and conversations, cultural troupe presentations, a slam, award presentations, dancing and so much more!

The festival kicks off on Thursday, 20th February 2025, with an Evening of Performances and Tributes in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Authors (Benue State Chapter). This opening night will honour literary and artistic figures who have shaped the cultural landscape of Benue and Nigeria, featuring poetry readings, musical performances, dramatic recitations, and heartfelt tributes to departed literary icons. There will also be a performance by one of Makurdi’s famed calabash (kucha) music performers.

On Friday, 21st February 2025, the festival shifts into full gear with an engaging morning session that begins with the screening of the Kwagh-Hir documentary, a visual journey into Benue’s iconic theatrical tradition. This will be followed by the festival welcome address by the Festival Director, Su’eddie Vershima Agema, and goodwill messages from esteemed partners and dignitaries. A traditional dance performance will add a touch of cultural splendour before the highly anticipated keynote address by Professor Iyorwuese Harry Hagher, who will explore the theme Book and Arts as Weapons of Mass Instruction, setting the stage for deeper conversations about literature and the role of the arts in shaping societies.

The Keynote Panel Discussion: Home and A-Way, A Conversation Across Generations will feature a engaging lineup of thought leaders. This session will delve into the complex intersections of identity, migration, heritage, and creative innovation, allowing for a robust exchange of perspectives across generations. The discussion and others for the day will involve notable interventions from the likes of celebrated writers, Professor Dul Johnson, Professor Leticia Mbaiver Nyitse, Leticia Mbaiver Nyitse, Professor Terhemba Shija, and far more.

In the afternoon, attendees will be treated to an ecocritical stage performance, Kwararafa: The Spirits Want a Home, a gripping theatrical production by Oko Owoicho, which explores themes of environmental consciousness, displacement, and resilience through the lens of mythology and history. This will be followed by more panel discussions, book readings, and an interactive book fair and art exhibition, offering attendees the chance to engage with publishers, browse books, and experience visual and literary art in an intimate setting.

The evening session will feature a vibrant open mic session where poets, musicians, and storytellers will take the stage to captivate the audience with their craft. This will be followed by an electrifying performance from Hussain Zaguru, whose dynamic storytelling and stage presence are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Saturday, 22nd February 2025, marks the festival’s grand finale, beginning with a recap of the previous day’s highlights and an open mic session to warm up the audience. The day’s discussions will feature distinguished literary minds, including Professor Al-Bishak, Servio Gbadamosi, Bizuum Yadok, Vershima Orvell Dio, Dr Peace Longdet, Sandra Hitarh, Maik Ortserga, Oryila Shachia, and Nathaniel Bivan, engaging in thought-provoking conversations on contemporary African literature, creative evolution, and cultural preservation. Special guest appearances and reading sessions will showcase Onwanyi Ulegede, Tine Agernor, and others, offering attendees a rare opportunity to interact with influential literary figures.

The festival will also feature The Art of the Heart: A Panel Discussion, led by Mimi Terver-Bossua, exploring the intersection of creativity, emotional well-being, and personal storytelling. The festival’s grand highlight, the Poetry Slam Competition, will bring together some of the finest spoken word artists for an interesting competition with the winner having the opportunity to compete in the Nigeria Grand Slam in 2026 who’s ultimate winner will represent Nigeria at the World Poetry Slam. With this and the prizes to be won, this promises to be an unforgettable showdown of poetic talent.

The slam will consist of three rounds: the first and second rounds will each be two minutes long, while the final round will be three minutes. Contestants will be eliminated in each round, with at least three finalists competing for the crown in the final round.

As the festival draws to a close, guests will have the opportunity to engage in more networking sessions, explore book signings, art sales, and collaborations, ensuring that the impact of the event extends beyond its three-day duration.

With all these and far more, BBAAF Edition V is set to be an unmissable celebration of arts and culture fostering deeper connections between creatives, audiences, and the wider cultural landscape.

The Benue Book & Arts Festival (BBAAF), initiated in 2015 as the SEVHAGE Festival and rebranded in 2019, has grown into one of Nigeria’s premier cultural events. It is organised by SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative and SEVHAGE Publishers, in collaboration with key partners such as the Goethe-Institut, Eunice Spring of Life Foundation, Gender and Environmental Risk Reduction Initiative, Amplifi UK, and historically, the University of Sussex International Office, and African Writers [Society] of the University of Sussex, among others. The partners for Edition V are the Nottingham City Libraries, Journal of African Youth Literature, the Eunice Spring of Life Foundation, Konya Shamsrumi, Small World Big Businesses, Custodians of African Literature, Noirledge, MOLA, and Goethe Institut, among others.

Whether you are a writer, reader, artist, critic, or cultural enthusiast, Benue Book and Arts Festival Edition V is a place for everyone; a space to learn, engage, and be inspired. So, do join us as we feast of sweet storytelling, powerful performance, and cultural heritage in the heart of Makurdi!

Se sugh ne cii.