Benue Book and Arts Festival

Nottingham, UK – On Saturday, 25th January 2025, Nottingham Central Library played host to a landmark literary event as African writers from across the United Kingdom gathered for the first-ever UK edition of the Benue Book and Arts Festival (BBAAF). Organised by SEVHAGE Arts + Publishers and SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative, this inaugural event marked a significant expansion of the festival’s reach, fostering a vibrant cultural and literary exchange between Nigeria and its global diaspora.

BBAAF is a renowned platform dedicated to celebrating the rich literary and artistic heritage of Nigeria’s Middle Belt while fostering international cultural dialogue. With its UK launch, the festival has extended its vision beyond the African continent, creating a space where writers, poets, and creatives can come together to share their work, engage in critical discussions, and build a community of like-minded individuals. The Nottingham event was organised in partnership with Nottingham City Libraries, Goethe-Institut, the Journal of African Literature (JAY-LIT), Konya Shamsrumi, Authorpedia, and several other esteemed literary and cultural organisations.

The event featured a variety of engaging activities, including poetry readings, spoken word performances, and a thought-provoking panel discussion on the role of writers in shaping national development in Nigeria. The panel was moderated by award-winning writer and JAY-LIT Managing Editor, Ibrahim Babatunde Ibrahim, alongside renowned literary scholar Aisha Umar (also known as Aisha Abdulkareem). Their discussion moved into the transformative power of literature and its role in influencing societal change, inspiring an enthusiastic response from attendees. Another key topic of discussion was the state of home on the African continent, particularly Nigeria, and how 

Among the prominent writers who performed and read from their works were Jerry Chiemeke, Aishat Adesanya, Bash Amuneni, Amaka Felly Obioji, MaryAnn Ifeanacho, Olalekan Ayodele, and Andrew Patience. Their contributions added depth and dynamism to the event, reinforcing the importance of creative expression in cultural identity and community building.

As a festival rooted in African heritage, the event also welcomed the participation of the Mzough U Tiv United Kingdom (MUTUK), the primary Tiv community organisation in the UK. Dr Kurannen Baaki, the organisation’s Assistant General Secretary and representative for the event, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the MUTUK President and the wider Tiv community. Dr Baaki commended the festival’s efforts in promoting Nigerian literature and reaffirmed MUTUK’s support for its objectives. As a writer himself, he also read from his short story Cemetery Road, further enriching the literary engagement of the day.

Speaking about the importance of the festival, SEVHAGE founder and BBAAF organiser, Su’ur E. Su’eddie Vershima Agema, emphasised the need to create a platform for Nigerian writers in the UK to connect, collaborate, and showcase their work. “Many of us in the diaspora get caught up in other responsibilities and lose touch with our creative roots. This festival provides an opportunity to reconnect, perform, and foster a community where writers can inspire and support each other. It’s about family, shared stories, and ensuring that our creative voices remain heard,” Agema remarked.

Following the successful UK debut, BBAAF will continue with upcoming events in Nigeria. A major instalment of the festival is set to take place in Makurdi at Empire Suites on 21st and 22nd February 2025, featuring a keynote address by esteemed scholar, former Ambassador, and cultural icon, H.E. Prof Iyorwuese Hagher. Additionally, another event is scheduled for 26th February 2025 in Abuja, promising a continued celebration of literature and the arts.

The Nottingham event saw participation from an impressive lineup of literary figures, including Su’ur E. Su’eddie Vershima Agema, Ibrahim Babatunde Ibrahim, MaryAnn Ifeanacho, Bash Amuneni, Patience Andrew, Olalekan Ayodele, Ogugua Ayodele, Ogugua Ajayi, Sodiq Alabi, Dara Ajayi, Aishat Adesanya, Emmanuel Sanusi, Olabadola Michael, Taiwo Michael Oloyede, Damilola Olaniyi, Amaka Obioji, Michelle Nnayelugo, Jerry Chiemeke, Abiodun Abdul, Clare Ejiofor, Iyanu Fatoba, Gloria Umoru, Uche Ugwu, Mono Esan, Duoluji Modupe, Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, Agatha Agema, and Namse Udosen.

The overwhelming success of this event signals a new era for BBAAF, solidifying its role as a vital platform for literary excellence, cultural dialogue, and artistic expression across borders. As the festival continues to expand, it aims to provide more opportunities for creative engagement, amplifying the voices of African writers and strengthening literary connections worldwide.

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. BBAAF brings together a diverse mix of writers, thinkers, artists, musicians, and development practitioners for meaningful interactions, including workshops, exhibitions, performances, and discussions. Anchored in the vision of “changing the narrative for sustainable development and positive enhancement,” the festival is a platform for exploring ideas, showcasing talents, and driving cultural and social transformation. It traditionally explores pressing societal issues through the lens of creativity and promotes the cultural richness of Benue State and Middle Belt Nigeria, Nigeria, Africa and diasporas in Europe. Importantly, BBAAF fosters intergenerational dialogue, inclusivity, and unity, celebrating the diversity and depth of artistic and cultural expression while addressing contemporary challenges.

Our keynote speakers have included high-ranking scholars and cultural icons including Chuma Nwokolo and Professor Moses Tsenongu; Professors Niyi Osundare and Mbaiver Nyitse (2021); as well as Professors Hyginus Ekwuazi, Dul Johnson and Sule Emmanuel Egya (2022). Festival guests have included notable figures, celebrated writers, spoken word artists, and development practitioners such as H.E. Dr Eunice Ortom, Bash Amuneni, Eric Ngalle, T. J. Benson, Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto, Amara Chimeka, and Anselm Sesugh Ngutsav, as well as commissioners, officials, and cultural leaders from across Nigeria. Our 2025 keynote speaker is the celebrated academic, diplomat, and culture advocate, Prof Iyorwuese Harry Hagher.

For further information about the Benue Book and Arts Festival and upcoming events, visit http://bbaaf.com here or follow us on social media for updates @bbaaf24