Nottingham Hosts the First UK Edition of the Benue Book and Arts Festival

The rich literary city of Nottingham became a hub of beautiful African artistic expression on Saturday, 25th January 2025, as African writers from across the United Kingdom gathered for the first-ever UK edition of the Benue Book and Arts Festival (BBAAF). The event was hosted at the Nottingham Central Library and was a celebration of literature, culture, and creativity, bringing together various creatives, poets, novelists, and literary enthusiasts to share their work and engage in meaningful discussions.

Organised by SEVHAGE Arts + Publishers and SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative, BBAAF is a platform dedicated to celebrating the literary and artistic heritage of Nigeria’s Middle Belt while fostering a global cultural exchange. This UK debut was made possible through partnerships with Nottingham City Libraries, Goethe-Institut, the Journal of African Literature (JAY-LIT), Konya Shamsrumi, Small World Big Businesses and several other literary and cultural organisations, ensuring a robust and well-supported event.

The festival featured a diverse range of activities, including poetry readings, spoken word performances, and a riveting panel discussion on the role of writers in shaping national development in Nigeria. Moderated by award-winning writer and JAY-LIT Managing Editor, Ibrahim Babatunde Ibrahim, alongside respected literary scholar Aisha Umar (also known as Aisha Abdulkareem), the discussion explored how literature influences societal change and nation-building. The session sparked thought-provoking reflections and engaged attendees in an inspiring conversation about the power of storytelling in shaping national identity.

Among the standout performers at the event were Jerry Chiemeke, Aishat Adesanya, Bash Amuneni, Amaka Felly Obioji, and Andrew Patience, whose readings and performances showcased the depth and richness of contemporary Nigerian literature. Their contributions added to the festival’s dynamic energy, reinforcing the importance of creative expression in cultural preservation and community engagement.

As an event deeply rooted in African heritage, the festival welcomed the participation of the Mzough U Tiv United Kingdom (MUTUK), a major Tiv community organisation in the UK. Representing MUTUK, Dr Kurannen Baaki, the organisation’s Assistant General Secretary, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the MUTUK President and the wider community. Dr Baaki lauded the festival’s commitment to promoting Nigerian literature and reaffirmed MUTUK’s support for the initiative. As a writer himself, he further enriched the literary engagement by reading from his short story Cemetery Road.

Speaking about the significance of the event, SEVHAGE founder and BBAAF organiser, Su’ur E. Su’eddie Vershima Agema, highlighted the festival’s role in fostering a literary community among Nigerian writers in the UK. “Many of us in the diaspora lose touch with our creative roots due to other responsibilities, but this festival provides an avenue to reconnect, perform, and build a supportive network. It’s about sharing stories, creating a sense of belonging, and ensuring that our voices continue to be heard,” Agema stated.

With the success of its UK debut, BBAAF is set to continue its programming with upcoming events in Nigeria. The next major festival instalment is scheduled to take place in Makurdi at Empire Suites on 21st and 22nd February 2025, featuring a keynote address by renowned scholar, cultural icon, and former Ambassador, H.E. Prof Iyorwuese Hagher. Another literary event is also slated for 26th February 2025 in Abuja, further extending the festival’s reach and impact.

The Nottingham gathering featured 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 the event in Nottingham signals the beginning of a flourishing literary exchange, reinforcing BBAAF’s commitment to literary excellence, cultural dialogue, and artistic expression on a global scale. As the festival continues to expand, it aims to amplify the voices of African writers, build bridges between literary communities, and provide a lasting platform for storytelling and artistic innovation. With increasing support from organisations and the continued participation of talented writers, BBAAF is shaping up to be a cornerstone event for Nigerian and African literature within the diaspora and beyond.

For more details about the Benue Book and Arts Festival and future editions, visit http://bbaaf.com or follow them on @bbaaf24 across social media for the latest updates.