The Lagos International Poetry Festival 2018 kicks off on October 31 and ends on November 4, 2018 at Freedom Park, Lagos Island.
Founded in 2015, the Lagos International Poetry Festival has brought poets, writers, artists, and thinkers from across the world to Lagos for a week of conversations, readings, performances, workshops and adventure, establishing itself as one of the continent’s annual art and culture highlights.
Some of the guests who have featured on the festival stages in previous years are Chris Abani, Koleka Putuma, Ladan Osman, Shailja Patel, Inua Ellams, Titilope Sonuga, Sonny Kwaku, Chika Jones, Dami Ajayi, Uzo Maxim Uzoatu, Peter Akinlabi, Niran Okewole, Tade Ipadeola, Toni Kan, Wana Udobang, Bash Amueni, Ogaga Ifowodo, Neo Muyanga, Kola Tubosun, Pryse, Sage Hasson, Gbenga Adesina, Qudus Onikeku, Ali Baba, and Ola Opesan.
In 2018, LIPFest 2018 examines the growing importance of vigilance in a post-truth era with the theme, Wide Awake. The four day festival will include poetry, spoken word and music performances, riveting conversations, workshops and masterclasses.
“We have a more expansive program, some of the finest poets, writers and artists working today, exciting performances, and great conversations, there’s so much at this year’s festival to look forward to,” says Efe Paul Azino, director and co-founder of the Lagos International Poetry Festival.
This year’s festival draws an array of exciting poets, writers and artists from 15 countries across the world. Headliners include Kwame Dawes, 2018 Forward Prize winner, Danez Smith, South African poet and activist Lebo Mashile, and a special guest appearance by Niyi Osundare.
The festival is chiefly sponsored by Nigerian Breweries.
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