Nwokolo, Onyemelukwe-Onuobia to headline 𝗨𝗺𝘂𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 & 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 2024 in Enugu

By Editor

‘REBIRTH‘ is the theme of the second edition of Umuofia Arts and Books festival that will hold in Enugu from July 31 – August 3, 2024, with the duo of versatile novelist and poet, Chuma Nwokolo and winner of The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2021 and professor of law at Babcock University, Shagamu, Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onwubia headlining it. The festival, which first edition was held in Awka, Anambra State last year, is making its journey to Enugu in its second outing.

According to its founder, novelist and journalist, Michael Chiedoziem Chukwudera, the move to Enugu is part of the vision that the festival should be held in every city in Igbo land at some point. Umuofia, as represented in Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, is an insignia for the whole of Africa which was colonised, and if you study world literature, it goes even beyond Africa. In this way we think the festival is a global one, especially one that represents the literary values of colonised people trying to make sense of their realities through art. So if we rotate the festival across Africa or even beyond, it is valid. This is what we are trying to begin in Igbo land. At some point, we hope to hold an edition in Owerri, Abakaliki, Asaba, Umuahia and so on.”

The festival features book readings, book signing, art exhibitions, film screenings, drama performances, panel discussions on topical issues bordering the arts, politics, philosophy, technology and sciences.

This year Umuofia Arts and Books Festival looks forward to being a convergence of the creative minds from all over the world and to explore and discuss the continuous impact of artistic and cultural awareness on society. Of the festival’s second edition, its manager, Edna Chinaza Ohabughiro says, “The goal of this year’s festival is centred on the theme ‘Rebirth’. Last year’s edition established an arts and books festival for the region; this year’s edition aims at the revival of traditional arts and crafts, promoting and rediscovering forgotten works and authors from the region. It also focuses on discovering and nurturing amazing new talents with publishing the Umuofia Arts and Books Festival Anthology.

Founder, Michael C. Chukwudera

“Also, because ‘Rebirth’ isn’t just about revival, but more about renaissance and you know, new ways of doing things, the festival will also be dwelling deep on new, innovative and creative writing and authors from around the world, encouraging innovation in artistic expression that reflects contemporary themes, while rooted in traditional techniques. Generally, the festival is about cultural renaissance in the Southeast. So again, we will bring young and old artists from all over the world to come together, exchange ideas, learn and get entertained.”

Venues for the festival include 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝟮, 𝗔𝘄𝗴𝘄𝘂 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁, 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗨𝗺𝘂𝗼𝗷𝗶 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁, 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁, 𝗘𝗻𝘂𝗴𝘂, on 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 1, 2024 and 𝟵b 𝗡𝘇𝗮 𝗦𝘁, 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁, 𝗘𝗻𝘂𝗴𝘂 𝟰𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟬𝟭, 𝗘𝗻𝘂𝗴𝘂, on 𝟮𝗻𝗱-𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 2 – 3, 2024.

Writers, artists and critical thinkers expected at the festival include Ikhide Ikheloa, Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto, Rosemary Okafor, Chijoke Amu-Nnadi, visual artist, Agoziem Nneamaka Orji, Harachi Nnamdi, Kingsley the Poet, Iheanyi Igboko, Carl Terver, visual artist, Igbobinna Eze, professor of art, Godwin Chika, musician, Onye Egwu, educator, Stephen Anekwe and Ebelenna Esomnofu. Others are filmmaker, Franklin Chinonso Ogalanya, filmmaker, Olisaeloka Onyekaonwu, journalist, Chimezie Chika, philosopher, Somto Papi musician, Lotanna Alaemezie, Adachukwu Onwudiwe, Umar Abubakar Sidi, actor and filmmaker, Emmanuel Esomnofu, actor and filmmaker, Lorenzo Menakaya, Frances Ogamba, educator, Roselyne Uzọejinwa Ọjị.