Follow Us on Google
By Damiete Braide
The seventh edition of Quramo Festival of Word [QFEST] begins today till Saturday, October 7, 2023 with the theme, ‘Connecting The Dots’ at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Convener of the Festival and co-founder of Quramo Publishing , Gbemi Shosore said ‘Connecting The Dots’ is a five-day event that will comprise of creative workshops and sessions capable of impacting knowledge to participants.
Shosore further revealed this year’s theme will bring opportunities for creatives and stakeholders in film, literature, theatre, and publishing among other players to interact, identify and explore likely collaborations across borders.
‘ I realised the ability to build bridges where there are none remains the goal. With the recent departure of key players in the Nigerian creative industries to other climes provide a major opportunity for cross-continental collaborations and high-level export of cultural values and literature.
The co-founder added at Quramo, we remain committed to our vision to equip creatives for the expansion of the creative industries while fostering visibility for literary works that mirror real Nigerian and African experiences.
“ As always, QFEST attendees are guaranteed access to enriching book chats, master classes, expert-led panel sessions, spoken word poetry and stage plays while The Word Slam Open mic competition with a cash prize remains one to look forward to by attendees.
Shosore further added highlight of QFest 2023 will be unveiling of the Quramo Writers Prize (QWP) winner who gets a publishing deal and a cash prize worth millions of naira.
Some of the speakers and panelists for the festival include Femi Odugbemi, Yahaya Maikori, Adedotun Eyinade (RovingHeights), Anwuli Ojogwu (Society of Book and Magazine Editors of Nigeria), James Murua, Kenyan literary blogger, Peter Ryan, the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Kemi Ogunleye, Yinka Davies, Dwin the Stoic, Morenike Olusanya among others.
The Quramo Festival of Words, which is currently in its seventh year, attracts thousands of attendees, every year, to participate in workshops/masterclasses, panel discussions, book/author
chats and readings, literary competitions, and to watch stage plays, short films and live music performances.
During previous editions, guests met and learned from inspiring personalities like Kadaria Ahmed, Seffi Atta, Falz, Igoni Barrett, Kiki Mordi, Dike Chukwumerije, Eghosa Imasuen, Helon Habila,
Innocent Ilo, Lala Akindoju, TJ Benson, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Karen Jennings, Oyinkan Braithwaite, Femi Odugbemi, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, Dare Olaitan, and more.
