The Hausa International Book and Arts Festival (HIBAF) 2024 is set to hold in Abuja, Nigeria, from December 19 to 21. A major cultural experience, this festival offers a dynamic and culturally immersive experience for attendees.
A fixture on the African cultural calendar, this festival continues to provide a platform for showcasing the vast richness of Hausa culture and its contributions to the broader African artistic landscape. This year’s theme, “Hausa Popular Culture,” invites a deeper exploration of the intersection between tradition and modernity within the Hausa-speaking world, bringing attention to both its historical roots and contemporary evolution.
The festival offers a line-up of activities designed to engage audiences in both traditional and modern forms of artistic expression. Literary enthusiasts will enjoy book reading sessions, author panels and discussions that delve into the works of renowned writers, as well as emerging voices in the world of Hausa literature. Poetry lovers can look forward to evocative performances that blend oral traditions with contemporary themes, offering a rich tapestry of language and rhythm.
Music and theatre lovers will be thrilled by performances that draw inspiration from traditional Hausa music while embracing modern genres and theatrical innovations. These performances will serve as a testament to the evolution of Hausa culture, reflecting how its music and stage productions have influenced global cultural movements while remaining deeply rooted in African identity.
As part of the festival’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue, HIBAF will host workshops and panel discussions that explore various aspects of Hausa culture. These sessions will bring together scholars, artists, and cultural practitioners from across Africa to share their insights, debate ideas, and collaborate on future projects. This inclusive approach aims to encourage knowledge exchange and collaboration between generations of creatives, as well as between different cultural backgrounds.
In addition to its artistic offerings, HIBAF 2024 will serve as a vital space for networking and collaboration, providing opportunities for artists, writers, and performers to connect with each other, as well as with industry professionals and cultural advocates. The festival’s commitment to supporting both established and emerging talent ensures that the next generation of African creatives will have the opportunity to showcase their work on a global stage.
Indeed, this year’s festival underscores how the Hausa language, in all its beauty and complexity, continues to play a pivotal role in the cultural fabric of West Africa.
