The 2024 Quramo Festival of Words was exciting and filled with activities that highlighted the importance of storytelling and cultural dialogue.
WRITERS, publishers and other art enthusiasts converged on Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, from October 4 to 6, 2024, for the eighth edition of the Quramo Festival of Words (Qfest 2024) themed ‘The Shifting: Empowering Voices… Inspiring Minds’.
It has been quite a journey for the event, which debuted in 2009 as the ‘Kuramo Conference’ and focussed on development themes. It transformed into the Quramo Festival of Words in December 2017 and has been held successively, happening as a virtual event in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The festival has made significant strides, and this year’s activities-filled event further reiterated its importance to Nigeria and Africa’s literary ecosystem in boosting upcoming writers and publishing.
There was no dull moment from the opening, with activities including the inter-school debate, tribute to Professor Wole Soyinka with the screening of two films centred on him, ‘Ebrohimie Road: A Museum of Memory’ and ‘The Man Died’, masterclasses, chats and panel discussions that explored the intersections of storytelling, social impact, and creative innovation.
Evolving creative expression landscape
Welcoming guests at the opening, QFest convener Mrs Gbemi Shasore described the festival as a celebration of storytelling, creativity and cultural dialogue.
She noted that the theme was significant because “it mirrors the global and continental changes we are experiencing. Across Africa, we are witnessing cultural, political, and economic shifts that call for fresh approaches to stewarding creativity. The landscape for creative expression is evolving, from the rise of new media platforms to political changes in regions like West and East Africa. Now, more than ever, we must embrace these shiftings and harness their power to drive innovation and transformation.”
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, hailed the power of storytelling and its potency in transforming societies, empowering voices, and connecting minds. She hailed the festival as “a movement that brings together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the art of storytelling in all its forms.”
The Commissioner also reiterated Lagos’ support for creativity. “We recognise the invaluable contribution of arts to our social and economic development. At the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters creativity, empowers artists, and promotes cultural exchange. The creative sector has always been at the heart of Lagos, and we are proud to continue supporting initiatives like QFest that bring people together, inspire creativity, and tell our stories,” she said.
Prize Winners
Emerging South Sudanese writer Arthur Gabriel Yak won the 2024 Quramo Writers Prize with his manuscript, ‘Whispers of Survival’. The prize has a cash prize of one million naira and a publishing contract. ‘The Worst Nightmare’ by Chukwuma Jonathan was the first runner-up. ‘Rajah and Eva’ by Abiodun SelomeMedemaku came third.
Jury head Dr Eghosa Imasuen explained that Yak’s manuscript “takes us into the life of Anyang, a young girl navigating the brutal realities of a refugee camp. Amidst violence and exploitation, Anyang’s resilience shines as she faces her abusive brother Ayok and the manipulative camp politics. This manuscript offers a haunting yet powerful portrayal of survival, sacrifice, and human dignity in the face of war’s scars, showcasing emotional complexity and narrative strength.”
Imasuen explained that each manuscript was “scrutinised against five key criteria: originality, narrative strength, coherence, language, and dramatic intensity. But beyond these formal categories, we also considered a sixth and perhaps most important criterion—each manuscript’s overall impact on us as readers. These works showcase the immense talent and creativity within contemporary African writing. From deeply personal narratives about familial bonds and betrayal to stories of survival against unimaginable odds, each piece carries a distinct voice that speaks to the core of the human experience. The writers have displayed exceptional mastery of character development, emotional depth, and storytelling, making this year’s shortlist a collection brimming with promise.
“Each manuscript resonated with a unique authenticity and intensity that speaks to the future of African literature. Though in early stages, these works hold the potential to become timeless, reflecting the resilience and richness of the human spirit. The talent we’ve seen ensures that the future of African storytelling is in capable hands. I eagerly await what these writers will create next.”
The other jurors were Mrs Lechi Eke and seasoned journalist and writer Mr. Anote Ajeluorou.
The three writers were not the only winners at QFest 2024. At the QShorts Community Film Screening, Moses Ipadeola’s ‘Ekun Iyawo’ was adjudged Top Short Film, earning him N100,000.
Saheed Sunday went home with N100,000 for Qfest Poetry Word Slam. A student at Vivian Fowler College, Azima Davis, also won the QCommand Challenge for Young Readers contest. Vivian Fowler also won the school debate featuring Dowen College and St. Gregory College. Eminent broadcast journalist Bimbo Oloyede, Sola Alamutu and Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal were the debate judges.
Power of storytelling
One of the resource persons, filmmaker Femi Odugbemi, harped on the power of storytelling as a tool for social change and reordering society from the brink that it so often veers by acts of political impunity. He noted that it’s through the power of storytelling that society could regain itself from chaos by changing mindsets and ways of being.
He said, “Beyond its power to entertain, storytelling has always been a profound tool for social change. Stories can expose injustices, challenge systems of oppression, and inspire collective action. Through storytelling, we can give voice to the marginalised, highlight issues that need addressing, and spark dialogue that leads to reform. Storytelling can catalyse transformation in our continent, where we continually seek ways to empower communities and foster development.
“Through our stories, we can inspire movements, influence mindsets, and build a more just and equitable society. Over these past few days, QFest has also reinforced the importance of storytelling as a tool for connection. Stories transcend borders and break down barriers; they are the ultimate expression of our shared humanity. Quramo’s vision for this festival was to create a space where African storytellers could unite, share their work, and amplify their voices. Today, QFest has grown beyond a literary festival. It is vital to our cultural landscape—celebrating African creativity across literature, film, music, and visual art.”
At the closing ceremony, Mrs Shasore highlighted the achievements of the eighth edition, including opportunities available for African creatives to own their narratives in a global landscape constantly shifting with innovations and new models.
She said, “There is a shifting in opportunities for written publication, film, and in every other way we tell our unique stories. The shifting is happening, and Africa is at the centre of it. Where are our new African writers and readers? Where is the growth of our publishers, literary agents, book distributors, and bookstores? Where are our African online vendors? This supply chain will enthrone Africa as an ever-authentic hub of unique stories and storytelling.
“We urge our community and beyond to continue to support the production chain of how arts and stories are created, recorded, distributed, and consumed. We urge them to accept the shifting landscape and leverage its many opportunities for positive change.”
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