Conversation #10: Lola Shoneyin (Lagos, Nigeria), Aké Arts and Book Festival (English)

Conversation between Lola Shoneyin and Morten Ranum We are in Lagos, Nigeria to participate in Aké Arts and Book Festival. Prior to the festival we have a conversation with the festival director Lola Shoneyin, Nigerian poet and author. The conversation begins with snaopshots from the press conference, thereafter we are having a one by one with Lola Shoneyin in her office in a more relaxed atmosphere and environment.  To the press meeting Lola Shoneyin introduces the festival, tells about the ten years of experience and presents the main sponsor of the festival sitting next to her from Sterling Bank. During the press session she is asked by a Lagos based journalist how she is doing it without the government, and her answer is not very surprising, but also somewhat depressing. We – for our own part – ask her, how it influences the festival that she actually is an active poet and writer herself. Before she gives an answer, she makes sure the room gives us a round of applause to welcome us and she explains that is actually very important that people from far away come and show interests in what they are doing here in Lagos. Photo credit: Ouida Books. Published by Foreignness and Friendship, Thursday 30th of November, 2023.