As allegations of artificial intelligence use increasingly draw scrutiny to the work of Black and brown writers, the 2026 Ake Arts and Book Festival will examine the controversy and its implications for creativity.
The festival, scheduled to hold from November 19 to 21 at Silkwood Hotel, formerly known as Bon Hotel, in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, will feature a panel discussion on AI and creativity, according to its convener, Lola Shoneyin.
With the theme “Native Intelligence”, the festival will feature 24 events, including 11 book chats and six panel discussions, bringing together Nigerian and diaspora authors, poets, musicians and other literary figures for conversations, film screenings and evening performances.
Speaking at a press conference on October 28, Shoneyin said the theme was inspired by the need to recognise indigenous knowledge and the contributions of people who developed ways of living, creating and inventing before the introduction of formal education.
“There’s the intelligence that comes from education. Then there’s the intelligence from the people. This gives us an opportunity to talk about that kind of intelligence,” she said.
Last year’s theme, “Reclaiming Truth”, examined the difficulty of distinguishing authentic images and videos from AI-generated content.
Shoneyin said concerns about artificial intelligence remained relevant, particularly within the literary world, where writers have faced allegations of using the technology to produce their work.
One of the six panel discussions scheduled for this year’s festival will focus on “AI and Creativity”. Shoneyin said Jerry Falade would participate in the discussion, following controversy over allegations that he used AI to write a book for which he reportedly secured a $2 million deal.
The festival will also feature partnerships with literary organisations, including the Caine Prize, Granta magazine and the African Speculative Fiction Society.
A panel organised in partnership with the Caine Prize will examine the prize’s impact on African literature and its role in helping authors develop their careers. Granta will also participate in the festival, with discussions around a special Nigeria edition of the magazine featuring fiction, non-fiction, poetry, photography and interviews with Nigerians.
The Lagos State government will provide book grants worth ₦20,000 each to 100 young people under the age of 25, allowing them to purchase books at the festival’s bookstore.
Shoneyin said the festival would publish an application form through its social media channels, adding that age would be an important consideration in selecting beneficiaries.
She also said the festival was seeking to encourage Nigerians and other Africans living abroad to reconnect with the country through its cultural and artistic offerings.
According to Shoneyin, the festival has introduced a formal arrangement with two ambassadors based in the United Kingdom, who have been bringing together groups of people interested in visiting Nigeria to experience its arts and culture.✚