The Poetic Wednesdays Initiative has organised the Kano International Poetry Festival (KAPFEST) to showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage and promote indigenous languages.
The group’s Communications Manager, Nana Sule, said on Thursday in Kano that the festival would feature traditional music, refreshments and cultural presentations highlighting the languages and traditions of different ethnic groups.
She said participants would deliver presentations in Hausa, Igala, Yoruba, Igbo and other languages to explain their cultural practices, ancestral traditions and the importance of preserving their identities.
The programme would also feature a dance performance by the Koroso Troupe, poetry recitals, spoken-word performances and a best-dressed contest, with the winner receiving ₦20,000.
Sule said the activities were designed to encourage cultural exchange and raise awareness of the need to preserve indigenous languages and cultures.
She said the festival’s theme, “Reclaiming Languages,” would be explored through panel discussions, book chats, poetry, translation and creative writing.
Twenty-four young poets are expected to compete in a poetry slam for a grand prize of ₦1 million.
The festival will also feature a performance night led by Bash Amuneni and a lifetime achievement award to Prof. Ibrahim Malumfashi for his contributions to supporting young creatives in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the Kano State History and Culture Bureau, Ahmed Yusuf, described culture as the foundation of identity, reflected in people’s traditions, languages, literature, music, arts and historical monuments.
Yusuf urged participants, particularly young people, to take pride in their cultural identities and preserve their heritage for future generations. He reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote history and celebrate cultural diversity.
A lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts at Bayero University, Kano, Dr Ola Ifatimehin, said he attended the festival to appreciate creative and poetic expressions and connect with other artists.
Performer Martin Sojanbe said his presentation explored the relationship between language and culture, stressing the need to preserve indigenous languages despite the influence of modernisation.
Salamatu Sule also delivered a presentation in Igala, highlighting ancestral traditions and the importance of preserving the cultural identity of the Igala people.
The festival will continue on Friday and Saturday with panel discussions, book chats on languages, translation, creative writing and an exhibition. The programme will also feature the poetry slam awards, a performance night and the presentation of a lifetime achievement award to Malumfashi.
