The 2nd edition of the Annual African Book Fair by Soma Nami Books, held from August 6th to 11th, 2024, was a celebration of African literature that brought together book lovers, authors, and literary enthusiasts for six days of cultural and literary immersion. This year’s fair not only expanded in size but also in scope, offering a dynamic hybrid format that blended the traditional book fair with a more extensive festival program.
The fair kicked off on August 6th with an opening ceremony graced by Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Youth, Talent, and Sports, Mr. Oscar Igaida. In his speech, Mr. Igaida reaffirmed the county government's commitment to making literature accessible to all Nairobi residents. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to foster a culture of reading and learning across the city, aligning with the fair's mission to promote African literature and strengthen literary communities.
Now firmly established as a staple in the Kenyan literary calendar, the African Book Fair continues to grow in both size and significance. This year, the fair showcased over 10,000 books from across the continent, with more than 2,000 unique titles available for attendees to explore. The fair's focus on fostering intra-African connections and trade was evident in its collaboration with publishers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria reflecting its commitment to building a pan-African literary community. Soma Nami Books have expressed their ambition to extend these partnerships to the rest of the continent in future editions, further enhancing the fair’s reach and impact.
Festival Highlights
This year’s fair had an impressive lineup of 36 local and international guests who participated in various panels, discussions, and activities. These contributors brought a vibrant energy to the event, making each day memorable. The fair featured six powerful panel discussions that tackled a range of topics, including healing in community, reframing historical narratives, building literary communities, inter-generational conflicts, the creative economy, and the intersection of masculinity and mental health.
Two book chats spotlighted the works of Ugandan author and human rights advocate Jackie Asiimwe and Kenyan writer Tiffany Mugo, offering attendees unique insights into their literary journeys and the themes they explore in their writing.
Immersive Experiences
In addition to the panels and book chats, the fair offered a variety of unique experiences. The Nairobi Sketch Tour was a standout, offering participants a sensory and artistic journey through the history of the McMillan Memorial Library. This tour allowed book enthusiasts to capture the essence of the fair through sketch, adding a creative dimension to the literary experience.
Other activities included a Quiz night, which challenged participants’ knowledge of African literature, and a lively dance party that provided a space for relaxation and communal bonding through dance. Children were also well-catered for, with activities such as storytelling and dance designed to engage and entertain the younger audience.
Art and Literature
Throughout the week, an art exhibition featuring works by contemporary Kenyan artists, curated by Campasanaa ran alongside the fair, highlighting the intersection of visual art and literature. This exhibition added an additional layer of cultural richness to the event, further highlighting the diverse forms of expression within African arts and culture.
Books, Sales, and Special Corners
As with the previous edition, book sales and discounts were a significant draw for attendees, offering them the opportunity to expand their collections with a wide range of African literature. In addition to geographical categorization, the fair also featured specially curated sections dedicated to themes such as Feminism, African Canon, Liberation, and Children’s Literature, offering a focused exploration of these critical areas, making the fair a comprehensive and inclusive literary experience.
Masterclass on Building Thriving Book Clubs
A notable addition to this year’s program was a masterclass on building thriving book clubs, facilitated by Soma Nami Books founders Muthoni and Wendy. This session offered practical insights and strategies for fostering vibrant literary communities, resonating with the fair’s broader goal of nurturing a culture of reading and discussion.
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