African literature has a way of weaving a tantalisingly complex web of themes that resonate deeply with readers. It is this space that Soma Nami Books, in its inaugural edition last year, sought to enrich.
A leading pan-African bookstore and advocate for African Literature, Soma Nami Books is excited to announce the highly anticipated second edition of the African Book Fair.
The second African Book Fair will take place from tomorrow, August 6 to August 11, 2024, at the McMillan Memorial Library, Banda Street, Nairobi.
According to Muthoni Muiruri, co-founder of Soma Nami Books, this year’s edition, like the previous one, is rooted in the commitment to creating a dynamic platform that celebrates African literature and promotes a culture of reading and learning across the continent. The event aims to create opportunities for writers, publishers, and readers to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and celebrate the power of storytelling.
“Our expanded edition this year underscores our dedication to nurturing the literary talents of African writers and ensuring greater access to literature for everyone,” Muthoni adds.
Building on the success of the inaugural edition, which attracted over 5,000 attendees from various parts of East Africa, the second edition promises to be even more exciting and impactful. Attendees of this six-day extravaganza will be treated to a showcase of 10,000 books representing 54 African countries.
The event will include engaging book chats with authors, diverse exhibitors displaying their literary works, and insightful panel discussions on various literary topics. Additionally, there will be a dedicated children’s program designed to inspire young readers and book sales offering a wide selection of titles for purchase.
The African Book Fair serves as a platform to celebrate the richness and diversity of African literature, showcasing the works of established and emerging authors from across the continent.