When the news broke about the cancellation of the Kaduna Book and Arts Festival (Kabafest), it shocked many. Kabafest was the largest, grandest, and most inclusive literary and arts festival in Northern Nigeria. The announcement was met with sadness and mournful reactions. Writers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts expressed deep disappointment. Many recognized the festival’s strong socio-cultural and economic impact. It had influenced Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria, and even reached national and continental levels.
Was it an Abortion?
What was an abortion happened few years back in 2020. When COVID-19 struck the globe, everything was put on hold, and Kabafest was not an exception. Between 2020 and 2021, the festival did not hold for apparent reasons, and rightfully so, for health and safety concerns. All hopes and anticipation people had nursed in their hearts in looking forward to the festival in the respective years were dashed away by the outbreak of the pandemic.
In the case of an abortion, the host (citizens) are aware of the inevitable decision that has to be reached to halt the progression of the imminent issue (Kabafest). It is a bitter pill they are willing to swallow for the time being of the hiatus.
Or was it a Miscarriage?
The recent cancellation of Kabafest could be seen as a ‘miscarriage’ because of the abrupt manner and circumstances that led to the sudden decision. It couldn’t survive amidst the tension as a result of a power tussle between major political power brokers in Kaduna State.
The sad thing about miscarriages is that they happen whether the host (citizens) approves of it or not. Its sudden occurrence is often beyond control. And they seldom come with warning signs before the flush.
To be dependent or independent?
The sustainable way is to look for independent platforms (in terms of sponsorship and funding) for the festival to hold without any vested interests attached.
While it is commendable for the Kaduna State government to play its part in supporting the festival, it is not obligatory upon the state government or governor to throw its weight of support behind the good cause, however noble it is.
Kabafest heavily depends on support from the Kaduna State government. This reliance is a cautious and risky move. The government holds significant power to influence the festival’s future. The outcome often depends on the shifting political tide in the state. The recent cancellation is a clear example of this risk.
Way forward?
The only way to save Kabafest from these fluctuations and interference is by distancing, separating, and reducing the Kaduna State government’s monopoly influence and support for the festival.
Progressive alternative methods of getting support include:
-Applying for grants and financial support from independent corporate bodies and NGO’s. Both national and international (since the festival is on an international scale).
-Creating a Kabafest Business Investment Platform (KBIP) where funds will be continuously generated to add to the pool of resources to help fund the festival in the long run. This could be in the form of:
*Kabafest Bookshops, where proceeds from book sales should count in the long run.
*Kabafest Cinemas for screening of movies/documentaries to generate funds through ticket sales.
*Kabafest Museum/Art Gallery for more revenue generation and other ways that could fit in.
I believe the key lies in partnering with like-minded organisations. These include NGOs and private mega corporations interested in social impact. Many of them support creatives, writers, artists, and literary initiatives. Collaborating with such groups can provide much-needed support. It can also help Kabafest break free from political dependence. This would reduce the Kaduna State government’s monopoly over whether or when the festival takes place.
Ake festival in Lagos is hosted almost independently from the Lagos State government influence and support, and it still sparks interests all around the world. The same approach can be applied to make Kabafest as independent as possible and give it the carte blanche to continue without unnecessary cancellation.
Hausa International Books and Arts Festival (HIBAF), organised by Open Arts, is another festival in Northern Nigeria that has been going on for some years, courtesy of the founder’s resilience in seeking funds and sponsorship within and especially outside Nigeria.
If Kabafest had started out as an independently sponsored festival, the cancellation of this year’s event wouldn’t have sufficed.
It is not too late to start seeking sponsorship and support for the festival to hold from now till September (which has been the traditional time it has been held in the past, apart from 2024).
But most importantly, it is hoped that once the necessary financial support is secured from outside the Kaduna State government, the governor will not stand in the way. It is also hoped that he will approve for the festival to still be held. Sometimes, the issues go beyond just funding. There are often political reasons underneath. These hidden factors can still hinder the festival from taking place.
Delegates could be sent to the governor to get the carte blanche to go-ahead with or without their sponsorship. Once the green light is given to proceed, Kabafest can move forward. This is only possible if no political strings are attached. Any political interference could prevent the festival from flourishing. If all is clear, then Kabafest will be ready to take off.
But first, a lot of work should start by setting up a team of stakeholders who are proud ambassadors of Kabafest (either from influential past guests invited or prominent personalities associated with the festival) to seek independent support from various channels mentioned above to tap into.
Note: The emphasis here is on the formation of a ‘team’ (for swift networking and co-operation to get the job done) and not a ‘committee’ (which is usually slow and bureaucratic in approach).
Long live Kabafest!
