The inaugural Abuja International Poetry Festival, held in Nigeria’s capital, focused on African culture’s intersection with digital advancements under the theme “Afro Futurism and Digital Culture.” The three-day event brought together poets, creatives, and intellectuals from around the world, exploring how African poetry can evolve in a digital age. Festival founder Bash Amuneni highlighted the importance of connecting African knowledge, culture, and technology, especially through AI, to shape the continent’s future. Director Orewa Olujimi also posed the question of what African art, especially poetry, will look like in the coming years amid technological growth.
The festival featured both virtual and live sessions, offering readings, masterclasses, a traditional poetry concert, and a Poetry Slam, with poets reflecting on how technology is transforming the art of poetry. Poets like Chi Martins Azubuike discussed the importance of embracing African languages in the digital age, while Soonest Nathaniel saw digital
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