We are indeed living in shifting times, where the stories we tell will define how the world sees Africa and, more importantly, how we see ourselves. With this shift comes an incredible opportunity. We have the chance to craft stories that challenge stereotypes, confront injustices, and present a fuller, more nuanced picture of the African experience
For too long, Africa’s narrative has been told by others. We must be the ones to tell our stories of triumphs, struggles, cultures, and aspirations. Through our collective efforts, we can paint a more complete picture of Africa—one that reflects its complexities and celebrates its richness. The world needs our voices, and it is up to us to ensure they are heard
IT was an immense honor to attend the 8th edition of the Quramo Festival of Words (QFest) this year. Having had the privilege to witness the festival’s growth over time, it has become clear that QFest is more than just a literary gathering. It is a vibrant celebration of the African community of storytellers—writers, poets, filmmakers, and visual artists—who have come together to share their voices and expand our collective imagination. Year after year, this festival has evolved, widening its embrace to include more diverse voices across the creative spectrum. What started as a literary festival has now grown into a multidisciplinary platform where African creatives can come together to tell their stories in books, films, poetry, and visual art. QFest has become a cultural cornerstone, championing African creativity and nurturing the future of storytelling on the continent.
This remarkable growth is a testament to the vision and perseverance of Mrs. Gbemi Shasore, the founder and convener of Quramo. Her doggedness, investment, and unwavering belief in the power of African storytelling have brought us to this point. Thanks to her leadership and the tireless efforts of the Quramo team, QFest has become a platform where African voices can be heard and celebrated, year after year. Last year, I had the pleasure of conducting a workshop at QFest on the art of adapting literature to film. It was a deeply rewarding experience to explore how we can translate the rich, layered worlds of African literature into moving images that resonate with wider audiences. This year, it was my honor to present our feature film “The Man Died,” inspired by Prof. Wole Soyinka’s memoir of the same title. It was a humbling experience to share this work, which speaks to the enduring relevance of Soyinka’s journey, his bravery in speaking truth to power, and the role of the artist in society.
I was also privileged to be asked to make a closing remarks at this year’s edition. I felt compelled to remind all of us as storytellers of the immense power we wield. Storytelling, whether through literature, film, or other forms of art, is not just a vehicle for entertainment—it is a force for change. It is a tool for reclaiming narratives, influencing perspectives, and sparking movements. As African storytellers, we must embrace this power and make it count. The theme of this year’s festival, “The Shifting – Empowering Voices, Inspiring Minds,” could not have been more apt. We are indeed living in shifting times, where the stories we tell will define how the world sees Africa and, more importantly, how we see ourselves. With this shift comes an incredible opportunity. We have the chance to craft stories that challenge stereotypes, confront injustices, and present a fuller, more nuanced picture of the African experience. Our stories have the power to expose the truth, uplift communities, and inspire change.
At the heart of QFest is a commitment to nurturing new talent and investing in the future of African storytelling. The workshops and masterclasses are not just skill-building exercises; they are investments in the next generation of creatives who will go on to shape the future of our industries. Watching young filmmakers, writers, and artists share their work at QFest fills me with hope. These emerging voices are vital to our future, and their creativity will continue to push boundaries and reimagine our stories in ways we haven’t yet imagined. But with the power to tell our own stories comes great responsibility. For too long, Africa’s narrative has been told by others. We must be the ones to tell our stories of triumphs, struggles, cultures, and aspirations. Through our collective efforts, we can paint a more complete picture of Africa—one that reflects its complexities and celebrates its richness. The world needs our voices, and it is up to us to ensure they are heard.
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