The Poetic Wednesdays Initiative has organised an international poetry festival in Kano to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and promote indigenous languages.

Nana Sule, the group’s spokesperson, said on Thursday in Kano that the event was tagged ‘The Kano International Poetry Festival (KAPFEST)’.

She said the showcase would comprise traditional music, refreshments and cultural presentations highlighting the languages and traditions of different ethnic groups in the country.

The participants, she said, would deliver presentations in Hausa, Igala, Yoruba, Igbo and other languages, to explain their cultural practices, ancestral traditions and the importance of preserving their identities.

The event would also feature a dance performance by the Koroso Troupe, poetry recitals, spoken-word performances and a best-dressed contest, in which the winner would receive N20,000.

Ms Sule said those activities were designed to encourage cultural exchange and raise awareness about the importance of preserving indigenous languages and cultures. According to her, the festival’s theme ‘Reclaiming Languages’, will be explored through panel discussions, book chats, poetry, translation and creative writing.

Ms Sule said that 24 young poets would compete in a poetry slam for a grand prize of N1 million. She added that the programme would feature a night of performances led by Bash Amuneni and a lifetime achievement award to Prof. Ibrahim Malumfashi for his contributions to supporting young creatives in Nigeria.

The executive secretary, Kano State History and Culture Bureau, Ahmed Yusuf, described culture as the foundation of identity, reflected in people’s traditions, languages, literature, music, arts and historical monuments.

Mr Yusuf urged participants, particularly young ones, to take pride in their cultural identities and preserve their heritage for future generations. He reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote history and celebrate cultural diversity.

Ola Ifatimehin, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts at Bayero University, Kano, said he attended the event to appreciate creative and poetic expressions and connect with other artists.

Martin Sojanbe, a performer, said his presentation explored the relationship between language and culture, stressing the need to preserve indigenous languages in spite of the influence of modernisation.

Salamatu Sule also delivered a presentation in Igala, highlighting ancestral traditions and the importance of preserving the cultural identity of the Igala people.

The event would continue on Friday and Saturday with panel discussions, book chats on languages, translation, creative writing and exhibition.

There will also be a presentation of N1 million to three top winners in the poetry slam, a performance night, and a lifetime achievement award to Ibrahim Malumfashi for his support for young creatives in Nigeria.

(NAN)