The Ake Arts and Book Festival is four days of cultural, artistic, literary and musical indulgence. The Ake Arts and Book Festival commences with a formal welcome ceremony with exciting announcements, artistic performances, presentation of awards and the launch of the yearly Ake Review. The Theme for the 2019 Ake Arts and Book Festival was "BLACK BODIES. GREY MATTER". The Welcome Ceremony was attended by a number of dignitries including; Abubakar Suleiman, MD/CEO Sterling Bank Plc, Lola Shoneyin- Director, Ake Arts and Book Festival, Charles Courdent- Director, Alliance Francaise de Lagos, Amy Galigan- Acting Canadian High Commissionner, Yvonne Chioke- MD, Vlisco Nigeria, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka and a host of amazing creatives such as; Wana Udobang, Molara Wood, Tsitsi Dangaremba, Abdulkareem Baba Aminu, Mohale Mashigo, Halima Abubakar, Ochai Ogaba, Le Groit Barassuno, Temmie Ovwasa, Logan February, Efe Paul Azino, D'bi Young Anitafrika, Toni Kan, Victor Ehikhamenor, Etinosa Yvonne, Hakeem Salam, Niyi Okeowo. Guests at the at the welcome ceremony of the 2019 edition of Ake Arts & Book Festival.