The 3rd Annual Abantu Book Festival will take place in Johannesburg at the Eyethu Lifestyle Centre from 6 - 9 December 2018.



The programme kicks off on Thursday 6th December at the Soweto Theatre with the opening night hosted by the phenomenal Lebo Mashile, featuring a keynote address by Dr Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, and a musical performance by the Zuko Collective.



Friday 7th and Saturday 8th December are full festival days, packed with insightful, thought-provoking conversations and debates among the best writers, literary scholars, poets, journalists and activists, comprising a maximum of four sessions at each time slot.



Artists in the line-up include Bibi Bakare Yusuf, Kagiso Lesego Molope, Helon Habila, Novuyo Rosa Tshuma, Nozizwe Jele, Fred Khumalo, Jolyn Phillips, Lebohang Masango, Tumelo Buthelezi, Lesego Semenya, Rosie Motene, Esinako Ndabeni, Haji Mohamed Dawjee, Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, Sue Nyathi, Kgotsi Chikane, Gail Smith and many more.



Due to popular demand Mama Gcina Mhlophe will again be curating an exciting children's programme, featuring storytellers using various storytelling mediums. One of the most highly anticipated events festival-goers can look forward to this year, is The Standout event on Friday 7th December, featuring Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie with Professor Pumla Dineo Gqola. The festival concludes on Sunday 9th December with a musical concert.

Abantu Book Festival has a strong focus on novels (both fact and fiction), there are also dedicated sessions for poetry performances, musical acts, workshops that deal with various aspects of writing and publishing, panel discussions, and film screenings. This makes for an exciting line-up of cultural and literary activity among South Africans who appreciate the wealth that words impart.