The Beeta Arts Festival 2024 lit up Abuja with a dynamic celebration of African storytelling, culture, and creativity. Held from December 4 to 8th at the prestigious Abuja Continental Hotel, the fourth edition of the festival, themed “We Are Here,” attracted a diverse audience of artists, creatives, and changemakers across the continent. This year’s festival spotlighted the immense potential of African narratives in driving social and economic transformation.

The festival opened with an exclusive screening of For Amina, a powerful film by Beeta Productions directed by Lyndsey Efejuku. Inspired by the resilience of Bikiya Graham-Douglas’ matriarch, the film set a poignant tone for the week ahead, focusing on the power of African stories in shaping perceptions and bringing about change.

In her opening remarks, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, the festival convener, reflected on the festival’s ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging talent: ” We are committed to nurturing talents and giving  new voices  a platform at the Beeta Arts Festival. This year alone, we have two new female directors directing plays and male directors doing great things.”

The festival’s lineup featured a series of thought-provoking performances, including the emotional See Me performed by Dolapo Bankole originally written and performed by Bikiya Graham Douglas and a poetry recital by Ono Owi Ocho, who shared verses from his book We Will Sing Water. These performances reflected the festival’s dedication to providing a platform for emerging voices.

The festival, as always, took a powerful turn towards advocacy with a session on preventing online gender-based violence through AI and storytelling, moderated by Tsema Ede. Experts like Rotimi Olawale of YouthHubAfrica and Adaora O. Sydney Jack shared insights on using technology and creativity to combat online abuse

 Audiences were treated to stage plays such as Amebo Is My Hobby, written by Delarin Awotedu, Who Knows Amanda  written by Gloria Asokolo, One Chance written by Udeme Ralph, Electric Pole written by Olarotimi Fakunle  and Mask We Wear written by Yemi Akande as well as  films from across Africa at the Framed Continental Experience, including Four Walls and a Roof (Namibia) and Mediterranean Day (Tunisia) etc.

At the heart of the festival was the Investor’s Roundtable, where Tosin Dabiri of Chapel Hill Denham led discussions on the Creative Catalyst Fund which offers funding opportunities for Nigeria’s creative industries. Graham-Douglas urged the government to recognize the sector’s economic potential, stating, “Festivals like this are breeding grounds for creativity. Structured support and funding are essential for growth.”

The festival concluded with Sunday Night Live, a vibrant finale of music, dance, comedy, and the Jollof Showdown, leaving attendees inspired and energized.

Public Diplomacy Counsellor of the United States Embassy, Lee McManis, also attended the event and expressed his support for the festival’s work in promoting creativity across Africa. He said, “The Beeta Arts Festival has been excellent. We witnessed works from all across Africa, and the festival continues to grow each year. We’re excited to see what next year holds—it will be bigger.”

Also in attendance was the Botswana Deputy High Commissioner  showing her  support making comments about cross culture exchange between African  countries.

The Beeta Arts Festival 2024 reaffirmed its role as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and cultural advocacy, cementing its legacy as a platform that celebrates African talent and drives meaningful change.