Postcards from QFEST 2023 Day 5

The grand finale started with a welcome address from the Convener of QFest 2023 – Mrs. Gbemi Shasore, one that celebrated the impact and future of the arts on the Nigerian people and expansion of the creative economy. This was swiftly followed by a speech from Mr. Marc Brebant of Alliance Francaise, a beautiful performance by the Society for Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) and a delightful speech from the Festival Director, Ms Lolade Alaka.

Then it was time for Q Conversation - a deep discourse between the convener of QFEST2023, Mrs Gbemi Shasore and Sarah Boulos. This year’s Q Conversation highlighted the beauty of dance, relationships and interesting experiences.
Some memorable quotes from the conversation are as follows:

• SPAN (Society for Performing Arts Nigeria) came out of the tragedy of December 25th after losing 7 members of my family

• Dance is a weapon against negativity and dark forces, and other things.
• Depression happens because people are lonely...We cannot allow depression to take over our youth
• Write five things, five friends, five talents, five successes, five wants down to identify your creativity.
• Dance is the next best thing after love...you can speak this love with movement
  
  -Sarah Boulos, CEO of Society for Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN)

• Dance has been vital to human communication from time immemorial
• I value everybody I meet and like to think that though it is not easy, I like to identify the reason we have been connected...I don't have friends by chance. There is a reason our paths crossed
• Don't stifle creativity. Be yourself and hone in on your inner peace. Be happy and keep smiling
  -Gbemi Shasore, Convener of Quramo Festival of Words (QFEST2023)

As the conversation ended, the talented Yinka Davies serenaded the audience with style. 

In no time, it was the moment everybody had been waiting for, the announcement of the Quramo Writers’ Prize winner. Mujaheed Lilo Ameen’s story came in third place while Truth Bakare’s story came in second place. Chiziterem Chijioke was crowned the winner of the night with her touching story – Dear Zinny. The judges termed the winning manuscript a mature story that spoke to different relatable topics and explored
a commendable story development arc.

The crowd cheered as Ms Chiziterem shared her excitement at becoming the first female winner of the esteemed prize.

The event ended on the high, reminding participants that creativity remains a major source of entertainment, education and inspiration for the greatness everyone desires.

QFEST 2023 will be remembered for exciting times, moments and creative expressions. 

For more information about the
festival and services at Quramo, follow all our social media handles @Quramopub on twitter (X), @Quramoofficial on Instagram and Quramopublishing on LinkedIn. 

We hope to see you at QFEST 2024.