Africa Writes, 3 – 5 July 2015, British Library

By Africa in Words on 24 June , 2015 • ( 3 )

Africa Writes – the Royal African Society’s annual literature and book festival promoting contemporary African writing – returns to The British Library.

Africa Writes 2015 will bring together over 70 authors, poets, publishers, critics and experts for an exciting three-day programme, including book launches, readings, talks, panel discussions, live performances, children and young people’s workshops, family activities, and an international book fair.

The festival will feature both established and emerging voices, including headline guest Booker-prize winning author Ben Okri, The Caine Prize 2015 shortlisters (Segun Afolabi, Elnathan John, F. T. Kola, Masande Ntshanga and Namwali Serpell) alongside Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, A. Igoni Barrett, Petina Gappah, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Billy Kahora, Jackie Kay, Nick Makoha, Nadifa Mohamed, Chibundu Onuzo, E.C. Osondu and Nii Ayikwei Parkes.

Ahead of his lecture and in conversation with editor and critic Ellah Wakatama Allfrey at the festival, Ben Okri commented:

‘There has been a wonderful literary explosion going on in African writing. Maybe it is time to redefine the world’s perception of literature. For too long the literature of Africa has not been given its significant place, but perhaps we are now witnessing some kind of epochal shift.

My lecture and conversation at Africa Writes is in the spirit of freedom and celebration.’

Other festival highlights include a conversation on the creative possibilities of non-fiction chaired by Ellah Wakatama Allfrey, the launch of four anticipated debut novels from new Nigerian novelists hosted by Ike Anya, the opportunity for new writers to ‘Meet the Publishers’ and a poetry in performance event hosted by Malika Booker in collaboration with Numbi and the Brunel African Poetry Prize.

See the full programme on the Africa Writes website.