The subject of the 2020 edition is writer Maryse Condé. Born as Maryse Boucolon at Pointe-á-Pitre, Guadeloupe, on February 11, 1937, her parents sent her to study at Lycée Fénelon and Sorbonne in Paris, where she majored in English. In 1959, she married Mamadou Condé, a Guinean actor. After graduating, she taught in Guinea, Ghana
Because it is African Time, Wana Udobang is taking us on a trip around the globe to showcase some of the most talented poets performing today. We’re heading to South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Jamaica, UK, Uganda, Senegal, Sudan, Kenya and Algeria.
Chike Frankie Edozien talks to Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson about the Nigerian schoolgirls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram and chronicled the horror they experienced in secret diaries. Come for the fascinating backstories, and the exploration of culture and online activism.
Across Africa, activism in the form of people power has been dominating headlines as a result of some major victories against entrenched interests. Technology and the convening power of the internet has played a major role in this. Africa seems to be at a developmental crossroads. This panel seeks to examine the lessons of the
Khadija Sanusi talks to Nnamdi Ehirim about his stunning debut novel—a riveting coming-of-age tale that looks at politics, religion, class, and friendship in Lagos in the 80s. A group of friends become accustomed to the vicious cycle of bombings, riots and corruption and reinvent themselves.
A fascinating discussion about the new wave of contemporary noir with its leading practitioners. This conversation will cover the history of the genre, how it intersects with other types of African writing, and explore the genre-bending approaches of the crime writers in Africa today.
Abdulkareem Baba Aminu will chat to Yaba Badoe about her new YA novel, which features a family of West African witches. Sheba’s touch can unravel people's innermost thoughts. She can shape-shift too, but she is terrified of her mother who can turn into a crow. Follow this tale of ancient magic, blood, friendship and devastating
In a collection of essays published by Harper Collins UK, twenty-four Nigerian writers detail the realities and contradictions of patriotism whilst examining the role of class and privilege in Nigerian society. Juxtaposing inherited traditions with the diasporic experience, these writers explore the power of storytelling and its intrinsic link to Nigeria’s history. Nancy Adimora talks
Kinna Likimani talks to Peace Adzo Medie about one of the most hilarious debuts of the year. Afi Tekple, a bright young seamstress is persuaded by her family to marry Elikem Ganyo, a wealthy businessman. It is soon revealed that Elikem’s family mainly chose Afi with the hope that she would distract the groom from
Seeking a connection to a higher purpose is said to be innate to human beings, but many young people are choosing belief systems that are very different from the paths taken by previous generations. People talk about spirituality but what does it really mean? And where does this leave the increasing number of nonbelievers? Are
A few months ago, Denrele Sonariwo opened an art gallery in LA, further cementing her hardwork and commitment to the development of the Nigerian artscene. She is keen to introduce the incredible work of Nigeria artists to a larger audience. In this conversation, Denrele talks to Sabrina Coleman-Pinheiro, a visual artist of Nigerian, British and
You Hide me is considered the first documentary film from English-speaking independent Africa. Shot in England in 1970, You Hide Me captures the visit of two Africans to the British Museum where they discover the extent of the theft and concealment of ancient and rare African Art, specifically Benin bronzes, hidden in plastic bags and
