We launched Africa Writes, the UK’s largest celebration of contemporary African and diaspora literature on 4 October 2021 at 180 The Strand as part of this year’s blended programme of online and in-person events.

Featuring writers from Egypt, Ghana, Jamaica, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Uganda, South Africa, UK and USA over the month of October, there’s plenty to see and get involved with as our events explore themes of imagination, pleasure and activism.

Come back to see regular updates from our events.

21 Oct 2021 – Blurred Lines: Realism & Fantasy

Writers Nii Ayikwei-Parkes (The Geez, 2020) and Afia Atakora (Conjure Women, 2020) in conversation with Boakyewaa Glover about getting into writing, their projects and their influence.

Click here to catch up on the discussion via our Twitter thread

We're underway with our final digital event of #AfricaWrites2021 – Blurred Lines: Realism & Fantasy with an intro from our partners Pa Gya!

We'll be sharing snippets from the discussion this evening! pic.twitter.com/98gqOXzcpY

— Africa Writes (@AfricaWritesUK) October 21, 2021

19 Oct 2021 – Of Heart & Home: Safe Houses for Queer Africans

Annette Nyabundi, Chiké Frankie Edozien and others in conversation on community activism and loving affirmation of self and others found in LGBTQ safe house organising in Kenya and beyond.

Click here to catch up on the discussion via our Twitter thread

And we're LIVE!! @Afroqueerpod #AfricaWrites2021 https://t.co/6RB6o4VxE7 pic.twitter.com/zTP7ULjJjr

— Africa Writes (@AfricaWritesUK) October 19, 2021

18 Oct 2021 – Radical Activism in Africa

Experts Stella Nyanzi and contributors Ayo Sogunro and Leigh-Ann Naidoo in a thought-provoking conversation on the issues raised in the series, chaired by African Arguments editor James Wan.

Click here to catch up on the discussion via our Twitter thread

Annndddd we are LIVE with @drstellanyanzi @ayosogunro Leigh-Ann Naidoo and @jamesjwan of @africaarguments for our 'Radical Activism in Africa' virtual panel! https://t.co/6AvQkDKRJW #AfricaWrites2021 https://t.co/Q0TLXlwenK pic.twitter.com/fjjA8qSKhK

— Africa Writes (@AfricaWritesUK) October 18, 2021

16 Oct 2021 – African Muslim Women Writing Back

Writers from Nigeria and the UK on centring African Muslim woman narratives with Salma El Wardany, Hauwa Ojeifo, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai & Aisha Salaudeen.

Click here to catch up on the discussion via our Twitter thread

We're now LIVE for our virtual panel 'African Muslim Women Writing Back' in partnership with @KabaFest
feat. @hauwa_ojeifo @writtenbysalma, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai (@yelffoundation) and @aishasalaudeen. Join us: https://t.co/ATQE5qKHRy #AfricaWrites2021 pic.twitter.com/LPhqJ3iJNQ

— Africa Writes (@AfricaWritesUK) October 16, 2021

15 Oct 2021 – Wana Udobang IG Live

COMFORT FOOD WITH WANA WANA

Royal African Society’s Deputy Director Desta Haile speaks to writer, poet and performer Wana Udobang.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Africa Writes (@africawritesuk)

15 Oct 2021 – Happy Here

Stories of family, friendship, laughter, magic and peril from Happy Here with Patrice Lawrence, Dorcas Magbadelo and Leah Boleto.

Click here to catch up on the discussion via our Twitter thread

We're now live with our #AfricaWrites2021 Young Voices Talk 'Happy Here'! Join us for a conversation on capturing Black joy for young readers: https://t.co/Zy4zX5nkzw @_KnightsOf pic.twitter.com/Zrjz1KEtk0

— Africa Writes (@AfricaWritesUK) October 15, 2021

4 Oct 2021 – In Praise of Still Boys

Africa Writes runs until 24 Oct – for more on our upcoming online workshops, events and our in-person festival visit: https://bit.ly/AW2021Programme