Join us in celebrating literature, thought and culture from Africa and the African diaspora at Africa Writes - Exeter. Immerse yourself in a vibrant festival atmosphere filled with readings, performances, workshops, and discussions led by talented writers and artists. This three-day event is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, discover new voices, and gain insight into the rich tapestry of African storytelling. Friday night at Bookbag & Sacred Grounds is for readings, poetry and music. On Saturday we'll have talks, discussion and author signings. On Sunday film and a book stall at the Book Market.
We're excited to welcome Billy Kahora, Diana Evans, Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, Fiona Williams, JJ Bola, Malcolm Richards, Musih Tedji Xaviere, Olumide Popoola, Varaidzo and more to Exeter!
Register for a whole-festival pass and to stay in touch here, the full programme is below. Individual events will be added to Eventbrite over the coming days. Events are free but you can donate a ticket price to support te work of the festival.
Africa Writes – Exeter is brought to you by the Royal African Society and Sanseni! working in partnership with the University of Exeter, local independent bookshop Bookbag, and creative hub Roots Resistance.
Friday 7 June 2024
Like Water Like Sea: Olumide Popoola in Conversation
Time: 18:30 – 19:30 (BST)
Location: Bookbag
Tickets: Free or donation – register via Eventbrite
Join us to hear Olumide Popoola talk about her latest novel Like Water Like Sea.
Word and Music Night hosted by Roots Resistance
Time: 20:00 – 22:30 (BST)
Location: Bookbag
Tickets: Free or donation – register via Eventbrite
Featuring JJ Bola, Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson and many more!
Saturday 8 June 2024
Creative Workshop with (for 7-12 years)
Time: 10:30 – 12:30 (BST)
Location: Exeter Library
Tickets: Free or donation – register via Eventbrite (link coming soon!)
These Letters End in Tears: Musih Tedji Xaviere in conversation with JJ Bola
Time: 14:30 – 15:30 (BST)
Location: Exeter Phoenix
Tickets: Free or donation – register via Eventbrite
Don’t miss Musih Tedji Xaviere in conversation with JJ Bola as they explore her debut novel and writing trajectory.
Manny and the Baby: Varaidzo in Conversation
Time: 16:00 – 17:00 (BST)
Location: Exeter Phoenix
Tickets: Free or donation – register via Eventbrite
Varaidzo talks about her debut novel and our recent book club pick Manny and the Baby.
African Books to Inspire: Revisiting the African Writers Series
Time: 17:30 – 19:00 (BST)
Location: Bookbag
Tickets: Free or donation – register via Eventbrite
An evening of books and inspiration with Aaliyah Kara, Billy Kahora, Kalkidan Legesse, Malcolm Richards and Peace Adzo Medie. These writers and readers based in the South West share their favourite books by African and African diaspora writers – ranging from classics through to the latest published work.
Diana Evans in conversation with Fiona Williams
Time: 19:30 – 21:00 (BST)
Location: Bookbag
Tickets: Free or donation – register via Eventbrite
Diana Evans discusses her books and writing craft with Exeter-based author Fiona Williams.
Sunday 9 June 2024
I Stand on My Desk: Performing Protest
Creative Workshop with Neha (for 16-24 years)
Time: 10:15 – 12:15 (BST)
Location: Exeter Phoenix
Tickets: Free or donation – register via Eventbrite
Open to 16–24-year-olds, this workshop engages with "speech as spectacle", showcasing the progressive potential of interweaving movement, dramaturgy and storytelling into an intervention, or explicit call for direct action.
Africa-Writes Pop-up Bookshop: The Book Market
Time: 12:00 – 16:00 (BST)
Location: Cathedral Green
A range of books and signed copies for all ages at this festival bookshop, including gems, contemporary writers, and children’s books.
Mapantsula: Film Screening
Time: 16:30 – 18:30 (BST)
Location: Exeter Phoenix
Tickets: https://exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/africa-writes-presents-mapantsula/
Experience this crime story and anti-apartheid feature film in stunning 4K.