COAT – Yomi Ṣode opens Africa Writes 2018 with a special performance of his previously sold-out show. Picture this: Nigeria. A grandmother passes. London, a son cooks a pot of stew for his mother hoping to uncover hidden stories and unanswered questions.
“I don’t know my grandparents names, how embarrassing is that. But I can name all of Kanye’s albums”
Coat is an honest and emotional story of Junior. Born in Nigeria, he leaves at the age of 9 and heads to London, leaving behind a life that he loved and was settled in.
“Home is no stranger, you are an African man and you have responsibilities as the eldest grandchild”
Friday 29 June, British Library 20:00 – 21:00 (Doors at 19:30)
£12 / £9.60 for RAS MembersSuitable for ages 16+ BOOK NOW
WHY AFRICAN LITERATURE MATTER
With Farrah Serroukh, Deirdre Osborne, JC Niala, Zaahida Nabagereka and Joanna Brown.
Following the Africa Writes Young Voices showcase, we are hosting an education round-table event, to explore the question ‘Where is Africa in the UK literature curriculum?’. We know that there are gaps in representation in the UK literature curriculum, and we know how those gaps disadvantage our children. This event brings together educational professionals bringing African literature into the classroom in innovative and exciting ways and offers the opportunity to share good practice and ideas about how we can move things forward.
Saturday 30 June, British Library
12:00 – 13:30 FREE Read more about the Africa Writes Young Voices Programme
Mostly Lit Live in conversation with Afua Hirsch
The award-winning books and pop-culture podcast Mostly Lit will host a live version of their show, featuring an in-conversation with journalist and broadcaster Afua Hirsch the author of Brit(ish): On Race, Identity & Belonging (Penguin, 2018). The show will feature a lively discussion on books and film exploring a host of themes, plus an audience Q&A.
Named by the Guardian and the BBC as one of the top podcasts of 2017, Mostly Lit is an award-winning books and pop-culture podcast, created and hosted by AlexReads, Raifa Rafiq and Derek Owusu – and managed and executive produced by Clarissa Pabi. Hosted by Alex, Raifa and Derek the trio chronicle the millennial experience via Mostly Lit, while exploring the intersection between literature, wellness and pop-culture – all in a fun, irreverent and insightful way. The Lit in ‘Mostly Lit’ is a double entendre, delineating Alex, Rai and Derek’s passion for books whilst also signalling that their podcast is about much more than ‘literature for literature sake’ – it is about what things are cool, current, and interesting, and how, more often than not, books are a part of that. @mostlylit. Photo credit: Richard Harris.
Afua Hirsch is a Ghanaian British award-winning author, journalist and broadcaster. She was the Guardian correspondent for West Africa, the social affairs editor for Sky News, practised law as a human rights barrister, and worked in development in 18 countries in West and Central Africa. Her first book, Brit(ish) is about Britishness and identity, published in 2018 by Jonathan Cape. She is a council member of the Royal African Society.Saturday 30 June, British Library 12:00 – 13:15 @afuahirsch. Included in Weekend Pass and Saturday Day Ticket.
