The James Currey Literary Festival 2022 Oxford

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 We were fortunate enough to be hosted by the Weston Library, Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford for the inaugural James Currey Literary Festival from 1st to 3rd September 2022. A jam packed programme with guests and attendees from all over the globe, talking African Literature!

James Currey





Being on 5 Panels (and the short story anthology book launch) I was given the opportunity to discuss vital issues related to African literature, as well as listen to the opinions, ideas and experiences of the other guests and speakers. 

Participating in (and helping organise and plan) the inaugural James Currey Literary Festival held at the Weston Library, Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford. I was on 5 panels, as well as doing a fifth event – a book launch.

  1. The New African Writers Series and the Future of African Publishing
  2. Are young people reading? Who is translating our books? What is the fate of Sci-fi in Africa?
  3. What Can We Do for James Currey? His legacy and more...
  4. Special Book Launch: The James Currey Anthology, edited by Stephen Embleton.
  5. Reading and Writing for Children. Are young people reading? Formats and distribution.
  6. Book to Film: The emergence of book to film. Taking books to the screen and why it is important. Who is funding it?

https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/event/sep22/james-currey-literary-festival


With James Currey


Fellow South African author, Masande Ntshanga

Dr Onyeka Nwelue pulled together a wide variety of experts in their fields, creating a programme any festival would be envious of, and pulling it together in a record amount of time – along with logistical issues faced by many guests coming from the Continent! I was happy to have been involved in the design and marketing of the festival, along with input on the programme and panels.

Dr Onyeka Nwelue

Panel 1: The New African Writers Series and the Future of African Publishing moderated by Professor Miles Larmer, along with Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, and "Pa" Ikhide Ikheloa. 





Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo


Clip from the James Currey Documentary


Panel 2: Are young people reading? Who is translating our books? What is the fate of Sci-fi in Africa Moderated by Lydia Idakula along with Segun Egberongbe, Masande Ntshanga, Leye Adenle, Jan Kotouč.





With Jan Kotouč, Masande Ntshanga, and Leye Adenle


Unveiling of the James Currey bust at Wadham College.




The effervescent Ed Keazor moderated a great Panel 3: What Can We Do for James Currey? His legacy and more... with Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Samson Onwe and Nky Iweka.



Ed Keazor










The oh-so-sharp humour of Pa Ikhide Ikheloa!


Panel 4: Reading and Writing for Children. Are young people reading? Formats and distribution moderated by Dr. Shola Adenekan and with Uchehara Winifred Chinyere, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Ever Obi, Wale Okediran, and Kester Aburam Korankye.




Ever Obi



Dr. Shola Adenekan on my right


Final Panel 5: Book to Film: The emergence of book to film. Taking books to the screen and why it is important. Who is funding it? moderated by Ed Keazor with Chris Ihidero, Dr Buntu Siwisa, Jan Kotouč and Chidozie Ahaiwe.


It's not often you get the chance to have your book (Bones & Runes) on display and for sale at the Weston Library!






I got a chance to speak with Margaret Busby about the time, effort and resilience of getting the “New Daughters of Africa” published — over 200 stories by African women! (When I know what it was like to get a 12 short story anthology together). 🔥❤️ Margaret’s dedication to finding these voices around the world — on the continent and diaspora.

Margaret Busby

Margaret Busby & Dr Onyeka Nwelue


Special Event – Book Launch: The James Currey Anthology, edited by Stephen Embleton.

The Anthology Book Launch 3 Sept

King Bubaraye Dakolo


Attending James Currey's 85th Birthday Celebrations and the end of the festival!




Ever Obi





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