A literary festival opens in Kenya’s capital Nairobi today, the third major cultural event since August, as writers, artists and creators capitalise on expanding enthusiasm for creative content from across Africa.
Macondo – whose third edition runs until Sunday at the Kenya National Theatre – is among a handful of festivals that are reviving the literary scene.
It was launched in 2019 by award-winning Kenyan writer Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor and cultural curator Anja Bengelstorff.
UK-based writers Leila Aboulela, Jennifer Makumbi and Aminatta Forna are among headliners of the festival that also hopes to amplify writing from Lusophone, Francophone and Arabic-speaking Africa.
In August, the second edition of NBO Litfest was hosted by Book Bunk, which has been restoring public libraries in Kenya.
Earlier that month, the independent bookstore Soma Nami held what it touted as the largest African book fair. Ten-thousand books from 54 African countries featured, challenging the tired phrase “Kenyans don’t read”.
This revival is in response to the gradual retreat by major literary festival organisers even before the Covid-19 pandemic halted public activities.
Storymoja, a collective founded by Kenyan writer Muthoni Garland, held its last event in Nairobi 2017.
One of the region’s pioneer literary magazines – Kwani? – published its last edition in 2015.
This left many book enthusiasts starved of meetings with their favourite writers.
But conversations about writing and publishing shifted to virtual spaces - or the handful of in-person events hosted by several independent and commercial bookstores, podcasts and online literary magazines.
Underpinning this are efforts by emerging writers and artists to take control of creative and cultural capital and better engage with audiences both at home and abroad.
Latest Stories
-
Football Impact Africa’s Ghetto Love Initiative inspires change in Teshie
2 mins -
Peter Toobu calls for tighter border security over uncovered weapons at Tema Port
5 mins -
Gov’t has failed its commitment to IPPs – Ablakwa
9 mins -
Sell Chrome to end search monopoly, Google told
21 mins -
KATH to install seven new dialysis machines by end of November
24 mins -
Walewale: Police confiscate 37 bags of cocoa beans suspected of being smuggled out of Ghana
35 mins -
‘Expired’ Rice Scandal: FDA confirms rice was safe for consumption after rigorous lab tests
40 mins -
Many women have experienced intimate partner violence – Angela Dwamena Aboagye
1 hour -
Power challenges persist due to government’s mismanagement of revenues – Okudzeto Ablakwa
2 hours -
Jordan Ayew injury not as bad as feared – Leicester City boss
2 hours -
Stonebwoy heads to North America for UP & RUNNIN6 tour
2 hours -
FDA explains extension of best-before date for ‘expired’ rice
2 hours -
Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Mahama storm Akuapem North as NPP NDC slugs it out
2 hours -
Fatawu’s injury a big blow for us – Leicester City manager
2 hours -
No MC has influenced pop culture in 2024 more than me – Portfolio
2 hours