Representations of Nigeria in contemporary fiction and poetry

  • Time: Saturday 14 November 2015, 4pm – 5.30pm
  • Venue: Freedom Park, Museum Building
  • Admission: Free

Panelists

  • Elnathan John, author of Born on a Tuesday
  • Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, author of Season of Crimson Blossoms and The Whispering Trees
  • Jumoke Verissimo, poet and author of I Am Memory and The Birth of Illusion
  • Dami Ajayi, poet and author of Clinical Blues
  • Toni Kan, author of Nights of the Creaking Bed and the forthcoming Carnivorous City
  • Kólá Túbòsún, linguist and writer, author of Attempted Speech & Other Fatherhood Poems 

Moderator

  • Wana Udobang, journalist, writer and poet

wanaA selection of celebrated contemporary writers and poets discuss representations of Nigeria in fiction and poetry. The panelists will consider how writers are reflecting the issues and concerns of Nigeria today and their role in holding politicians and society to account. They will debate how Nigerians navigate by language, slipping in and out of character, dialect and language according to the circumstances, and the importance of writing and publishing in languages other than English.

The significance of identity and place will be discussed, with two authors bringing a perspective from Northern Nigeria and another who says he couldn’t live – or write –anywhere but Lagos. There will be an opportunity to hear authors read from their works – and for audience discussion.

‘Writing a New Nigeria’ is a 2-part BBC Radio 4 documentary giving a portrait of Nigeria, seen through the eyes of a new generation of writers and poets, presented by Wana Udobang and including contributions from our panelists. Produced in partnership with the British Council as part of UK/Nigeria 2015–16, it will be available on www.bbc.co.uk/radio4 from 28th November 2015.

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Photo from Lovenwords.com