We are excited to announce our collaboration with Hay Festival Global for NBO Litfest. This year’s edition of NBO Litfest is set to take place from June 27 to June 30 at Nairobi’s Kaloleni Library, Eastlands Library, and McMillan Memorial Library. NBO Litfest, conceived in 2021, has quickly become a biennial highlight on the international literary stage, celebrating free expression and cultural exchange. Through this partnership, we aim to elevate NBO Litfest’s international presence, expand our audience reach, and transform it into an annual spectacle. Get ready for an extraordinary NBO Litfest in June, filled with inspiration, creativity, and the joy of literature.
For the little ones, we kick off with an immersion in stories! Featuring a selection of 200 beautiful brand-new books specially selected to help young learners and their teachers learn and discover the joy of reading. With guidance from master storyteller, Orpah Agunda, adventures come alive.
In this workshop, internationally bestselling, 2019 Booker Prize-winning writer, Bernardine Evaristo will explore the novel from originating ideas, essential elements of craft including structure, sustaining commitment to completion, and advice on getting published.
Bernardine Evaristo is the writer of ten books and numerous other works. Her first non-fiction book, Manifesto, On Never Giving Up, was published in 2021. She is also a literary activist setting up many inclusion programmes for writers. Since 2020 she has been the curator of Black Britain:Writing Back for Penguin Random House, re-publishing books from the past. She is the current Literature Mentor for the Rolex Mentor & Protégé Initiative and she has been the subject of two documentaries: The Southbank Show (2020), and Imagine (2021).
She has received nearly 80 awards and honours including the British Book Award’s Fiction Book of the Year & Author of the Year and she has been on the UK Black Powerlist for the past four years. She is Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University London, an Honorary Fellow of St. Anne’s College, University of Oxford, an International Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, President of the Royal Society of Literature and the current President of Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance.
There is magic in writing stories where our children can see themselves. Do you want to write a YA novel? Join us for a Masterclass, facilitated by South African author Shafinaaz Hassim, on navigating the liberty of fiction, for young adult literature and beyond.
Shafinaaz Hassim is an multi award-winning author and sociologist from South Africa. Her more than fifteen titles have received international and local acclaim. In 2014, she was listed by UNESCO as one of the top 39 writers in Africa under the age of 40.
Followed by a conversation with Tevin Kimathi and Kael Wafubwa
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Kaloleni Library, Kaloleni
A screening followed by a conversation with director Tevin Kimathi and Kael Wafubwa, the lead child actor in the film. A story about a young boy with the heart of a warrior and an imaginary sensei by his side who dares to defy the repressive rules of his school.
Kiddy Masterclasses with Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni
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Kaloleni Library, Kaloleni
This is a special story writing masterclass based on Sihle-isipho’s book, Wanda the Brave to help build children’s creativity and imagination using prompts and group discussion to create unique new stories.
Masterclass 3: Telling sensitive stories with authenticity, impartiality and impact
Mercy Juma and Beverly Ochieng
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McMillan Memorial Library, Banda Street
The war in Sudan, the conflict in the Sahel, the anxiety of the Covid-19 pandemic: the news cycle over the last few years has sometimes been alarming and disconcerting. But it has also tested the authenticity of narratives coming from across the region and the ability of journalists facing operational difficulties to deliver stories in an impactful and timely way. This masterclass led by BBC East Africa Correspondent Mercy Juma and BBC Monitoring's Africa Specialist Beverly Ochieng delves into techniques they've used to make sense of some of the biggest events in the region, how best to characterise people and the emotional weight of their narratives, while remaining factual and authoritative to audiences.
Masterclass 4: Public Speaking and the Art of Moderation
June Gachui
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McMillan Memorial Library, Banda Street
Join renowned speaker June Gachui for an illuminating Masterclass on Public Speaking and the Art of Moderation, designed for participants to foster enriching dialogues within the context of the Global South. This class offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about creating inclusive spaces for meaningful exchanges. In this immersive session, June Gachui, a seasoned public speaker and multifaceted figure in Kenya's creative scene, will share insights garnered from her extensive experience on stage, screen and on air. Participants will learn techniques for commanding attention, harnessing the power of storytelling and delivering impactful messages that resonate with diverse audiences. Throughout the Masterclass, attendees will engage in practical exercises, interactive discussions, and personalised feedback sessions tailored to their specific goals and challenges. From refining vocal delivery to mastering non-verbal communication cues, participants will acquire a comprehensive toolkit for enhancing their speaking and moderation skills. This Masterclass is designed for anyone committed to fostering meaningful connections and driving positive change: festival directors and conveners of all kinds; thought leaders, activists, or professionals aiming to excel in cross-cultural communication.
