As you plan the rest of your month, don’t miss out on these thrilling literary events happening globally! Whether you’re passionate about poetry, fiction, or cultural discussions, there’s something for everyone.

October 19: Join the virtual presentation “Water No Get Enemy” by Chimurenga. This all-day event celebrates the life-giving and destructive power of water through a dynamic mix of music, poetry, and speeches. Tune in here anytime to be part of the experience. 

October 24: Keep your eyes open Canada, there will be an engaging conversation featuring acclaimed authors Nalo Hopkinson and Suyi Davies at the Ottawa International Writers Festival. Their topic “Remembered Tomorrows,” moderated by Adrian Harewood, begins at 8 PM local time at 395 Wellington St.

October 25: In Amsterdam, don’t miss Oyeronke Oyewumi, author of “The Invention of Women,” as she engages in a thought-provoking discussion on “Making an African Sense of Western Gender Discourses.”  with Andew Makkinga, Tamkara O Adun and Julian Isenia. The event starts at 6 PM local time, with doors opening at 5 PM. 

Also on October 25, Abuja will be alive with the Grand Poetry Slam! As part of Abuja’s Literary & Arts Festival (ALITFEST) they’re bringing back previous Slam Poetry Champions to compete for a grand prize of 1.5 Million Naira at the British Council at 7 PM. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of wordplay and passion!

October 26: New York City welcomes Fatin Abbass, author of “Ghost Season,” for a book club event at 12 PM. Though, this event is available for online visitors, here. This is your chance to meet the author and dive into discussions about her new novel in a warm literary atmosphere. Together with the novel, they plan to learn, study, and engage with Sudan’s history and culture in order to learn more about its devastating conflict.

October 30: In Miami, Dr. Ng’ang’a Wahu-Muchiri will deliver a compelling talk titled “The Future Lies in the Past: African Languages and African Ecosystems” from 5:30 PM to 7 PM at the Richter Library. This event is free for everyone! Following this, graduate students can attend a specialized workshop the next day.

Also on October 30, join Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah for a public lecture at Princeton University at 4:30 PM in Robertson Hall, Arthur Lewis Auditorium 100. Don’t miss the chance to hear insights from this literary giant!

November 9: Be ready for a vibrant book launch in Lagos, Nigeria, for “Kamiye’s Travels” a new children’s book. Join the festivities at 3 PM at the Goethe-Institut, where you can meet the author and engage in a journey through Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and history, while highlighting the importance of family, tradition, and national pride.

Also on November 9th, engage in an online conversation with Zeinab Badawi about her debut work, “An African History of Africa.” This event runs from 1 PM to 2 PM GMT-6 and promises to illuminate histories and writing processes. Tune in for free here!

 

With so many incredible events lined up, there’s no shortage of inspiration in the literary world these coming weeks, be sure to check out whichever events are in your area, or featured online!