The University of California, Irvine is hosting “Translating Ngũgĩ | Celebration of the Life and Work of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o,” a conference honoring the legacy of one of Africa’s most influential writers and intellectuals. It will take place between November 13-14, 2025

This interdisciplinary gathering brings together scholars, writers, translators, and admirers of Ngũgĩ’s work to celebrate his extraordinary contributions to African literature, postcolonial theory, and linguistic decolonization. The conference will feature tributes, academic presentations, and discussions exploring Ngũgĩ’s impact on literature and thought across the globe.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who served as Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature at UC Irvine, passed on in May 2025 at age 87. His groundbreaking works, including Decolonising the Mind, A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, and Wizard of the Crow, transformed how we think about language, colonialism, and African identity.

Conference Highlights

• Tributes from scholars, writers, and colleagues who knew and were influenced by Ngũgĩ
• Academic presentations exploring his literary and theoretical contributions
• Speaker sessions featuring experts on African literature, translation studies, and postcolonial thought

The conference schedule and full list of speakers are available here.

Whether you’re a scholar of African literature, a student discovering Ngũgĩ’s work for the first time, or simply someone moved by his commitment to linguistic justice and storytelling, this conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with his enduring legacy.

Registration is now open and free to all interested participants. You can register through the conference website here to be part of this important celebration.