On 29 August, we held the inaugural Brittle Paper Literary Festival for Aspiring Writers, and 283 readers and writers showed up to celebrate the emerging voices at the heart of African literature. What still moves us is how far and wide attendees came from, logging on across continents and time zones, staying up late or rising early, all to sit in one virtual room and listen to each other. Nine poets and nine prose writers took the stage to read their work aloud alongside a keynote conversation with the brilliant Kelechi Okafor and a publishing masterclass from Othuke Ominiabohs of Masobe Books.

At its heart, this festival was about one thing: the quiet courage it takes to begin. Publishing tends to celebrate writers once they’ve “arrived,” with a book deal, an agent, and a prize. Far less visible are the writers just setting out, the unseen voices that form the backbone of African publishing. For four hours they had a spotlight and a community cheering them on from every corner of the world.

This reel offers just a taste: three poetry and prose readings pulled from a full four-hour celebration. We wish we could show you every moment! Thank you to everyone who made this day what it was, and special thanks to our Submissions Editor Tahzeeb Akram for organizing this festival.

 

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