Dozens of Africa’s leading writers are set to feature at “Labone Dialogues by NYU Accra” in Ghana from October 19 – 23, 2023. The event theme is “Re-claiming The Narrative.”
In 2020, the ‘Labone Dialogues by NYU Accra’ was conceived and curated by Prof Chiké Frankie Edozien, the Global Site Director for the New York University campus in Labone, Accra, Ghana. The first event was a tribute to the late great pioneering musician, Kofi Ghanaba. Since then, iconic artists like the late great Ama Ata Aidoo, the novelist Ayesha Haruna Attah, the musician Wanlov The Kubolor, and the playwright Latif Abubakar, have attended the series. The NYU Accra stage has also seen Maaza Mengiste, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Zukiswa Wanner, and Leye Adenle starring.
The eleventh edition of “Labone Dialogues by NYU Accra” will kick off with VIPs and special guests gracing the purple carpet before a three-day arts, culture, and ideas symposium from October 19 – 23, 2023. Book lovers will be treated to readings and panels featuring poets, novelists, and nonfiction writers committed to reclaiming the African narrative in the world of literature.
“We are excited to welcome such heavy hitters to Accra. From Nobel winners, Pulitzer winners, and multiple award nominees, this weekend will be an African book lover’s dream,” Edozien said.
The participants come from across the continent and the diaspora including legend Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka alongside keynote speakers Chris Abani, Aminatta Forna, and Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi. Other delegates will be Leye Adenle, Sulaiman Addonia, Dami Ajayi, Ayesha Harruna Attah, Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, Chiké Frankie Edozien, Rémy Ngamije, Gregory Pardlo, Kalaf Epalanga, Nozizwe Cynthia Jele, Ondjaki, Dilman Dila, Zukiswa Wanner, Femi Kayode, Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, Sisonke Msimang, Wana Udobang, Martin Egblewogbe, James Murua, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, Socrates Mbamalu, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Su’eddie Vershima Agema, Tendai Huchu, Mohale Mashigo, Antony ‘Fui’ Can-Tamakloe, Sarpong Osei Asamoah, Kinna Likimani, and Nicole Amarteifio. Ghana’s Second Lady, Mrs. Samira Bawumia will be an honored guest.
NYU is partnering with several Accra-based organizations to bring this to pass including Writers Project Ghana and SocialiteAF.
Edozien emphasized that NYU is a private university that has always been in the public service and that all programming is free to attend. The program will be held at the NYU Accra Gardens, No. 7 Fourth Norla Street, Labone, Accra with doors opening at 9 a.m. and lasting till sundown. Anyone can RSVP at nyuaccra@nyu.edu The events are livestreamed on Facebook LIVE and YouTube. @NYUAccra.
More information can be found here:
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