The Macondo Literary Festival returns to celebrate African literature

The stage is set for the highly anticipated Macondo Literary Festival, organized by the esteemed Macondo Book Society, as it gears up for its third edition. Promising to be a captivating celebration of African literature and storytelling, the festival will take place at the illustrious Kenya National Theatre from September 15th to 17th. With an exceptional lineup of renowned authors from diverse backgrounds, the event guarantees a unique and enriching experience for all attendees.

The festival boasts an impressive roster of distinguished authors headlining this year's gathering. Among them are Aminatta Forna from Sierra Leone/ UK, Leila Aboulela from Sudan/ UK, Hemley Boum from Cameroon, Youssef Fadel from Morocco, Ketty Nivyabandi from Burundi/ Canada, Kalaf Epalanga from Angola/ Germany, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi from Uganda, Masande Ntshanga from South Africa, Kossi Komla-Ebri from Togo/ Italy, and the talented host, Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor from Kenya.

The Macondo Book Society is a non-profit organization founded by journalist Anja Bengelstorff and celebrated novelist Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor. In organizing such festivals, it aims to promote African literature and encourage the community of writers from the continent and beyond.

This year's theme, "Disrupting Home" promises to ignite thought-provoking discussions on the multifaceted meanings of "home" and how our understanding of history shapes our futures. Audiences can expect captivating dialogues that challenge established norms and inspire fresh perspectives on the concept of home.

As a premier literary event on the African continent, the Macondo Literary Festival has garnered widespread acclaim. Last year's edition, themed "The Future of Memories," saw over 1,000 visitors enthralled by the presence of international award-winning authors. Notable guests included the 2021 Nobel Prize for Literature winner, Abdulrazak Gurnah from Tanzania, as well as Booker Prize shortlisted novelist Nadifa Mohamed and Angolan writer José Eduardo Agualusa.

True to its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the festival offers affordable entrance fees, inviting book enthusiasts, literary scholars, aspiring writers, and African literature enthusiasts from all walks of life to partake in the literary feast. The festival program, brimming with literary delights and additional author announcements, will be unveiled soon.

Tickets can be purchased on www.kenyabuzz.com. While Friday events are free of charge, prior registration is required.