Paperworth Books celebrates African literature in London
By Editor
THE Africa Centre in Southwark, London was abuzz with excitement on Sunday, July 28, 2024, as the duo of Nigerian writers Michael Afenfia and Chimeka Garricks captivated an enthusiastic audience during a special book reading event. Organised by Paperworth Books and hosted by Bukola Akinyemi, the event was a resounding success, as it drew literature enthusiasts from across London.
Featured at the event were readings from Leave My Bones in Saskatoon by Michael Afenfia and Tomorrow Died Yesterday by Chimeka Garricks that offered attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the authors and gain insights into their creative processes. Both authors also discussed their contributions to the anthology Covik One Nine, edited by Ibiso Graham-Douglas.
“We are thrilled with the turnout, the positive response from the audience, and the vibrant engagement,” said founder and Publishing Director at Paperworth Books, Graham-Douglas. “Events like these are vital for celebrating and promoting African literature on a global stage, and we are grateful to everyone who attended and supported this initiative.”
The Africa Centre provided a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, perfectly complementing the engaging and thought-provoking readings and conversations. Guests had the chance to meet the authors, purchase signed copies of their books, and enjoy a lively discussion about the themes and inspirations behind their works.
This summer saw Afenfia also engaging his fans and audiences in Yenagoa, Lagos and Abuja, all in Nigeria, for lively book reading and discussions. The London leg of the event brought to a close a summer-long season of engagements for the Canada-based Nigerian writer, whose new book Leave My Bones in Sanskatoon is a take on Nigeria’s agonising security situation and the ‘japa’ syndrome that is particularly seeing a large population of the country fleeing to other lands for better living conditions.
Michael Afenfia (left); Bukola Akinyemi; Ibiso Graham-Douglas and Chimeka Garricks after the London book event
