The fourth edition of the Macondo Literary Festival, titled “The Sea is History,” is set to feature a diverse lineup of authors and artists from Africa, India, Brazil, and beyond. The festival, which is organized by the Macondo Book Society, will take place in September and is dedicated to exploring African histories and futures through literature. This year, the event will broaden its focus to include the Indian Ocean worlds, reflecting Africa’s deep historical ties with these regions.
In a recent announcement on its website and social media channels, the Macondo Book Society revealed that nine international authors, along with 19 Kenyan writers and artists, will be featured at the festival. This year marks the first time that fiction writers and researchers will share the stage, offering a unique platform to showcase the rich literary and artistic traditions of Kenya alongside international voices.
Among the international authors participating are Chigozie Obioma (Nigeria/USA), Janika Oza, MG Vassanji (both Canada), Hamza Koudri (Algeria), Shubhangi Swarup (India), João Melo (Angola), Johary Ravaloson (Madagascar/France), Shubnum Khan (South Africa), and Jeferson Tenório (Brazil). Their works will be highlighted in various sessions throughout the festival, offering audiences a glimpse into the diverse literary landscapes they represent.
Kenyan talent will also be prominently featured, with writers such as Alexis Teyie, Scholastica Moraa, Scholar Akinyi, Buke Abduba, Khadija Abdalla Bajaber, Kiprop Kimutai, and Hassan Santur showcasing their work. Performance poets Mufasa, Nyash, Slim Shaka, and Stella Kivuti, as well as visual storytellers Yvonne Muinde and Naddya Adhiambo Oluoch-Olunya, will bring their artistic practices to life. Additionally, dance choreographer Adam Chienjo, along with researchers and scholars like Mshai Mwangola, Godwin Siundu, and Dino Martins, will contribute to the rich tapestry of the festival. Guest scholars Bhakti Shringarpure (USA) and Zulfikar Hirji (Canada) will also participate, bringing their academic perspectives to the discussions.
One of the key highlights of the festival will be the “Kenya Writes” panel, featuring writers Scholastica Moraa, Scholar Akinyi, Buke Abduba, Alexis Teyie, and Kiprop Kimutai. This session, which aims to celebrate the vibrant literary scene in Kenya, will take place on Sunday, September 22, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon at the Auditorium of the Kenya Cultural Centre. Mercy Kirui, Senior Publishing Content Manager at eKitabu, will host the panel, guiding the conversation and offering insights into the evolving landscape of Kenyan literature.
In addition to the panels and discussions, the festival will offer a range of workshops on fantasy fiction and nature writing, an information session on book publishing hosted by eKitabu, a book launch, meet-the-author events, exhibitions, film screenings, music and dance performances, and a children’s program featuring Wangari, the Storyteller.
“The Sea is History” promises to be a significant cultural event, bringing together a rich blend of literary voices and artistic expressions from across the globe, while also shining a spotlight on Kenya’s own burgeoning literary and artistic community.
