Literary enthusiasts in Lagos are in for a treat as renowned author, poet and scholar Professor Mukoma Wa Ngugi is scheduled for two high-profile events in October. The author, whose works delve into identity, politics and postcolonial experiences, will feature at the Quramo Festival of Words (QFEST) 2025 and an exclusive evening hosted by the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA).
Professor Mukoma Wa Ngugi, a Professor of Literature at Cornell University and co-founder of the Mabati-Cornell Kiswahili Prize, will feature in the “Up Close & Personal” session at the Quramo Festival of Words’ held under the theme, “A Brave New World”. He will be interviewed by veteran journalist and culture curator Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo, a prominent figure in the Nigerian arts scene. Anikulapo, who is the former Arts, Culture & Literary Editor and Sunday Editor at The Guardian, chairs CORA, directs the Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF), and was recently honoured by UNESCO in 2024 as a Defender of Cultural Rights.
The session is slated for Saturday, October 4, at 11:50am at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
Two days later, on Monday, October 6 at 4pm, Professor Mukoma Wa Ngugi will be the guest of honour for an evening hosted by CORA. The event, part of the “BookTrek Community Literacy Outreach” initiative, will feature a reading, discussion and mentoring session.
CORA has organised the event at the CORA Library & Resource Centre (CL&RC), CORAVille, Freedom Park, 1 Hospital Road, Lagos Island.
Professor Mukoma Wa Ngugi is the author of several celebrated novels, including the crime fiction titles Nairobi Heat and Black Star Nairobi, as well as Mrs. Shaw and Unbury Our Dead With Song, alongside poetry collections like Hurling Words at Consciousness.
