The third edition of NBO Litfest, co-presented by Book Bunk and Hay Festival, recently wrapped up a four-day celebration of literature, art and thought in Nairobi. Held from June 27-30, 2024 in public libraries Book Bunk is working to revitalise, this year’s edition reinforced the vital role of public libraries as hubs of discussion and critical thought.

Dubbed ‘a festival of ideas,’ the festival showcased the transformative power of literature in addressing contemporary challenges, bringing together more than 60 writers, artists, and thinkers from Kenya, Africa and beyond. Themes of protest, civic engagement and social change resonated throughout 32 sessions including masterclasses, panel discussions, book readings, poetry performances and concerts.

The festival kicked off with a sense of anticipation and excitement as attendees flocked to the restored libraries. These spaces, once overlooked, have been revitalised by Book Bunk into thriving community hubs, embodying the festival’s ethos of accessibility and inclusivity.

The Children’s Corner, a new addition to this year’s festival, featured an African Story Box with 300 books and a dedicated teacher, Orpah Agunda, in sessions sponsored by Book Aid International. This vibrant space offered young readers a dynamic environment to explore the joy of literature through storytelling sessions, interactive workshops, board games and book nooks.

The Children’s Festival was a vibrant and enriching experience designed for young audiences. The day began with the African Story Box Time, where Orpah captivated young learners with engaging storytelling sessions. The screening of “Stero” (2024), followed by an interactive session with the director Tevin Kimathi and young lead actor Kael Wafubwa, highlighted themes of bravery and imagination. Author sessions with Taiye Selasi, Amani Muthoni and Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni brought literature to life for young readers, while a Kiddy Masterclass hosted by Sihle-isipho encouraged children to write their own stories and unlock their creativity.

The masterclasses were a highlight, offering participants an opportunity to learn from some of the most respected names in the literary world. Bernardine Evaristo, the Booker Prize-winning author, led a session on novel writing, sharing her journey from idea generation to publication. Shafinaaz Hassim focused on young adult fiction, emphasising the importance of diverse perspectives. Journalists Mercy Juma and Beverly Ochieng from BBC World Service conducted a masterclass on authentic and impactful reporting of sensitive stories. June Gachui’s session on public speaking and moderation provided valuable insights into effective communication and fostering dialogues.

Saturday and Sunday saw a plethora of engaging discussions across two stages. At the Green Bunk Stage, free sessions tackled diverse themes such as African diaspora identities, the climate crisis, feminism, and the preservation of indigenous languages. Notable speakers included Amitav Ghosh, Joumana Haddad, and Djamila Ribeiro. The Ikulu Stage hosted ticketed events, featuring in-depth conversations with renowned figures like David Olusoga, Adania Shibli and Bernardine Evaristo on rethinking black history and crafting spaces for underrepresented voices.

A standout session on digital storytelling featured prominent Kenyan creatives and content creators. Storytellers Magunga Williams, Justine Wanda of the Fake Woke series, and Astar Njau from Cleaning The Airwaves discussed the intersection of culture and technology in producing influential digital content. Moderated by Anyiko Owoko of VIP ACCESS Podcast/Anyiko PR, this conversation highlighted the evolving landscape of storytelling in the digital age.

The 2024 NBO Litfest was a testament to the power of literature and the arts to foster dialogue, inspire creativity, and bring communities together.

As the festival continues to grow, it remains committed to amplifying diverse voices and creating spaces for meaningful conversations. We eagerly anticipate the next edition, where more stories, ideas, and connections will flourish in the heart of Nairobi.

Photo Credits: © NBO Litfest, Peter Irungu and Wakitanga Visuals Studio

---