London's first Ghanaian & Nigerian focused Literary Festival scheduled May 25

Journey to West Africa for Litro Magazine’s latest #WorldSeries instalment - an inaugural Literary Weekender - to explore the cultural and literary landscapes of Ghana & Nigeria: a Literary Highlife.

The four-day Literary Weekender will be kicked off on the 25th May by the actor Clarke Peters, who will be joined by an array of actors and writers for a special reading in St James’s Square. This event is supported by the London Library and Vlisco.

The Litro Magazine World Series has fast become London’s celebration of the most dynamic emerging and established literary stars from around the globe. Each edition is especially curated to pair dynamic individual voices with bold and cross-cultural themes.

Litro Magazine itself forms an exciting read for anyone who loves travelling through the power of the written word and the art of the story.

Speakers

We have combined emerging and established artists, writers, poets, curators, speakers and trend-setters for our weekender:

Artist Yinka Shonibare MBE, Margaret Busby OBE, actor Clarke Peters, hotly tipped by Vogue Magazine Ghanaian trendsetting curator Lucy Adjoa Armah, writer and cultural commentator Ekow Eshun, Costa Book Award shortlisted Patrice Lawrence, Chef and founder of Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen Zoe Adjonyoh, Sharmaine Lovegrove, Gabriel Gbadamosi, Inua Ellams, Nii Parkes, Professor Ato Quayson, Theresa Lola, Victoria- Anne Bulley, Young People’s Laureate for London Caleb Femi , Irenosen Okojie, with music from Ghana-based spoken-word artist Poetra Asantewa, and more to be announced.

“I am very pleased to be a part of the Litro Magazine Literary Highlife festival, an exciting world first, a literary festival celebrating Ghana & Nigeria's literary and cultural landscape" Yinka Shonibare

“Well Litro was the start of good things for me....I have had a novel published and nominated for a few awards....I also went on to write a pilot for Channel 4's comedy Lab series called Kickass” Nikesh Shulka.

The Weekender Events:

? 25th May, 12:30 to 1:30pm Escape for a lunch break with a difference Words in the Square @ St. James's, join actor Clarke Peters and guests. Venue: London Library, St James Square, SW1Y 4LJ

? 25th May, 1:00pm to 2:00pm Writer's workshop Patrice Lawrence in association with Spread The Word 2:30pm to 3:30pmPoetry Hour hosted by Nana Ocran with Theresa Lola and Victoria Anne-Bulley 5:30pm to 6:30pm West Africa Through It's Cuisine Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen Zoe Adjonyoh in conversation with Margaret Busby OBE and Gabriel Gbadamosi 7.00pm to 8.00pmArt & Identity a conversation with artist Yinka Shonibare MBE and broadcaster Ekow Eshun Venue: Waterstones 203 Piccadilly W1J 9HD

? 27th May, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Innua Ellams Rhythm and Poetry Party Caleb Femi, Theresa Lola, Victoria Anne-Bulley, Charles Obiri-Yeboah, Dzifa Benson and Innua Ellams Venue: Waterstones 19-20 Tottenham Court Road W1T 1BJ

? 28th May, 12.00pm to 1.00pm Poetry Hour with Young People’s Laureate, poet Caleb Femi. 3.00pm to 4.00pm Women’s Hour Join Sharmaine Lovegrove, Irenosen Okojie & guests in conversation Venue: Waterstones 80 Gower Street WC1E 6EG

About Vlisco

For generations, Vlisco has been a part of the African story, consistently influencing culture in impactful ways. Not just by clothing women and enhancing fashion landscapes, but it has inspired its loyal customers to carve out a unique place for the brand in their cultural narratives.

Vlisco fabrics are works of art in their own right and as art inspires even more art, it is fascinating to note the imaginative stories that Africans, particularly in West Africa, attribute to their Vlisco fabrics. Thus, Vlisco is no stranger to the art of storytelling. Whether being used to send subliminal messages to friend and foe or teaching important moral lessons, Vlisco has always been the go to brand for telling a strong visual story while looking good.

Vlisco’s partnership with Litro Magazine's Literary Weekender is therefore well placed as the brand continues to support and contribute in diverse ways to the development of the arts, fashion and the inspiration for storytelling on the continent and globally.