Literature has always played a key role in social and political life in Africa, even when it is not deliberately or obviously activist in its aims or form.

African writers like Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Chinua Achebe, Obi Wali and poets Christopher Okigbo and Stella Nyanzi have long been seen as key thinkers and engaged intellectuals.

Tracing this history, this lecture shows how creative work changes society and discusses the role of literary collectives such as Chimureng, Jalada, and Bakwa.

A lecture by Madhu Krishnan recorded on 12 October 2023 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London

The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/literary-africa

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Literary Activism in Contemporary Africa