Abantu Book Festival 2018 Line-Up Announced!

The lineup for the 2018 edition of the Abantu Book Festival, to be held this December 6–9 in Soweto, has been announced. This celebration of black writers and readers should absolutely not be missed, not least for its showcasing of a number of PEN SA members.

From humble beginnings in 2016, Abantu Book Festival has become an annual pilgrimage for black writers and readers held in SOWETO – to celebrate the rich and diverse African literary heritage.

While the book remains the central medium of the festival, we present an extensive programme that is a feast for the whole family, which includes poetry and musical performances, writing and publishing workshops, panel discussions and in-conversations, dance, as well as film-screening woven into the mix. Over four days, the best poets, novelists, playwrights, biographers, children’s writers, literary scholars, musicians, actors, activists, thinkers, and readers from as far as can be imagined, transform the historic location of SOWETO into a literary village.

The day events are held at the Eyethu Lifestyle Centre in Mofolo, where entry is free, and the night sessions at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani and tickets cost R20.00 only.

PEN SA members on the programme include Fred Khumalo, Jolyn Phillips, Nozizwe Jele and Wamuwi Mbao. The festival is founded and directed by PEN SA member Thando Mgqolozana.

The full line-up and more information on the festival may be found on its website.