Mbari Nights: revisiting the legacy of The Mbari Artists’ and Writers’ clubs of 1960s Nigeria

Hosted in partnership with Renaissance One, join us for an evening of performances and talks reflecting the legacy of The Mbari Artists’ and Writers’ clubs. Featuring poetry and spoken word, music, food praise and theatre by leading creatives including Bernardine Evaristo, Jimi Famurewa, Irenosen Okojie, Yomi Ṣode, Joshua Idehen, Theresa Lola, Chrissie Okorie and a new play by Oladipo Agboluaje. The event will be hosted by Jumoké Fashola.

The Mbari Artists’ and Writers’ club was established in Ibadan, Nigeria in July 1961 as a creative hub for the exchange, appreciation, dissemination and discussion of Pan-African art, theatre, dance, music, poetry and writing. The Mbari club included a publishing house that focused on publishing the work of emerging writers and artists from across the continent including Wole Soyinka, John Pepper Clark and Dennis Brutus. Although active for less than a decade, the Mbari Club had a lasting impact on the creative scene in Nigeria and beyond.

Produced by Renaissance One and Nkechi Noel.
Curated by Melanie Abrahams.