An evening of poetry and spoken word, music, food celebrations and theatre reflecting the legacy of The Mbari Artists’ and Writers’ clubs

With Bernardine Evaristo, Jimi Famurewa, Irenosen Okojie, Yomi Ṣode, Joshua Idehen, Theresa Lola, Chrissie Okorie and including a new play by Oladipo Agboluaje. 

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 with the V&A, Curated by Melanie Abrahams

Bernardine Evaristo photo credit Suki Dhana