Legendary Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong’o ignites Sheffield
By Tchiyiwe Chihana
Legendary Kenyan author ignites a symposium of creatives and scholar-activists in Sheffield
Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o with Dr Christine Muthoni in Sheffield on 5th October 2023
It was a rare and remarkable occasion for African Voices Platform (AVP) and the Centre for Equity and Inclusion at the University of Sheffield to co-host one of the most influential and celebrated decolonial writers of the continent, Professor Ngugi wa Thiong'o in Sheffield.
The two-day event from 5th to 6th October organised as part of The Racial Justice Network’s international symposium honouring visionary elder ŵa Thiong’o, was a tribute to his life and work, as well as an opportunity to engage with his ideas on decolonisation, culture and language.
The first day of the event was held at, and in collaboration with Utopia Theatre's new Creative Hub, a vibrant and inclusive space for artistic expression and social change.
The Kenyan delegation, led by artivist Githuku Ndungu, honoured Professor Ngugi with a traditional ceremony of Gukunguira, which involved adorning him with a robe and a hat as a sign of respect and recognition. The ceremony was followed by a series of performances and speeches by local creatives, activists, and scholars from the African diaspora community, who shared their admiration and appreciation for Professor Ngugi's contributions.
Among the performers were Danae Wellington, the current poet laureate of Sheffield, who recited some of her powerful poems on identity and belonging; Warda Yassin, the previous poet laureate, also read some of her poems. They were joined by Sile Sibanda, a BBC reporter and poet, who shared some of her own verses; John Rwoth Omack, a theatre artist and director, who performed a dramatic piece accompanied by Tongesayi Gumbo's drumming; and Macole Lannaman, a postgraduate research student at the University of Sheffield, who spoke about the mental well-being of young black people in the UK.
BBC reporter Sile Sibanda, poet laureate of Sheffield Danae Wellington and her predecessor Warda Yassin read some of their poetry to celebrate Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o
The venue host, Mojisola Kareem-Elufowoju, who is also CEO and Artistic Director of Utopia Theatre welcomed everyone to the new hub and spoke about how Professor Ngugi's writings had influenced her own directing in plays.
The second day of the event was held at the University of Sheffield, where Professor Ngugi delivered a workshop on decolonisation to postgraduate research students from the Centre for Equity and Inclusion. The workshop was an interactive and stimulating session, where Professor Ngugi shared his insights and experiences on how to challenge and transform the colonial structures and ideologies that still pervade academia and society.
Tchiyiwe Chihana of African Voices Platform served as compère for the ceremony
He also discussed his views on the importance of preserving and promoting African languages and cultures as a way of affirming one's identity and dignity.
The students had the chance to ask questions and engage in dialogue with Professor Ngugi, who encouraged them to pursue their own research interests and passions with courage and creativity.
The two-day event was a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone who attended. It was not only a celebration of Professor Ngugi's achievements, but also a reminder of his vision and legacy. It was an invitation to continue his work of decolonising our minds and our world.
The Racial Justice Network’s international symposium continues with stops in Manchester and Leeds
Credits
Racial Justice Network
African Voices Platform
Centre for Equity and Inclusion (University of Sheffield)
Utopia Theatre
Speakers and performers
Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o
Tchiyiwe Chihana
Mojisola Kareem-Elufowoju
Githuku Ndungi
John Rwoth-Omack
Tongesayi Gumbo
Dr Christine Muthoni
Macole Lannaman
Warda Yassin
Sile Sibanda
Danae Wellington
Special mention
Peninah Wangari-Jones
Taiwo Ogunyinka
Dr Alex R Mason
Dr Maryam Jameela
Julius Obende
Ethel Dhlamini
Baillor Jalloh
Enoch Karimba