African Literature Association 2008
The 34th Annual African Literature Association Conference
April 22 - 27, 2008
Official Conference Speakers/Writers and Guests – WIU 2008!
As we know, the African Literature Association is blessed with numerous member writers, artists and filmmakers that attend the ALA conference every year and contribute papers and read or discuss their works. This conference will be no different as we expect these great writers to enrich the conference again this year. The following are a few of the writers, speakers, oral performers and artists that would be in Macomb mostly from April 22 to 27, 2008. For information about all the writers and artists who might be present, please look out for the detailed program when it is posted online.
- Sefi Atta,, ALA Banquet Keynote Speaker
- Chimamanda Adichie, WOCALA luncheon Keynote Speaker
- Alek Baylee Toumi, Francophone Caucus luncheon Keynote Speaker
- Jamaica Kincaid, writers panel, readings
- Véronique Tadjo, "poet and writer from Côte d’Ivoire, an author and illustrator of children's books
- Abiola Irele, Things Fall Apart 50th Anniversary Speaker
- Manthia Diawara, Sembene Ousmane Memorial Lecturer
- Obioma Nnameka, Sembene Ousmane Memorial Lecturer
- Papa Susso, Performer, oral singer and traditional African guitarist
- Chika Unigwe, writers panel, readings
- Jaigbade Alao, Dadakuada performance, oral artists
- AbdulRaheem Ameen, indigenous knowledge panel
- Imam Aliagan Busary, Islamic writings in Africa, indigenous knowlwegde
- Niyi Osundare, writers panels, readings
- Tanure Ojaide, writers panels, readings
- Kofi Anyidoho, writers panels, readings
- Chukwumeka Ike, writers panels, readings
- Isidore Okpewho, writers panels, oral literature panel
- Alain Mabanckou, writers panel, readings
- Kola Boof, writers panel, readings
- Gabeba Baderoon, writers panel, readings
- Toyin Adewale-Gabriel, writers panels, readings
- MarièTou mbaye bileoma (Ken Bugul), writers panels, readings
- Frank Chipasula, writers panels, readings
- Mariama Barry - writers panels, readings
- Tunde Kelani, Nollywood (More information soon about other Nollywood filmmakers expected at the conference)
- Newton Aduaka, Award winning film producer
- Isiaka Ayinla, were/fuji performer
- George Elliott Clarke, poet, playwright, Canada's Governor-General Award winner for literature
African Literature Association 2008
Department of African American Studies • Western Illinois University
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
E-mail: ala2008@wiu.edu
Phone: 309-298-1181