Events

Between Homes: Redefining Migration — featuring Priscilla Okoye

Priscilla Okoye's work "A Village Made Naked" is included in Between Homes: Redefining Migration, an exhibition bringing together short creative works by migrant community advisors across film, photography, sound and writing. Made possible through a UCL Knowledge Exchange grant, developed in collaboration with Migrants’ Rights Network and Yarrow Films. Iska Press is sharing this exhibition and is not its organiser.

The 2026 Book Prize Shortlist Is Here!

We are delighted to invite you to the Iska Book Prize Reading & Winner Announcement. This event brings together our 2026 shortlist for a special evening of readings, celebrating original voices in African literature from across the continent: Harsoite Oulfat (The Comoros), Nana Kusi Minkah-Premo (Ghana), Glen Retief (South Africa), Gabriel Awuah Mainoo (Ghana), Ishola Abdulwasiu Ayodele (Nigeria), C.S. Hadebe (South Africa), David Obongekong (Nigeria), and Melissa Webster (South Africa).

We're also honoured to welcome Unathi Slasha, author of "The Hollow Sound of Lightweight Bodies" and winner of the 2025 Iska Book Prize, as our keynote speaker. Join us as we celebrate this year's shortlist and announce the winner of the Iska Book Prize — a moment that continues to shape the landscape of African literary publishing.

Liberia Welcomes a Literary Homecoming

Celebrated African novelist Vamba Sherif returns home for the official Liberia book launch of The Emperor's Son — a powerful historical novel that reimagines empire, legacy, and African sovereignty with Sherif's signature depth and elegance.

Hosted by Forte & Kpoto Bookstore in partnership with Iska Press, the event takes place on January 31, 2026, at the Main Auditorium, University of Liberia (Capitol Bypass), with a red carpet reception at 4 PM.

This is more than a book launch — it's a cultural moment. Readers, writers, academics, and lovers of African literature are invited to witness a landmark celebration of storytelling, history, and homecoming.

Iskanchi Author João Melo Speaks at Emory University

Last week, Emory University hosted a powerful conversation on literature, nationalism, and the legacy of independence in Angola — led by none other than our author, João Melo. Invited by the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Melo delivered his presentation "Angola, 50 Years: Literature, Nationalism, and Independence" to an audience of faculty, students, and community guests.

The event explored how Angolan writing has shaped political consciousness, preserved cultural memory, and challenged dominant narratives over the past five decades. Melo's sharp insights and signature wit made the session both intellectually rigorous and refreshingly accessible — exactly the kind of spirited discourse his work is known for.

We're proud to see our authors continuing to shape global conversations, one lecture hall at a time. Keep an eye out for more updates on João Melo's engagements and forthcoming projects.

Iskanchi Book Launch Celebration

Join us for the Iskanchi Book Launch Celebration, a vibrant gathering honoring some of the most powerful voices in contemporary African literature. This year's event features Ayo Oyeku (The Soot), Bakang Tshegofatso Akoonyatse (Lesedi's Little Light and Maatla the Magnet), Aminta Dupuis (The Child from Dindefello Falls), Abubakar Yusuf Ibrahim (African Folktales for the Young at Heart), and Moussa Ould Ebnou (The New Eve). Together, they bring stories that celebrate identity, creativity, and the richness of African perspectives. The event will be held on Saturday, 25th October 2025, at 5:00 PM WAT | 12:00 PM EST | 10:00 AM MT via Zoom.

Join us for an evening of conversation, storytelling, and connection as we celebrate new works that continue to expand the landscape of African and global literature.

Join The Ottawa Black Book Club for an Engaging Bookversation

Afro Utah Festival

Iska Press will be joining the vibrant celebration at the Afro Utah Festival's 5th Anniversary on Saturday, September 6, at Library Square, Salt Lake City, UT. This exciting festival brings together a symphony of Afrobeats, Reggae, Hip Hop, and Afro-Latino soul, creating a space where culture moves and stories unfold. Visit our stand to explore Iskanchi's latest African literary works, connect with fellow readers and creators, and celebrate the beauty and diversity of African storytelling.

Book Tour With Vamba Sherif

Join acclaimed Liberian author Vamba Sherif on his U.S. Book Tour for The Emperor's Son, with support from the Dutch Foundation for Literature. The event will be held at North Hennepin Community College, 7411 85th Ave North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 3 PM to 6 PM CST. Experience an afternoon of literary conversation, cultural insight, and storytelling as Sherif discusses his captivating historical novel that explores power, identity, and legacy in postcolonial Africa.

Iska Book Prize Reading and Winner Announcement

Join us as we celebrate the winner of this year's Book Prize at a special announcement event hosted by Iska Press on 29th June on Zoom. This gathering marks the culmination of our search for a groundbreaking voice in African literature, honouring a manuscript that stood out for its originality, depth, and vision. Come and be part of an evening of inspiration, community, and storytelling — where the power of narratives shapes the future.

Speech on Leadership at the PubWest Conference 2024

Speaking on Leadership at the PubWest Conference 2024 alongside fellow publishers and industry experts. From talent retention to navigating global markets and fostering innovation, publishers today face a myriad of opportunities, challenges, and complexities set against ever-shifting cultural and geopolitical realities — hear firsthand how these leaders meet the demands and shape the future.

Book Launch of Vamba Sherif's The Emperor's Son

Join us for the book launch of The Emperor's Son. The novel, written by Vamba Sherif, explores the life and times of the greatest African freedom fighter of the 19th century, Emperor Samori Touré of the Wasulu Empire.

Book Launch of João Melo's Angola Is Wherever I Plant My Field

Join us at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D.C., to celebrate João Melo's first English-translated book on March 9th. The event starts at 6pm — we hope to see you there!

Iska Press Virtual Book Launch

Iska Press is thrilled to announce that we will be hosted by TKE. The event will be about launching our new set of books published by our African authors. This event is free and will take place on Crowdcast.