Eloghosa Osunde Joins CARIFESTA XV: Acclaimed Nigerian Writer and Multidisciplinary Artist Confirmed for Barbados Festival

Eloghosa Osunde - Nigerian Writer and Multidisciplinary Artist

Internationally acclaimed Nigerian writer and multidisciplinary artist Eloghosa Osunde has officially accepted an invitation from the Prime Minister of Barbados to participate in CARIFESTA XV, marking a major addition to the festival’s literary and interdisciplinary programme.

Osunde’s participation is set to amplify the festival’s global resonance, bringing their unique voice and boundary-pushing artistry to audiences across Barbados. Their celebrated works, including the award-winning ‘Vagabonds!’ and their newly released title, ‘Necessary Fiction’ (July 2025), will be available for sale throughout the festival.

Known for their dynamic approach to literature, visual art, fashion, theatre, and cultural consulting, Eloghosa’s appearances at CARIFESTA XV will be a multi-faceted exploration of storytelling, resistance, and creative imagination.

Eloghosa Osunde is a cultural visionary whose influence transcends genres and geographies. Their work has been lauded by The Atlantic, British Vogue, People Magazine, and NPR. In addition to their literary achievements, Osunde has contributed a monologue for Naomi Campbell in the 2023 Victoria’s Secret World Tour and collaborated with Orange Culture for New York Fashion Week.

Recipient of the 2023 MoAD African Literary Award and 2021 Plimpton Prize for Fiction, Osunde was recently named one of the 100 Most Influential Africans and featured as a Publishers Weekly Cover Star in May. Their visual art has been exhibited on four continents, with their writing appearing in top publications such as Granta, Paris Review, DAZED, Berlin Quarterly, and LitHub.

Confirmed appearances during CARIFESTA XV  of the celebrated author include ‘Literary Luminosity’ being held on  Sunday, August 24, 2025 in the evening at Gun Hill Signal Station.

This sunset reading event will also feature distinguished Caribbean and international writers. Osunde will deliver a captivating 15-20 minute performance/reading as the sun sets over one of Barbados' most iconic landscapes. The multidisciplinary artist will also participate in ‘Power, Paint, and Politics’ at the Big Conversation on Tuesday, August 26, 2025at the CARIFESTA XV Village. Osunde will join a compelling interdisciplinary dialogue on the role of the artist in a fractured world, exploring themes of resistance, regionalism, and the expansive power of imagination.

Osunde is the guest of honour at the ‘Literary Roots, Global Reach Gala’ being held onThursday, August 28, 2025 at the Hilton Barbados. This formal evening will celebrate literary excellence across the Caribbean and African diaspora. As guest of honour, Osunde will be recognized among cultural leaders and luminaries who continue to shape the global literary landscape. Their presence at CARIFESTA XV promises to deepen the festival’s commitment to fostering global cultural exchange while celebrating the shared creative heritage of Africa and the Caribbean.

Further details on Eloghosa Osunde’s work can be found at www.eloghosaosunde.com