International Literary Powerhouses Join CARIFESTA XV in Barbados

The literary stage of CARIFESTA XV will shine with the voices of some of the world’s most acclaimed authors, as six international literary luminaries arrive in Barbados to share their craft, insight, and Caribbean connections. From masterclasses and symposia to intimate readings and gala performances, festival audiences will experience the full spectrum of global literary excellence.

Among the literary excellence will be keynote speaker and featured reader, Marlon James of Jamaica. The Booker Prize–winning Jamaican novelist will deliver the keynote address at the Symposium: Writing the Caribbean Soul on Monday, August 25, 11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the University of the West Indies. This roundtable will explore how storytelling shapes Caribbean identity, resistance, and imagination. James will also read from his work at Literary Luminosity, a celebration of Caribbean literary talent, and participate in a book signing during the festival.

James is internationally recognised for novels such as ‘A Brief History of Seven Killings’, which won the 2015 Man Booker Prize, and the ‘Dark Star’ trilogy. His writing blends historical depth, myth, and political insight, cementing him as one of the most influential literary voices of our time.

Joining the literary celebs from the USA is Bernice McFadden, whom Barbados can also claim.Award-winning and best-selling novelist Bernice McFadden, whose memoir ‘First Born Girls’ explores her Barbadian heritage, will join Marlon James as a panelist at Writing the Caribbean Soul. She will also present a reading at Literary Luminosity and appear as a special guest at the Literary Arts Gala.  

McFadden is the author of over a dozen novels, including the beloved ‘Sugar’ and the critically acclaimed ‘The Book of Harlan’, winner of the American Book Award and NAACP Image Award. Her work captures the African diaspora’s complex histories with beauty, humour, and unflinching truth.

Internationally acclaimed Nigerian writer and multidisciplinary artist Eloghosa Osunde will headline Literary Luminosity on Sunday, August 24, evening at Gun Hill Signal Station.

A recipient of the 2023 MoAD African Literary Award and 2021 Plimpton Prize for Fiction, Osunde’s influence spans literature, fashion, and visual art. Their work has appeared in Granta, Paris Review, and DAZED, with artistic collaborations ranging from Naomi Campbell to Orange Culture at New York Fashion Week. Named one of the 100 Most Influential Africans, Osunde brings an unbounded creative vision to the CARIFESTA stage.

Osunde is the guest of honour at  the ‘Literary Roots, Global Reach Gala’  being held on 

Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the Hilton Barbados. This formal evening will celebrate literary excellence across the Caribbean and African diaspora. 

Renowned poet, editor, and literary activist Kwame Dawes will participate in Conversation with the Poets Laureate, share his work at Literary Luminosity, and perform at the Literary Roots – Global Reach Gala.

Author of over twenty poetry collections, two novels, and numerous anthologies, Dawes is known for his lyrical mastery and dedication to amplifying Caribbean literature globally. His work often weaves themes of identity, history, and the musicality of language rooted in his Jamaican-Ghanian roots.

Grenadian-born, UK-based Jacob Ross will lead a Masterclass in Prose, appear at Literary Luminosity, and perform at the Literary Roots – Global Reach Gala.

Ross is the prize-winning author of ‘The Bone Readers’, winner of the inaugural Jhalak Prize, and ‘Pynter Bender’, shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers Regional Prize. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and Associate Fiction Editor at Peepal Tree Press, Ross is celebrated for his sharp storytelling and deep sense of place.

St. Lucian-born, Canada-based Canisia Lubrin will lead a Poetry Masterclass, read at Literary Luminosity, and perform at the Literary Roots – Global Reach Gala. 

Lubrin is a decorated writer and editor whose honours include the Griffin Poetry Prize, OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, Derek Walcott Prize, and the 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction for her debut story collection ‘Code Noir’. She is poetry editor at McClelland & Stewart and directs the Creative Writing MFA at the University of Guelph.

A Global Gathering in BarbadosTogether, these writers bring an extraordinary range of voices, perspectives, and experiences to CARIFESTA XV, affirming the Caribbean’s place at the heart of the global literary conversation. Audiences can expect stimulating discussions, breathtaking readings, and rare opportunities to meet some of the most celebrated authors of our generation.