Nailah Folami Imoja: The Literary Architect of CARIFESTA XV

Nailah Folami Imoja - Literary Arts Coordinator

At the heart of CARIFESTA XV’s Literary Arts programme is Nailah Folami Imoja—award-winning Barbadian/British writer, poet, spoken word artist, and teacher—bringing decades of literary brilliance, performance power, and pedagogical passion to this year’s festival. Winner of the Frank Collymore Literary Endowment Competition 2024 and Bermuda’s Writer in Residence 2025, Nailah is no stranger to acclaim. But ask her what she values most, and she won’t hesitate: “My greatest opus thus far is my young adult daughter.”

Her impressive résumé includes decades of teaching from kindergarten to university, a vibrant catalogue of novellas (Colourblind, To Protect & Serve, Fantasy Fulfilled), poetry collections, and groundbreaking work as a cultural developer and founding coordinator of VOICES: Barbados Writers Collective. Now, as Literary Arts Coordinator for CARIFESTA XV, Nailah steps onto one of the region’s biggest cultural stages—not as a solo act, but as the lead curator of a Caribbean chorus of stories.

“My role is to lead the conceptualisation and implementation of the festival’s Literary Arts programme,” she explains. “I simply love CARIFESTA and figured that having won the ‘Collys’ last year, I’d be expected to attend and represent our Bajan Literary Arts.” She hadn’t planned to stay on island this summer, but when the news broke that Barbados would host CARIFESTA, her plans shifted immediately. The honour of being chosen was unexpected but welcomed with open arms.

“I was very surprised by my selection as coordinator. Surprised and honoured by the opportunity to play such an integral role.” For Nailah, the festival is more than a showcase—it’s a Caribbean family reunion. Her vision is to build a vibrant, inclusive space where stories are shared and celebrated. “We are providing the village,” she says, beaming. “The venues, the stages, the screens and the performers, as well as the opportunities to sell and to be seen beyond our respective shores. That’s our gift.”

She’s especially excited about the digital possibilities: “Now, in the digital age, we can share our unique, world-class gifts with the world in real time, and there seems to be a deliberate focus on that aspect this time.” What legacy does she hope to leave? “On an elemental level, I would like our legacy to be creating a CARIFESTA that will make people say, ‘That was the best CARIFESTA ever! Barbados should host it every year!’” she laughs. But beyond the joy and spectacle, Nailah wants the festival to ignite and affirm the region’s literary power, especially among young people.

“From a literary perspective, I’d like us as a regional people to recognise our literary prowess… that we inspire writers, especially children and youth, to continue to develop their skills and to work strategically to share their stories, poems, plays with the world.

“As a legacy, hopefully Barbadians will benefit from new and improved performance facilities. And then there are the “soft” benefits – those that aren’t immediately tangible – such as establishing lifelong friends, discovering our islands’ cultural similarities and differences, renewing creative energies, creating collaborations and sharing synergies.”

She’s also advocating for long-term investment in the arts: “I would love to see CARICOM leaders recognise the financial viability of the sector by establishing a permanent CARIFESTA Coordinating Committee.”

This will be Nailah’s fourth CARIFESTA, having proudly represented Barbados in St. Kitts, Suriname, and at home in 2017. And though she loves Crop Over and Trini Carnival, she declares: “Don’t tell anybody, but I actually love CARIFESTA more than both combined!”

Why? Because CARIFESTA is a full Caribbean immersion—from food to dance to storytelling.

“Where else can you ‘visit’ every Caribbean island – and some places beyond – in 10 days? Or talk to the region’s celebrated writers, artists, performers, designers? Or experience different performances – dance, music, theatre, comedy – every night?”

Among her favourite memories? The mind-blowing closing ceremony in Suriname, and the deep friendships that span decades. As the countdown to August 22 begins, Nailah’s ready. “I can’t wait!” she grins. And with her at the helm of Literary Arts, neither can we. Nailah Folami Imoja is writing the next great chapter in Caribbean cultural history—live, on stage, and in every story shared at CARIFESTA XV.