On Thursday, 16 November 2017, When We Speak of Nothing, the debut novel by Olumide Popoola, was launched in Lagos, Nigeria, to a crowd of book and art lovers at Colours in Africa, 13a Musa Yar’Adua, Victoria Island.

The event saw Popoola read from her novel, which was published by Cassava Republic Press. She also gave an intimate explanation of the inspiration behind the book – which has so far been critically acclaimed for its beautiful use of language and exploration of friendship between two young black boys. Popoola explained that Esu Elegba, a Yoruba trickster god, was the inspiration behind the book and that the novel is voice driven and marked by its use of stream of conscious.

Afro-soul singer, OloriAfrica, thrilled the crowd far into the night while fiery spoken word and rap artiste, Ms Eva Johnson, performed series of poetry that intimately explored gender, femininity and love. The book launch was anchored by Classic FM #BookOnReview host, Benjamin Okoh.

Olumide Popoola’s book is an important voice in the wave of books with queer Nigerian protagonists put through their paces and seeking redemption. She joins writers like Chinelo Okparanta and her celebrated book “Under the Udala Trees” (published by Farafina) and Akweke Emezi, whose book “Fresh Water” is set to be released next year.

Here are images from the event.