Chris Abani Biography

Chris Abani is a novelist, poet, essayist, screenwriter, and dramatist who has received critical acclaim. He received a BA in English from Imo State University, Nigeria, an MA in English, Gender, and Culture from Birkbeck College, University of London, and a Ph.D. in Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Southern California. He was born in Nigeria to an Igbo father and an English mother and grew up in Afikpo, Nigeria. Since 2001, he has lived in the United States. The Secret History of Las Vegas (Penguin 2014), Song For Night (2007), The Virgin of Flames (2007), Becoming Abigail (2006), GraceLand (2004), and Masters of the Board (2004) are among Abani's works of fiction (1985). Sanctificum (2010), There Are No Names for Red (2010), Feed Me The Sun – Collected Long Poems (2010), Hands Washing Water (2006), Dog Woman (2004), Daphne's Lot (2003), and Kalakuta Republic (2003) are some of his poetry books (2001). "Abani's line has a keen accuracy that translates a scream into a line of unforgettable lyric melody without sacrificing the emotion and energy," writes poet Kwame Dawes. Abani is a well-known international voice on humanitarianism, art, ethics, and our common political responsibilities, as seen by his TED Talks, public speaking, and articles. His analytical and personal pieces have appeared in publications such as Witness, Parkett, The New York Times, O Magazine, and Bomb, as well as in books on art and photography. He has received several awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, the PEN/Hemingway Award for Graceland, the PEN Beyond the Margins Award, the Hurston Wright Award, and a Lannan Literary Fellowship. His work has been translated into a number of languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, German, Swedish, Romanian, Hebrew, Macedonian, Ukrainian, Portuguese, Dutch, Bosnian, and Serbian. African Poetics, World Literature, 20th Century Anglophone Literature, African Presences in Medieval and Renaissance Culture, The Living Architecture of Cities, West African Music, Postcolonial and Transnational Theory, Robotics and Consciousness, Yoruba and Igbo Philosophy, and Religion are just a few of Abani's many research interests. Abani is presently a Northwestern University Board of Trustees Professor of English. He is based in Chicago.

As a renowned expert and highly sought-after speaker, Chris Abani's expertise is in high demand. To book Chris Abani for your next event, conference, or workshop, please contact our speaker booking agency. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help secure Chris Abani's participation. With our professional guidance and seamless booking process, you can ensure a memorable and impactful experience for your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to engage your audience with Chris Abani's compelling insights and inspire positive change within your organization. Fill out the booking request form to take the first step in securing Chris Abani for your next speaking engagement.