Creating Africanfuturist worlds: Blending Tradition, Innovation and Imagination with Naomi Eselojor

This workshop explores how traditional African settings can serve as a blueprint for futuristic worldbuilding. Participants will analyse aspects from their unique architecture, geography and language and learn how to adapt them into speculative fiction. There will be guided exercises, group interactions and practical examples; writers will develop new fictional environments that honour African culture while imagining glorious futures.

What will you do in the workshop? 

Participants will talk about the unique geographical or architectural features found in their cultures. Then, they will engage in short worldbuilding exercises, sensory writing drills, and group interactions. They will also analyse excerpts from established Africanfuturist writers. They will talk about misrepresented Africanfuturist movies or stories and suggest better ways of showing popular stories. Participants do not need to bring prior work but should come ready to explore personal and cultural memory through Africanfuturism.

What can participants expect? 

Participants should expect interactive prompts, talks on African mythology, climate and topography, and creating realistic worlds in speculative fiction.

Who is this opportunity for? 

This is ideal for writers (African or diasporic backgrounds) of all levels, anyone who is interested in Africanfuturism.

Bursary places

We have 5 free bursary places available for writers on a low income. We define this as either earning on or below the London Living Wage and/or in receipt of benefits (e.g. Universal Credit). If you would like to request a bursary place, please email hello@londonwriterscentre.org.uk with details of your eligibility for a bursary by 14 September 2025.

Access

If you require BSL interpretation, and/or have other access needs please email hello@londonwriterscentre.org.uk so we can accommodate you.