Ondjaki on the Power of Words and Revolutionary Angolan Literature

Dec. 6, 2018

On November 29th, the Brazil LAB hosted a discussion with Ondjaki, one of the most prominent names in the new generation of Angolan writers. He has published novels, short stories, poems and children's books. 

At the discussion, Ondjaki shared stories of the authors and musicians that fought for Angola's independence in the 1960s and discussed the role that art is playing in Angola today. Ondjaki was joined by Adriana Lisboa and Benedito Machava, a Mozambican historian and post-doctoral fellow at Princeton Society of Fellows. Together, they discussed the differing role of the written word in Angola's and Mozambique's independence struggles and the role of art in Brazil's new political context. 

The event was organized by Nicola Cooney, Director of Princeton's Portuguese Language Program. 

Nicola Cooney, Director of Princeton's Portuguese Language Program.

Ondjaki addresses attendees.

Ondjaki and Benedito Machava.

Adriana Lisboa.

Discussion attendees.

Discussion attendees.

Discussion attendees.

Adriana Lisboa and discussion attendees.