Sir Ben Okri

Sir Ben Okri OBE FRSL is a Nigerian-born British poet, novelist, and playwright, widely regarded as one of the leading voices in contemporary literature. A Knight of the Realm since 2023 and a Vice President at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, he uses his platform to advocate for racial equality and social justice through the lens of art and imagination. His work as a racial equality speaker is fuelled by a lifelong commitment to storytelling as a vehicle for truth and transformation. His talks span powerful themes, including African folklore and identity, storytelling and the power of imagination, spirituality in modern literature, cross-cultural understanding and human rights, and environmental and social issues.

Sir Ben’s journey began with his early life in Nigeria during the Biafran War, experiences that shaped his understanding of conflict, displacement, and resilience. After moving to England, he studied Comparative Literature at the University of Essex, despite periods of intense hardship, including homelessness. His literary debut came with Flowers and Shadows (1980), followed by The Landscapes Within (1981). His breakout collection, Incidents at the Shrine (1986), brought him early acclaim, and set the foundation for his major work, The Famished Road (1991), which won the Booker Prize. These works blend myth, realism, and political commentary, hallmarks of his signature style.

In recent years, Sir Ben has continued to innovate and engage with urgent global issues. His novel, The Freedom Artist (2019) explores truth and oppression, while Tiger Work (2023) blends fiction, essays, and poetry to address the climate crisis. His reimagined fable, Every Leaf a Hallelujah (2021) and the re-release of The Last Gift of the Master Artists (2022) reflect his deepening focus on ecological and cultural healing. His theatre adaptation of The Outsider earned the Offies Award in 2018.

As a speaker, Ben is hired for his rich cultural insight and lyrical brilliance. Whether addressing identity through African folklore or examining imagination as a force for justice, he offers audiences both inspiration and challenge. His ability to interweave literature, spirituality, and activism makes him a uniquely powerful voice on race, belonging, and human dignity.