Why is Africa still perceived as a single country?

Who else led the charge against Apartheid in South Africa?

How did an African man become one of the wealthiest people in history?

Libreria is excited to welcome Astrid Madimba and Chinny Ukata, debut authors and hosts of It’s a Continent Podcast.Their new book breaks down this vast, beautiful, and complex continent to explore each nations’ unique history and culture. They will be in conversation with Paula Akpan

Each chapter focuses on a different country and uncovers stories that mainstream education doesn’t address. This book aims to highlight the consequences of colonialism and how this legacy reverberates today, as well as how many African countries continue to rebuild in its wake.

About the speakers:

Astrid Madimba was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and grew up in the UK. She studied at the University of Exeter and is a marketing professional by day. 

Chinny Ukata is British-Nigerian and studied at the University of Southampton. Her previouswork has featured in publications including gal-dem and Black Ballad. 

Paula Akpan is a journalist, historian and public speaker. A sociology graduate from the University of Nottingham, her work mainly focuses on blackness, queerness, and social politics and she regularly writes for a variety of publications including Vogue, Teen Vogue, The Independent, Stylist, VICE, i-D, Bustle, Time Out London and more. She has also interviewed the likes of Oprah, Lupita Nyong’o, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Syd, Candice Carty-Williams, Ray BLK and more.

Paula is currently a fully-funded Masters student at Goldsmiths, studying Black British History with an interest in mapping out the lives and activism of Black British lesbians and queer women during the 70s and 80s. She is currently writing her first book, WHEN WE RULED (Headline, 2024), tracing the lives and legacies of 12 African queens and warriors who contributed to the shaping of the continent.