Sir Ben Okri OBE FRSL

Sir Ben Okri OBE FRSL is a Nigerian-born British poet, novelist, and playwright, celebrated for his transformative influence on contemporary literature. His novel ‘The Famished Road’ won the Booker Prize in 1991, securing his reputation as a leading voice in magical realism and spiritual literature. Known for merging African spirituality with post-colonial themes, Ben has received global recognition for his distinctive narrative style. In 2023, he was honoured with a knighthood, recognising his exceptional contributions to the literary arts.

Ben’s journey in literature began with an early interest in physics that was curtailed by age restrictions for university study. This led him to a career in writing, studying Comparative Literature at the University of Essex in the late 1970s. During this time, he faced significant challenges, including periods of homelessness, which profoundly influenced his work and perspective. Ben’s early publications, such as ‘Flowers and Shadows’ (1980) and ‘Incidents at the Shrine’ (1986), cemented his reputation as a powerful new voice, blending elements of folklore and social critique.

Throughout his career, Ben has achieved numerous honours. Beyond his Booker Prize success, he won the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award in 1995 for fostering cross-cultural understanding through the arts. In 2018, he received the Offies Award for his adaptation of Albert Camus’s The Outsider for the Coronet Theatre. His academic accomplishments include his role as Fellow Commoner in Creative Arts at Trinity College, Cambridge and a vice-presidency at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2022. His works have been translated into 27 languages, and he remains influential across literary and academic spheres.

As a sought-after speaker, Sir Ben Okri engages audiences with his reflections on identity, resilience, and the environment, which he explores in works like his 2023 publication, Tiger Work. His talks cover cross-cultural understanding, spirituality in literature, and the transformative power of storytelling. His insights make him an ideal choice for events focused on cultural and social topics, bringing a unique blend of artistic insight and humanitarian thought to diverse audiences.