Chakula x Say Your Tale- Exploring Ancient Stories Through the Art of Griot

Join us for an intimate and transformative workshop that connects participants with the ancient storytelling traditions of West African Griots. "Say Your Tale" invites you to explore the power of personal narrative through the lens of these time-honored oral traditions. This workshop offers a opportunity to connect with ancient wisdom while exploring your own storytelling voice in a warm, welcoming environment.

Free workshop (RSVP to secure your ticket)

Date | Thursday June 26th

Time | 6-9pm

Location | The Africa Centre

FORMAT

Introduction to Griot Storytelling (30 minutes) - we begin with an exploration of ancient tales traditionally told by Griots, learning about the art of storytelling and its cultural significance in West African communities.

Creative Writing Session (1 hour) - participants will engage in an activated writing session, drawing inspiration from Griot traditions to craft their own personal stories. This is a supportive, creative space where your unique voice can emerge.

Community Connection (1 hour) - rather than public sharing (which can feel intimidating), all stories will be thoughtfully compiled and distributed to each participant, creating a beautiful collective anthology that everyone takes home.

Wind Down - The informal gathering continues until The Africa Centre closes or naturally winds down, allowing for deeper connections and continued conversation.

About Workshop Facilitator

Julienne Robinson (Actor, Writer & Storyteller) is a talented Jamaican artist based in London, Julienne brings her expertise in performance, writing, and storytelling.

About Artist-in-Development

Alizée Ndiaye is a multidisciplinary creative/culture curator from France who transitioned from social work to London's creative scene in 2019. She founded Don't Touch My Heritage (DTMH) to uplift Black and Brown artists. Alizée focuses on costume/set design, art curation, and storytelling. Her work centers on decolonization and positive storytelling, aiming for equity.

About Chakula

The Chakula programme is a monthly series of events, workshops and dialogues geared towards supporting and empowering Black and African LGBTQ+ communities at The Africa Centre. This workshop is part of Chakula’s Artist Development Hub, a new artist initiative for Black, African and Caribbean LGBTQ+ artists. Follow @thechakulaprogramme