We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Alastair Niven, who served as Director-General of The Africa Centre from 1978 to 1984.

A lifelong bibliophile and champion of post-colonial literature, Alastair’s passion was shaped during his time at the University of Ghana, where he completed his M.A. and lectured before earning a PhD in Literature from the University of Leeds. In Ghana, he was even enstooled as Asafohene, a warrior sub-chief of Osorase.

At The Africa Centre, Alastair expanded the literary programme, staging over 60 plays including The Trial of Dedan Kimathi and hosting giants such as Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Buchi Emecheta, Bessie Head, Wole Soyinka, Ben Okri, CLR James and Samuel Selvon.

He also established our art gallery, which became a launchpad for many African artists including Turner Prize winners Lubaina Himid and Sonia Boyce, alongside legends like Sokari Douglas Camp and Bruce Onobrakpeya.

Alastair left the Centre in 1984 but never stopped supporting its mission. He fondly recalled the Calabash Restaurant’s egusi soup and dancing to Ghanaian highlife. His final visit was last July, to celebrate Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday—fitting, as Soyinka’s play The Trial of Brother Jero was the first he saw at the Centre. He graciously gifted us a signed copy of his autobiography In Glad or Sorry Hours.

We honour a man whose warmth, intellect, and dedication helped shape The Africa Centre’s legacy. He is survived by his wife, Helen, and their two children.

Rest in peace, Alastair.

—Olu Alake, CEO
The Africa Centre
2 April 2024