London youngest poet laureate headlines Lagos international poetry festival

Set to hold 28th of October to 1st of November 2015, the poetry festival will feature five days of masterclasses, panel discussions and performances.

Themed 'Borderless Words' the poetry festival according its director, Efe Paul Azino, will explore poetry’s capacity to bridge racial, ethnic, gender, language and cultural divides, and the imperative of creative collaborations on the continent.

Warsan Shire, London’s first young poet laureate and winner of the first Brunel University African Poetry Prize would be present at the event including Inua Ellams, South African firebrand, Lebo Mashile, Safia El-hillo, TJ Dema, Bassey Ikpi, Titilope Sonuga, Sage Hasson, Dike Chukwumerije, Odia Ofeimun and a host of other amazing voices.

The Festival is packed with lots of interesting events including a special session at the University of Lagos featuring Prof. J.P. Clark and ground breaking performances by festival guests.

Related: Warsan Shire on refugees "No one leaves home, unless home is the mouth of a shark"

Born in Kenya in 1988 to Somali parents, Warsan Shire attendance to the event is a plus as aside from winning numerous awards; she is one of the biggest names in contemporary literature. She also teaches workshops on exploring memory and healing trauma through the power of the spoken word.

SEE ALSO: 6 African Literature books that perfectly capture the immigrant/refugee experience