Inua Ellams

Inua Ellams is a Nigerian-born British poet, playwright, performer and graphic artist who has become one of the most celebrated literary voices in contemporary Britain. The Half-God of Rainfall, narrated by the author himself, is a genre-defying epic poem that blends Nigerian mythology, Greek mythology and the world of professional basketball into a sweeping narrative about power, gender, divine intervention and human resilience. Ellams's work spans poetry, theatre and live performance, including his acclaimed one-man show An Evening with an Immigrant and the play Barber Shop Chronicles, which was produced at the National Theatre. His writing is characterised by its formal inventiveness, its cultural range and its emotional power. He has won numerous awards including the Edinburgh Fringe First Award and the Liberty Human Rights Award. His audiobooks and books showcase one of the most original and exciting voices in contemporary literature.