Tales by Moonlight: An Evening of African Storytelling

Join us for a cozy, in-person night filled with enchanting African Story Creators! Perfect for anyone who loves a good story and a magical conversation with industry experts!

TALES BY MOONLIGHT: AN EVENING OF AFRICAN STORYTELLING

Monday, September 21, 2026 · Columbia University, New York City

Our stories don't reach the world by chance, we carry them there.

Join us for one unforgettable night with four powerful voices in African storytelling, spanning books, journalism, film, and leadership gathered around the acclaimed novel I Do Not Come to You by Chance

ON THE PANEL:

Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, award-winning author of I Do Not Come to You by Chance (Commonwealth Writers' Prize), whose writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, and the BBC

Stephanie Busari: Emmy, Peabody- and Gracie Award-winning journalist, formerly of CNN; author of Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change and host of the Her Story Global podcast

Beverly Naya: acclaimed Nollywood actor and filmmaker behind the award-winning documentary Skin

Aya Fubara Eneli, Esq.: author attorney, leadership coach, and internationally recognized speaker featured on MSNBC, ABC, and PBS

Moderated by Aisha Diori "Glitteratie" celebrated host, creative entrepreneurs, event director, and founder of Africa Everything.

Keynote Speaker

Tarari Kalango Host of Talking Books Africa by Rainbow Book Club, Yale MBA ’2028 and rising voice of the generation shaping Africa’s narrative.

Expect an honest, funny, and moving conversation about telling African stories on our own terms from the page to the screen to the newsroom, plus film clips, audience Q&A, a book signing.

It caps a landmark weekend for the diaspora in New York, on the eve of UN General Assembly High-Level Week; come as you are, bring your people, and leave full.

VIP (includes photo and signed book) . Slots are limited !

Don’t miss this chance to experience culture, community, and creativity all in one unforgettable evening!

Event Powered by Opubo Excellence Foundation and Africa Everything

MEMORIAL

In loving memory of Karibi Fubara (1975–2021) Actor. Storyteller. Beloved brother. From Nollywood to New York, Karibi carried our stories on screen with grace, humor, and heart. Tonight, as African storytellers gather under the moon, we tell tales in his honor. “Grab hold of the ancestor and focus on the what.” — Chief Black

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

“Umu Igbo Unite Tri-State”

Umu Igbo Unite (UIU) Corporation is a community-as-a-service non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We are the premiere network of Igbo Americans and an organization that positively impacts the diaspora, Nigeria, and the continent of Africa. This is accomplished through four pillars: Cultural Preservation Connecting the Diaspora Entrepreneurship Civic Engagement

EVENT SPONSORS