About this Event
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
The Rainbow Book Club (RBC) seeks to contribute to the development of African society by encouraging people to read.
We believe that reading is one of the keys to creating an enlightened and self-empowering society. In particular, the RBC promotes reading amongst children and young adults.
Brooklyn Suya is the collaboration of Chef Folusho and Chef Hema Agwu, “The Suya Guy”. Folusho, a Nigerian native of Brooklyn, brought his many years of experience as a chef in the industry, his signature flair and industry know how. The Suya Guy, a Nigerian by way of Long Island, brought his signature Suya spice, that is used at the restaurant, and years of catering experience. Brooklyn Suya represents a merging of the Brooklyn + Nigerian culture centered around what we call a Suya Bowl. Each bowl starts with rice topped with your choice of grilled protein, sides, cucumber, tomatoes, signature house sauces, and of course, your choice of mild, medium, spicy suya mix or, if your brave enough, atomic suya spice. Unique and inspired by memories from childhood brought to the NY audience.
Event venue & nearby stays
650 W 168th St, 650 West 168th Street, New York, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.