UI Hosts BOBIB Symposium, Revives Legacy of Black Orpheus Literary Movement

University of Ibadan has hosted a symposium and exhibition under the Black Orpheus Berlin–Ibadan–Bordeaux (BOBIB) project, spotlighting the historical and cultural significance of African literary scholarship and its transnational development.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Peter O. Olapegba, commended the pioneering work of German literary figures Ulli Beier and Janheinz Jahn, co-founders of Black Orpheus in 1957 in Ibadan, describing their contributions as central to the global recognition of African literature.

He noted that the establishment of the University of Ibadan in 1948 provided a critical intellectual foundation that supported the emergence of Black Orpheus, which played a major role in amplifying African creative voices during the decolonisation era.

Olapegba praised the research team led by Remi Raji-Oyelade for organizing the BOBIB symposium and exhibition, describing it as a strategic initiative that enhances the university’s international academic visibility.

He emphasized the importance of Africans owning and documenting their narratives, noting that much of the continent’s oral traditions remain under-recorded, making projects of this nature timely and necessary for literary preservation and scholarship.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the support of the German government through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, describing it as a long-standing partner in advancing humanities and literary research in Africa.

The Consul-General of the German Consulate in Lagos, Daniel Krull, described the exhibition as a bridge between Africa and Europe, highlighting its role in deepening understanding of shared historical and cultural relationships while strengthening academic collaboration.

He added that the initiative enhances the visibility of African literature and reinforces the intellectual spirit that has historically shaped the continent’s literary tradition.

Earlier, Professor Raji-Oyelade explained that the BOBIB project is a transnational collaboration involving Nigeria, France, and Germany, designed to expand research visibility and deepen scholarly engagement with African literary history.

He noted that Black Orpheus served as a pioneering platform for African creative writing in English, publishing indigenous narratives and shaping the evolution of modern African literature.

The exhibition, organised in collaboration with the Kenneth Dike Library, is scheduled to run for one month and features archival materials and visual displays documenting African writers and literary movements.

Principal Investigator of the project, Susanne Gehrmann, stated that the initiative is funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and provides critical historical insight into African literary development from precolonial to colonial transitions.

She also donated 20 archival boxes to the university library to support research and strengthen historical documentation of African literature.