Afro-futurish explores the origins and development of African speculative fiction and considers the genre’s position within the broader field of postcolonial literature.

The event’s keynote speaker, JY Yang, reads from their Hugo-nominated fantasy novellas The Red Threads of Fortune and The Black Tides of Heaven. Specific attention is paid to the linguistic choices made while crafting their fiction, particularly with regard to profanity and the use of dialects.

Yang’s presentation is followed by a diverse range of seminars from South African authors and academics. Dr Nedine Moonsamy makes a case for Amos Tutuola's The Palm-Wine Drinkard to be read as science fiction. Author Sam Wilson explains the value of research and scientific validity in crafting plausible fiction. Alex Latimer and Diane Awerbuck discuss the challenges and benefits of co-writing a novel, while Nerine Dorman gives practical advice on crafting meaningful fantastic worlds. Using his Amazon royalties sheet, Andrew Salomon entertains the audience while demonstrating the real financial challenges of a creative career. Finally, Kerstin Hall presents a talk with a stronger editorial focus, exploring what might make short fantasy fiction saleable from a slush reader’s perspective.