Latest literary sensation Iris Mwanza will headline a special book soiree in Lagos to celebrate her globally acclaimed debut novel, “The Lions’ Den”, named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Must-Read Books of 2024. The exclusive gathering, hosted in partnership with Alliance Française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, on June 21, 2025, marks a rare opportunity for Nigerian readers to engage with one of contemporary fiction’s most exciting new voices.
Global Literary Sensation “The Lions’ Den” Comes to Lagos
A Must-Attend Event with Acclaimed Author Iris Mwanza
The event will feature an author’s keynote where Mwanza will be joined in conversation by Nigerian media personality, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo. There will also be a fireside chat themed The Power of Storytelling to Drive Influence and Impact in Today’s Landscape featuring leading voices, including founder of HerNetwork, Nkem Onwudiwe, Influencer & Product Experience Specialist, Alex Unusual, as well as author and founder & CEO of TSOLC, Sunky Ojulari. The fireside chat will be moderated by Dima Hamze Ghraizi, CEO of Fair & Fest Events.
Aside from behind-the-scenes details from the author and captivating conversations with the speakers, the program includes a book signing session that will culminate in an elegant cocktail reception, creating the perfect setting for networking and delicious canapés, accompanied by music from DJ Snap.
Tickets for this highly anticipated event are now available on the Alliance Française website at bit.ly/lionsdenlagos.
“Lagos is such a vibrant city with an unparalleled literary culture. I’ve been inspired and influenced by so many great Nigerian authors and feel both excited and honored to have an opportunity to connect with readers here,” said Mwanza. “I love Lagos, and I can’t wait to be back to share The Lions’ Den with this brilliant literary community.”
The Novel Taking the World By Storm
The Lions’ Den follows Grace Zulu, a determined novice lawyer in Lusaka who navigates a corrupt system to seek justice for her client, Willbess “Bessy” Mulenga, during the AIDS crisis of the 1990s. Mwanza, a former corporate lawyer in Zambia and the US, brings authenticity and depth to this tale of courage and solidarity.
Since its release, The Lions’ Den has received extraordinary recognition, earning spots on CrimeReads’ Best Debut Crime Novels of 2024, The Washington Post’s recommended reading list, and Brittle Paper’s 100 Notable African Books of 2024. The novel’s distinction extends to being longlisted for the prestigious Center for Fiction 2024 First Novel Prize, confirming Mwanza’s arrival as a significant talent in global literature.
With limited capacity expected for this exclusive event, early ticket reservation is strongly recommended to secure attendance at what promises to be one of the year’s most significant literary gatherings.
About Iris Mwanza
Iris Mwanza is an international lawyer, gender equality advocate, and a rising literary voice. The Zambian-American has spent her life fighting injustice, from courtrooms to boardrooms. With degrees from Cornell and Johns Hopkins Universities, as well as a career that includes global organizations such as the World Bank and Gates Foundation, she’s now leveraging the power of storytelling to empower and elevate. She’s currently on sabbatical to write her second book, even as The Lions’ Den continues to make waves on the global literary stage. Mwanza also serves on the Board of Directors of World Wildlife Fund US and the SheTank.
For enquiries, please contact events@glgcommunication.com