Conversations with Baba | Binyavanga Wainaina | TEDxEuston

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Conversations with Baba
BINYAVANGA WAINAINA is a Kenyan author, publisher and cultural worker. For over eleven years Binyavanga has sought, worked with, published, mentored and promoted some of Africa’s most exciting new literary talent. He is the founding editor of one of Africa’s leading literary institutions Kwani? (www.kwani.org). Wainana’s witty and satirical essay, “How to Write About Africa” continues to attract wide attention. His memoir, “One Day I Will Write About This Place” has been translated into several languages. In 2007, Wainana was nominated by the World Economic Forum as a "Young Global Leader". He declined the award. He has been a Sterling Brown Fellow at Williams College, Massachusetts, a Lannan Fellow, a Visiting Writer at Union College, NY. Until 2012, he was the Director of the Chinua Achebe Center for African Writers and Artists at Bard College. In 2014, he came out publicly as gay. In the same year, he was named by Time magazine as one of 100 most influential people in the world.'
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[@roslynros4420]

Am I the only one who found myself here after his death? May his soul rest in peace

[@michaeladewunmi4504]

You're not alone! I got to know this man yesterday when I watched his interview on hard talks (and I didnt even know he was dead). He glued me to my chair throughout his interview. He left me awestruck and I loved him. Now today, I was randomly browsing online and suddenly saw his picture. I immediately recognized him... only to hear the sad story that he passed on few days ago. And then I suddenly saw this video and wish I knew him before now or read his books before now. I guess there are somethings we have no control over.

[@geoffreyembasa8483]

Peace,where?

[@gitahijohn2539]

WHICH PEACE

[@IsraelJ714]

Just came across him ,this very moment, guess I needed too.

[@stellamwaniki6717]

Me too

[@lizmuthoni2138]

There is no courage without vulnerability. Thank you wainaina. You live on through your work.

[@KiRetteCouture]

RIP. Your courage is forever inspiring! I was lucky to be in the audience.

[@nathanmalik1697]

The simple acceptance of our right to be, and be diverse, is the biggest and strongest thing to defend.

[@blackhibiscus1876]

I shut my ears to the noise and read all the literature you wrote. I’m glad it made me too late to judge you. Rest in many beautifully woven words.

[@leogwandaru9301]

You lived your life Wainaina! You spoke and believed in your truth! Rest well Wainaina!

[@WamuyuGatheru]

Beautiful. What a great storyteller. One day being gay, female, whichever tribe will stop being a big deal

[@dipsy405]

A man ahead of his time...

[@thescribe7645]

The end there brings tears to my eyes. Africa can be so hostile to Africans. We need to relearn love. RIP Binyavanga, you are a complicated figure - at that talk at NEST about afrofuturism, uliniudhi sana but you speak such truths here. I choose to remember you through this and throughly the first story of yours I ever read, it was about a butcher in rural Kenya.. you were a gifted storyteller, rest in peace

[@KiRetteCouture]

We need to relearn love. Thank you!

[@leonarddignop.8363]

wow! As an African human being, I am very proud of this courageous writer. His message will reach many other human being struggling with this nonsense hatred amongst the brainswashed of the world, or those hypocrite who believe the own the very thruth about morality. And as a homosexual, I thank him for this brave heart and life. We are born to live, not to fear. It is about time this continents accepts all his sons. YOU NEED TO LEARN THAT SOME PEOPLE ARE GAY, BE THAT IN SRI LANKA, BRAZIL OR KENIA, GET OVER IT. We always existed and will continue to exist. gay people are born everyday, you son or daughter could be suffering uselessly because of this moral entitlement of yours. SET PEOPLE FREE. WHATEVER I DO IN MY BEDROOM IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS, I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOURS EITHER, AS LONG AS IT IS CONSENSUAL AND NOT WITH MINORS, which ironically some super heterosexuals will approve from Nigeria to Malawi. Funny world this one.

[@swahiliwithnatives8385]

When Did homosexual Become Courageous

[@djwiderange6796]

leonarddigno P. I'm so sorry but you are lost

[@luismontoya1036]

leonarddigno P. who molested you when you were a little boy or who did molest. That man is not an African. This is the reason why Africa has to be ruled by Americans and European s.

[@MrMaboboz]

@@luismontoya1036 who made you the advocate for Africa? 1 billion people in the continent if one culture doesn't appeal to you look away and mind your own business

[@mohamedAli-kj6fb]

@@MrMaboboz keep thats to ur self then dont come out spreading the desease or u will face the consiquiences

[@faymystery4163]

Always fought for what you thought was right to you, even if not right for all the others. And you never cared what the world would say in as long as it pleased you. Rest well Binya, Rest in power!

[@lizmuthoni2138]

Thank you

[@neltahchadamoyo5825]

For all of us to be adventurous for Africa is an amazing idea! It's also getting in touch with our roots which are full of so many adventures. Let's reclaim who we are.

[@pink2fifi]

We have so much to learn from you boss, so much...rest with the angels Binyavanga, rest well

[@cessakinyi]

This is lovely. We have lost a great soul. Shine on Binyavanga! ❤

[@katienumiusher]

Thank you! This the work we MUST do.

[@geoffreyembasa8483]

Devilish agenda

[@rexarthur2274]

"Every African has to defend every kind of diversity we carry as an African even when you do not understand it" Brilliant statement.... To Infinity Binya

[@koppite9600]

No we shouldnt. Even our forefathers wouldnt listen to this whiteman in disguise.

[@malaikaglory4566]

Thanks Binya, you lived your life at a time when interaction was too difficult. You stood for yourself. I wish we would live in a world where it is not almost a " death sentence" to be who you are. It is a pity that you suffered too much. You came too early for a country like kenya and departed too early. RIP Binyavanga.

[@OliverOmotto]

Rest in peace Binya, a great literary scholar that Kenya chose to judge more than celebrate. One day history will judge us too.

[@tneita3166]

"HISTORY OR THE CREATOR", WHICH We call,,,,,,,,.?,,,,.have a good day,,,,.

[@sylviamoses5467]

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE! You inspired many with your courage and art! The world will surely miss you.

[@geoffreyembasa8483]

There's no peace for the wicked and perverts

[@immaculatendinda7134]

Which peace????are you mad!

[@sejerian]

Normal people scare me. What is normal???? Will really miss you. Thank you for a long chat we had in kisumu. Jah bless

[@innapinch7112]

You were blessed to have spoken with him. He was respected across nationalities and cultures. For what it's worth, as a white father in the United States, he espoused a kind of courage I would like to teach my children. God Bless.

[@josephinenkinyanjui.275]

Well said.

[@geoffrey256]

No weapons formed against us people of Africa shall prosper. Your enemies shall died young those who plot against us shall perish. My God continue protecting us.

[@billymaroko3736]

Che who exactly are you talking about

[@geoffrey256]

@@billymaroko3736 Those who want to force us into wicked and ungodly ways

[@faithwambua9712]

Amazing speech, amazing man. Rest in peace.

[@jedagw9212]

deep, very touching, very emotional in a positive way..... x

[@geoffreyembasa8483]

Angel of doom in the common seducing tone

[@JOmondi1]

Wow!! what a smart brain.......may your soul rest in peace......very inspiring....

[@2011WN]

This is so powerful...speaks to me in a totally different way this time around just like 'Writing about Africa' is resonating afresh with me than it ever did before. Binya, will really miss your funny self, your courageous self and your firmness, carefree, 'unbothered about anyone else' self. Most of all, I will miss your talented self in matters - kalamu, writing, chatting.... - what a loss. Lala salama.

[@mslinda5618]

One of the most amazing Ted talks ever!I salute you Binyavanga

[@MarcheMD]

Skip to 11:40 onwards then reflect.

[@njorogevirginia5275]

Rip Bivanyanga.A great writer,great story teller and an activist.

[@phlspoetryopenmic3005]

Rest on Binyavanga 'Binj' Wainaina. You fought well!

[@terrymaina1781]

l miss you so much Binya!Shine on!

[@chiakayanda969]

This is amazing.

[@loversarelunatics]

Thank you for being you. Be free 💜✨

[@petal8776]

I came to know about you on fb post that you no more... I guess I missed alot rest in peace

[@danielmaina3835]

Rest in peace you were great author and human being

[@geoffreyembasa8483]

Kuni ya jehanum

[@justinamusyoka4986]

@@geoffreyembasa8483 kweli.

[@LeeKnowsCatss]

I love this man

[@KaranjaPk]

She is a woman

[@Jeff_artsN]

I like how perspective is changing on homosexuality. I had to really think why I'm so against it and couldn't find any good reason, so I stopped. RIP

[@samueldzombo4061]

the forever courageous binyavanga.scale the heights, let the naysayers speak.

[@geoffreyembasa8483]

Courage to get innocent boys sodomized? Nonsense

[@EuDouArteHipHopArtCulture21]

amazing man, thank you . One love from Portugal, Rest in Peace Binyavanga

[@afiamartina2507]

Chills. Incredible

[@Sunshine_Amy]

I will never judge... Rest in peace

[@tneita3166]

NO ONE IS JUDGED, we have to give account For our ACTIONS ( behaviour. ), R they positive, Producing positive results, or R they negative, Producing negative results,,,. Have a good day,,,.

[@Sunshine_Amy]

@@tneita3166 ,after two yrs,,,if you acquired an android recently, am sorry to your reply...goodday too

[@dinkabasuki7925]

Rest in peace, Binya

[@atimnyanzi6859]

What a great story teller! Rest In Peace Binyavanga!

[@cnyagah]

Thank you for signing my copy of Kwani?

[@forcethecreator7092]

The best story teller ever

[@Bluy0]

his style tho! love it so much

[@swahiliwithnatives8385]

gay style

[@jahlov]

We cannot really be the same.. there should be room for diversification

[@bevmunga4094]

Thanks for your courage 💘 Continue resting in Peace.

[@hiurymilhomem4905]

incrível! 💎♥️🍀

[@bilharotich1531]

Smart man. Continue resting in power

[@henrysteven4333]

I admire your courage. It's inspiring. Rest well.

[@allankiplimo9752]

Thats it man!!!

[@ifeomaojeifo2950]

This video spoke to me

[@graciakinyanjui6937]

BRILLIANT MIND,

[@devishaaiesec]

Very powerful!

[@humphreyajuoga8996]

That's my man there.I feel you kabisa Binyavanga kabisa kabisa.

[@geoffreyembasa8483]

Are u truly Luo?

[@hopedavid1556]

🙄🙄

[@kanyangilaw]

I love you so much! I'm sad. You've left a HOLE in my heart.

[@big.r5550]

Shoga wewe ..

[@mlavin1716]

O my, this is soo good. You need to do more of this you tube story telling, damn this was really good. Been hearing about you but never really checked you out, glad I stumbled on this vid.,and yes after this am all over the place searching for your books and live videos. Damn you are really really good. And nice how you brought humor to a "feared" topic P.S. Anyone condemning the skirt should actually watch this video first, the skirt is part of the story, it brings the whole story together. btw anyone's sexuality should be the zero least of our concerns, this guy is clearly soo intelligent I just want a portion of it.

[@kawiraneddy3288]

And the confidence ..damn

[@janewanganga7865]

RIP Binyavanga

[@KIPTOOAMMONBELYON]

Rest in Peace Binyavanga Wainaina.

[@niasworld27]

Very touching Rest in Power

[@agaltoto8506]

Binyavanga was a whole vibe.

[@chantellemurphy9720]

Great writer RIP Wainaina

[@JOURNEYAMISHU]

loveeeeeeee him #Salute

[@itsmimi4135]

Inspiring Man..rest in peace

[@geoffreyembasa8483]

Great commerce circling the ashes of Sodom

[@chrisogonas]

Rest in peace, Binyavanga!

[@yuliananamubiru5860]

Ohhhhh rest in perfect peace

[@geoffreyembasa8483]

No eternal peace for the wickedly perverts

[@kawiraneddy3288]

His hair matched his skirt...😂

[@estheraruka6374]

Ikr! He really didn't come to play! 😂❤️

[@ambassadorofchrist6983]

Now you have met the REAL BABA sir 🔥

[@MomonicaG]

🖤🖤

[@rosemarymugwe5666]

Rest in peace

[@cerarocks9512]

Rest in Peace Binyavanga Wainana!

[@user-tt5kg8yo4l]

You know how to steal attention I wish you all the best

[@219790]

Damn, is he wearing a skirt?

[@lmmaculatetoto3957]

I have askirt made of this material now I wonder did wainaina I shop in the same duka

[@dianadoinglife]

So sad i got to know you Binya the day you passed. Rest easy great story teller you were...

[@danielonduru8571]

my ancestors in kenya are very mad mad mad mad......

[@azp5199]

😂

[@afd4017]

👏🏾

[@north77100]

We human beings pretend a lot that God and his word is of no consequences to us. I'm afraid my brother entered eternity without God. There is no exit once you enter there. Christ is the free gift to us,please listen when you still can.thx

[@jaywilint.5408]

north77100 how sad it is for people to glorify sin.

[@finjalchebet8976]

We don't know what he told God last minute. He's the ultimate judge

[@hesbonbwire5477]

You should live for Christ when you are still living. God is not for the dead but for the living. Repent and be baptise in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins

[@niliyatspartan3011]

I saw this guy one day and i was shocked but didn't bother his business.

[@MkenyaMarekaniTV]

Rest in Power

[@samiag4929]

Rest in Peace !!

[@Rugiee]

Such a brilliant brilliant guy. Rest well Binya.

[@cyrusmotieri8850]

Rip Binyavanga

[@chepchep9580]

Rest In Peace ✌️

[@mosescheruiyot1889]

RIP Binyavanga Wainaina.

[@sejerian]

Intelligent soul Jah bless

[@mweusimrembo890]

💜💜💜💜

[@hasanx4637]

This is what they want Africa to look like. think about that.

[@TheIrbe]

yep, hopefully africans use their brain.

[@ogechiezeji8731]

Pathetic.

[@mbumag]

Fare thee well courageous , brilliant African prince. Rest in peace Binyavanga😪🙏❤

[@geoffreyembasa8483]

Whose prince? Sodom's puppets

[@charitywotti8879]

@@geoffreyembasa8483 You're entitled to your hatred, it must mean so much to you but you don't get to determine how others feel about this wonderful African Prince.

[@amosngugi5566]

@@geoffreyembasa8483 exactly we are not gays

[@americandazzle129]

Rest in peace. Mola akulaze pema peponi

[@yubizkip2309]

RIP legend

[@tiddlewink101]

Da Faq is he wearing

[@Cerl84]

@afroaphrodite we know what it is why is he wearing a female dance apparel?

[@Achebi]

I know

[@stacywambuli3741]

He is wearing it because he can :)

[@danteduaine4341]

So he chose a skirt🤔...ok whatever..

[@brianmwangi5082]

And he is dead

[@leahawiti4870]

Rest in peace sir.

[@geoffreyembasa8483]

This was the devil's child

[@gladysmekenye6974]

Rest in peace.

[@ladybird6442]

How I wish you can resurrect to tell people story.

[@suffolk6311]

No comment.

[@SK_K515]

RIP B😭😭😭😭😭😭🙏

[@jay-jq5jf]

RIP sir .

[@maskedtitan7126]

RIP Mr

[@lekihitikivuyo]

You look good with it

[@africanqueenmo]

Sorry you were not welcome in some places when you were alive. However I disagree with your choice of homosexuality. None should harm you for it but no one need accept or praise you for it either. Daddy issues are a factor in this practice.

[@estherwambui8847]

True..he stressed him more.

[@foy41gmail6]

Best put. Live and let live

[@kristiekabs2594]

@Mo on the Go, very well God bless

[@jesseshadrack9326]

Make me understand, thereafter i will consider defending it

[@scobar4651]

Jesse, if he had a choice, he would have been straight cause he would have been appreciated. But it's not a choice. It's biological, I can explain that later. I appreciate your effort to understand rather than leave a hateful comment. That is one less child who has committed suicide.

[@rekiyaE]

@@scobar4651 Hi please explain it to me, I can't understand what you mean by it's biological. I thought it's more behavioural, the environment the person has been or was exposed to, peer pressure etc.... Please explain it to me, I'd like to understand it biologically. Nice meeting you 🖐️

[@scobar4651]

Not at all. But you are kind. Maybe an email would be easier that a youtube comment, I'd love to send one and explain

[@hopedavid1556]

@@scobar4651 are you in fear of letting everyone know about it?? Come on