The Velvet Hut, in collaboration with Dade Krama Studios, has hosted the maiden edition of "A Gathering Under The Neem", an event celebrating African storytelling, music and culture.

Held at The Velvet Hut in Labone over the weekend, the event reimagined the traditional African storytelling session held under a tree for a modern audience in an intimate studio setting.

Patrons were treated to an immersive cultural experience featuring the live narration of the opening instalment of "Amane Asesa—of Monsters and Gods", an epic fantasy rooted in African mythology and history. The performance was delivered by voice artiste Mawuli Sachey.

In a remotely televised address, the book's author, N.O.M. Tutu Ani, described the work as Africa telling its own story.

"This is Africa speaking. Amane Adesa draws from real African cultures, real locations, real traditions, incantations, kingdoms, tribes, and peoples... It's the kind of story that makes you say: 'Ah, This is African history. This is African culture and tradition.'"

He said readers would find the story deeply familiar.

"From the very first page, you'll feel it. It comes across as almost present, almost real especially to the African reader. Amane Adesa blurs the line between what is real and what is not... Every chapter opens with a quote. Some are real proverbs from real life. Some are created to echo the story as a whole."

The programme also featured live music and a solo recital exploring themes of humanity and purpose. It was moderated by columnist and insurance regulator Mawuli Zogbenu.

The event concluded with a raffle in which attendees won hardcover and paperback copies of "Amane Asesa—of Monsters and Gods."

According to the organisers, Amane Adesa is an epic historical work that blends African myth with historical narratives and is available as an audiobook and e-book on the AKRÁBÀÀ app for iOS and Android. Printed copies can also be ordered through the app.

The organisers said future editions of "A Gathering Under The Neem" will be announced in due course and are expected to be held at different venues.