Borders Literature Online

Yaba Badoe's Biography

Yaba Badoe picture
Ghanaian born, Yaba Badoe is a graduate of King’s College, Cambridge. In 2017, she became a fellow of The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center in Bellagio, Italy. The Centre awards a month-long residency to fellows ‘to advance their individual work while connecting with a stimulating mix of individuals from across disciplines and across the globe.’ Presented to artists, academics, thought leaders and policy makers and practitioners, the award is aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

An acclaimed documentary film maker, among Badoe’s credits are: Black and White (1987), an investigation into race and racism in Bristol using hidden video cameras for BBC 1; The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo (2014) which showcases the literary works of a remarkable and under-sung African woman writer; The Witches of Gambaga, co-produced with Amina Mama, which won Best Documentary at the Black International Film Festival in 2010 and was awarded 2nd Prize in the Documentary section of FESPACO 2011.

 An accomplished creative writer, Badoe’s first novel, True Murder  (2009) is published by Jonathan Cape. Her debut children’s novel, Jigsaw of Fire and Stars is published by Zephyr, the new children’s imprint at Head of Zeus.