Guest Writer | In Conversation with Babs Gons

The University of Groningen announces its guest writer for the 2026/2027 academic year: Babs Gons. Journalist and broadcaster Aldith Hunkar interviews her about her work, sources of inspiration, and views on language.

Babs Gons (Utrecht, 1971) is a writer, performer, and spoken-word artist. She made her debut in 2021 with the poetry collection "Doe het toch maar", but was already a central figure in the Dutch spoken-word scene before that. As Poet of the Netherlands (2023-2025), she worked to make poetry accessible to as many people as possible and breathe new life into the art of recitation. The selection committee described her as "one of the most compelling poets the Netherlands currently has, with a voice full of fire, burning and warm, both on stage and on paper." On 28 May, her latest collection "Wie zijn we morgen" will be published by Atlas Contact.

Aldith Hunkar (Paramaribo, 1962) is a journalist and radio and television presenter. Many know her from the Youth News, the programme that this year receives the Honorary Silver Nipkowschijf for its 45-year existence. She currently presents The Morning on NPO Klassiek and produces a podcast about classical music, alongside occasional television programmes in the cultural sphere. She is also active as a chairperson and moderator, presented the inauguration of Babs Gons as Poet of the Netherlands, and has interviewed writers such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ta-Nehisi Coates.