April/May 2024

The Books That Changed the Minds of Writers

Peace Yetunde OnafuyeApril 26, 2024

The joy of being a reader lies in discovering new thoughts, ideas, and histories. Over the past year, we have asked some authors about the books that changed their minds about something. Here’s what they told us.

April/May 2024First DraftInterviewsReading

‘Pour le Pays, Pour la Patrie, Mourir est Beau’

Anne Gaelle LissadeApril 21, 2024

Haiti was once a success story of enslaved Africans who withstood French and, subsequently, American imperialism. So much has changed since. Reflecting on Haiti’s national anthem, the ‘Dessalinienne’, I found irony in the descent into madness my country is currently experiencing.

April/May 2024

A Principle for the New Nigerian Criticism

AncciApril 21, 2024

Because we aim to interest the Nigerian public in literature with literary criticism, our language should not be as private and subversive as the language of the writers whose works we aim to demystify.

April/May 2024NigeriaReading

Notes on Absence

Ìdòwú Ọdẹ́yẹmíApril 21, 2024

One only realizes the notions of love in one’s life when they become absent. Read the sequel to ‘Living in America, Leaving Nigeria’.

April/May 2024The Black Atlantic

The Bad Man From Kamwokya

Hadijjah SebunyaApril 21, 2024

For a traumatized population that is frequently gaslighted with state propaganda, the 2023 documentary—Bobi Wine: The People’s President—tugs at something that many Ugandans have tried to kill inside of them.

April/May 2024Uganda

Nigeria Now and the Art of Protest

Favour OlajideApril 21, 2024

As Nigerians face economic and social challenges, it is important that they express their grievances through protests. However, certain groups have resorted to a different form of ‘protest’, which is used to water down the legitimate concerns of the people.

April/May 2024Nigeria

7 Books to Read Before You Get Married

Peace Yetunde OnafuyeApril 21, 2024

In our latest book recommendation, we have compiled a list of seven books that explore various aspects of marriage and relationships—from communication and conflict resolution to intimacy and personal growth.

April/May 2024Read Something AfricanReading

Aya Care’s Sudden Fame

Victoria AuduApril 14, 2024

After going viral on social media, the women-led team at sanitary pad provider, Aya Care, found themselves at the centre of a renewed discussion about menstrual hygiene in Nigeria. What did this attention mean for their future growth?

April/May 2024Nigeria