December/January 2023

We Need to Talk About the Nobel Prize Bias Why Are Black People Still Not Winning Nobel Prizes in the Sciences?

Kéchi Nne NomuDecember 2, 2023

Winning the Literature and Peace Nobel Prizes has been crucial to Black literature and resistance. But what does a history of omission in the other elusive categories mean?

AfricaDecember/January 2023

Nigerian Godpunk Comes of Age with Shigidi Book Review: Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon by Wole Talabi

Edwin OkoloDecember 2, 2023

Shigidi, a fantasy novel by Wole Talabi, is a fine display of the author’s dexterity as a writer and his keen eye for story. It is also a fine demonstration of how grossly underutilized African mythology has been in world fantasy.

Best of 2023: EssaysDecember/January 2023NigeriaReading

Living in America, Leaving Nigeria Notes on the House that Needs Saving

Ìdòwú Ọdẹ́yẹmíDecember 2, 2023

Living in America as an African is quite different from living somewhere in Africa. If anything, Americans will make you forget your own insignificance on earth.

December/January 2023NigeriaThe Black Atlantic

Is C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata a Modern-Day Classic? Review: ‘Mami Wata’ (2023)

Seyi LasisiDecember 2, 2023

By being steadfast to his vision to explore African political and religious realities, C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata is swimming outside its national shores.

December/January 2023Nigeria

Eyeless in Gaza Locating Gaza’s Roads to Africa

Richard SolomonDecember 2, 2023

Polemics about Gaza often reflect Israel’s complex relationship to African anti-colonial struggles and Africans’ own dynamic relationship to Zionism and the Jewish people. Gaza, however, also highlights the enduring richness of Africa’s anti-colonial past in defining the terms of Palestinian struggle.

AfricaBest of 2023: EssaysDecember/January 2023

7 Books for Anyone Dealing With Grief and Loss

Peace Yetunde OnafuyeDecember 2, 2023

From poignant stories to insightful reflections, our book recommendations have the potential to provide comfort, encouragement, and a profound understanding of the complexities of grief and loss.

AfricaDecember/January 2023Read Something AfricanReading

‘I Love Books That Evoke an Emotional Reaction in Me’ Muthoni Muiruri’s First Draft

Muthoni MuiruriDecember 1, 2023

Kenyan publisher and co-founder of Soma Nami Books, Muthoni Muiruri, loves to read books that are intellectually stimulating and evoke an emotional reaction: ‘If a book makes me cry and teaches me empathy; if the characters stay with me long after reading, I consider that a forever book. I am also extremely grateful for books that teach me something, that challenge me and force me to reckon with my ignorance and biases and that compel me to want to research and learn.’

December/January 2023First DraftInterviewsKenya