‘I Fell in Love with Books Before I Could Even Read’ Priya Hein's First Draft
Mauritian novelist, Priya Hein, hopes readers discover unknown aspects of Mauritius through her debut novel, Riambel.
International Women’s Day
The Artist-Philosopher Keeping Up With My Sister, KemKem
Olukemi Lijadu, or ‘KemKem’ is a DJ, philosopher and the creator of the 2022 experimental film, Guardian Angel. She’s also my older sister and throughout my life, I have watched her bloom into the incredible, multidisciplinary hybrid creative that she is today.
‘I Write to Pull the Future Closer to Now’ Natasha Chilambo's First Draft
Natasha Chilambo believes understanding the many faces of violent extremism in Nigeria will illuminate the many approaches to managing it.
‘I Write to Gain a Better Understanding of Who I Am’ Zainab Kuku’s First Draft
Nigerian writer, Zainab Kuku, believes any Afrobeats musician that is currently highly-rated is deservedly so.
‘Writing Is a Grind; It Won’t Always Be Exciting or Magical’ Desola Olaleye's First Draft
Nigerian writer, Desola Olaleye, wants people to understand that fighting for the restitution of African cultural artefacts is not a misplaced priority.
‘The Very Best Writers Can Make the Most Banal Ideas Seem Interesting’ Ore Agbaje-Williams’ First Draft
British-Nigerian novelist and editor, Ore Agbaje-Williams, wants her stories to connect with all kinds of readers: ‘I don’t want to prescribe my writing or books to one kind of reader. I hope that all kinds of readers will be able to read my books and enjoy them!’
‘People Seem to be Trying to Reconnect with Nature’ In Conversation with Nengi Omuku
‘I thought about how we’ve all gone through this traumatic event, the pandemic, and faced endless loss and illness,’ Nengi Omuku says. ‘I realized, via scrolling on social media and watching the news, that people seem to be trying to reconnect with nature and choosing to acknowledge all that it has given us.’
‘It’s Quite Sad That Non-Africans Value African Digital Artists More’ Renike Olusanya’s First Draft
Visual artist and book cover illustrator, Renike Olusanya, believes African digital artists are undervalued. Read our interview.
‘There is a Difference Between What You Can Write and What You Should Write’ Nancy Adimora’s First Draft
Founder of AFREADA literary magazine, Nancy Adimora, believes it is damaging for people to think African stories do not sell. Read our interview.
‘Writing a Book for Children is Not as Easy as One Might Think’ Efua Traoré’s First Draft
Novelist, Efua Traoré, has found that children can be the most challenging audience. Read our interview.