Interviews

‘Creativity on the Continent Has Always Been a Continuum’ Victor Ehikhamenor on the Resilience of Benin Artistry

Wale Lawal and Peace Yetunde OnafuyeDecember 8, 2022

African artefacts looted, stolen, and forcefully taken belong to the African communities they were taken from in the Africa continent, Victor Ehikhamenor argues. He says, ‘In discussing restitution, we must also let the world know that creativity on the continent has always been a continuum, there was no break.’

December 22/January 23InterviewsNigeriavol6-no3

‘I Write to Gain a Better Understanding of Who I Am’ Zainab Kuku’s First Draft

Zainab KukuDecember 2, 2022

Nigerian writer, Zainab Kuku, believes any Afrobeats musician that is currently highly-rated is deservedly so.

Best of 2022: First DraftDecember 2022First DraftInternational Women's Day - First DraftInterviewsNigeria

‘Writing Is a Grind; It Won’t Always Be Exciting or Magical’ Desola Olaleye's First Draft

Desola OlaleyeNovember 25, 2022

Nigerian writer, Desola Olaleye, wants people to understand that fighting for the restitution of African cultural artefacts is not a misplaced priority.

First DraftInternational Women's Day - First DraftInterviewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022vol6-no3

‘Like Most People I Am Simply Exhausted by Politics’ Helon Habila’s First Draft

Helon HabilaNovember 18, 2022

Nigerian novelist, Helon Habila, whose debut novel, Waiting for an Angel, was published 20 years ago says his writing is shifting from the political towards domestic life: ‘my attention is shifting more towards domestic issues: family, race, and so on... I am more concerned with the meaning of what it means to be a Black person in this world—a Black father, a Black son, a Black daughter, wife.’

Best of 2022: First DraftFirst DraftInterviewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022

‘The Very Best Writers Can Make the Most Banal Ideas Seem Interesting’ Ore Agbaje-Williams’ First Draft

Ore Agbaje-WilliamsNovember 4, 2022

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!’

First DraftInternational Women's Day - First DraftInterviewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022

COP27: Vanessa Nakate Wants African Solutions for African Problems An Interview with Climate Activist, Vanessa Nakate

Elizabeth AbatiNovember 1, 2022

The solutions to African climate problems must be tailored to our unique circumstances, Vanessa Nakate argues ahead of COP27. She says, ‘We must make sure the solutions that are being funded are the ones that work for African people.’

InterviewsOctober/November 2022Special Focus: COP27Ugandavol6-no3

‘People Seem to be Trying to Reconnect with Nature’ In Conversation with Nengi Omuku

Alayo AkinkugbeOctober 31, 2022

‘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.’

Best of 2022International Women's Day - CultureInterviewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022vol6-no3

‘Self-Decolonization Must Be Ongoing or Else You Get Lost’ Leiyo Singo’s First Draft

Leiyo SingoOctober 28, 2022

Tanzanian writer, Leiyo Singo, believes Maasaiphobia in Tanzania has some roots in the country’s educational system. Read our interview.

First DraftInterviewsOctober/November 2022Tanzania

COP27: Abigael Kima’s Cautious Optimism An Interview with Climate Activist, Abigael Kima

Elizabeth AbatiOctober 26, 2022

Africa is an important voice in the climate debate, Abigael Kima argues ahead of COP27. ‘Because although we are only responsible for 0.5 per cent of historical emissions and less than 4 per cent of the global emissions at the moment, we are the most negatively impacted.’

InterviewsKenyaOctober/November 2022Special Focus: COP27

‘It’s Quite Sad That Non-Africans Value African Digital Artists More’ Renike Olusanya’s First Draft

Renike OlusanyaOctober 7, 2022

Visual artist and book cover illustrator, Renike Olusanya, believes African digital artists are undervalued. Read our interview.

August/September 2022Best of 2022: First DraftFirst DraftInternational Women's Day - First DraftInterviewsNigeria