Culture & Society

‘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

Navigating Misconceptions Can Contemporary African Music Escape ‘Afrobeats’?

Kathleen AnazaNovember 16, 2022

From the implications of Billboard’s new ‘Afrobeats US’ category to the Afrobeats crossover records with Afro-descendant artists, Afrobeats may not be the catch-all label or lens we asked for, but it’s the one being used to describe the new wave of African music.

NigeriaOctober/November 2022

African Legend Dillibe Onyeama (1951-2022)

Afoma DikeNovember 14, 2022

Dillibe Onyeama whose works include Nigger at Eton (1972), African Legend (1984) and The Joys of African Humour (2000), has died aged 71. The author of 28 books, Onyeama was celebrated for his bold writing style and his unflinching determination to reflect the truth of his experiences in his memoirs and novels.

NewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022

Unforgettable Words Five African Authors on Their Most Cherished Writing Advice

Peace Yetunde OnafuyeNovember 10, 2022

If you are conflicted about getting started with your writing or trying to get out of a rut, these words of advice some seasoned authors have received might just be what you need.

NigeriaOctober/November 2022Reading

From ‘Flexing’ to Federal Charges Hushpuppi Has Been Sentenced to Eleven Years in Prison

Afoma DikeNovember 9, 2022

A US District Court has sentenced Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, ‘Hushpuppi’, to eleven years and three months in prison. Hushpuppi’s is the tale of Icarus. But a contributing factor to the wind beneath his artificial wings was the largely unconditional acceptance and support that he gained from his almost cult-like following of over two million people on Instagram.

NewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022

‘Sisi Pia ni Watu’ In Kenya, Domestic Workers Resist Exploitation

Mumbi KanyogoNovember 7, 2022

For many years in Nairobi, domestic work has been synonymous with exploitation. What does the future hold for Kenya’s domestic workers and their allies, who are actively organizing to transform domestic work into dignified work?

Best of 2022KenyaOctober/November 2022vol6-no3

‘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

Illuminating Lenses When Nlele and MOMA Held Three Photography Workshops in Lagos

Afoma DikeNovember 4, 2022

On 03 November 2022, the Nlele Institute and the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) jointly organized three workshops in Lagos, spotlighting Nigerian photographers and artists. Panelists discussed the expanding role of African photography.

AfricaNigeriaOctober/November 2022

Mind Makers Four Authors on the Books that Changed Their Minds

Peace Yetunde OnafuyeOctober 31, 2022

What does it mean when a book changes your mind?

NigeriaOctober/November 2022Reading

‘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