Culture & Society

‘I Feel Everything’ Damilola Orimogunje Explains Why He’s Drawn to Tragedy

Hillary EssienMarch 2, 2023

For Damilola Orimogunje, there are many stories the industry isn’t telling. ‘I like to centre the human experience in my films; poor healthcare, poor infrastructure, education and more,’ He says. ‘So when you see it, you can see pain, grief, anguish in these stories. You focus on the plot.’

February/March 2023InterviewsNigeria

Voting For Nigeria’s Potential The 2023 Elections Matter but Have Nigerians Suffered Enough?

Ndidi AkaharaFebruary 23, 2023

As Nigeria approaches yet another crossroad, many have cause to reflect on the country’s progress, its pitfalls and its hopes. Few people will deny that the country is full of ‘potential’, and yet, almost 63 years after independence, Nigeria is yet to actualize the full extent of its potential. The pressing question on our mind is: why has Nigeria not been able to convincingly begin its journey towards meeting key development goals?

February/March 2023NigeriaNigeria Decides 2023: Essays

New Releases 23 African Books to Expect in 2023

Peace Yetunde OnafuyeFebruary 22, 2023

2023 promises exciting African books from authors such as Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Leila Aboulela, Peace Adzo Medie, Tendai Huchu, Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, and more.

February/March 2023NigeriaReadingvol7-no1

‘I Take Comfort in Romantic Stories’ Lara T. Kareem's First Draft

Lara T. KareemFebruary 17, 2023

Nigerian author and romance novelist, Lara T. Kareem, discusses her fondness for writing love stories.

February/March 2023First DraftInternational Women's Day - First DraftInterviewsNigeria

Love Sells But Consumer Culture is Ruining Valentine’s Day

Lara T. KareemFebruary 14, 2023

Valentine’s Day has become more than a day where individuals express love and affection, but also a day for organizations to capitalize on by peddling commodities through crafty and sentimental messaging.

February/March 2023Nigeria

‘The Most Powerful Texts Build Bridges Between People’ Mumbi Kanyogo's First Draft

Mumbi KanyogoFebruary 10, 2023

Kenyan author, Mumbi Kanyogo, is interested in the contradicting stories told about domestic workers.

February/March 2023First DraftInternational Women's Day - First DraftInterviewsKenya

The Bronze Elephant in the Room After the Benin Bronzes Come Home, What Next?

Daniel Olaoluwa WhyteFebruary 7, 2023

Beyond leveraging the global push for repatriation and calling for the return of stolen cultural artefacts, the Nigerian government needs to change its attitude towards cultural art to guarantee the Benin Bronzes a meaningful future at home.

Best of 2023: EssaysFebruary/March 2023Nigeriavol7-no1

Nigeria’s Mental Health Sector Has a New Messiah Behind the 2021 Mental Health Act

Boluwatito SanusiFebruary 6, 2023

According to the World Health Organization, one in four Nigerians—about 50 million individuals suffer from a mental health condition.

February/March 2023Nigeria

‘The Mechanics of Storytelling at Any Length Aren’t Different’ Wole Talabi's First Draft

Wole TalabiFebruary 3, 2023

Nigerian author, Wole Talabi, believes the mechanics of storytelling at any length aren’t different.

February/March 2023First DraftInterviewsNigeria

Akin Omotoso’s ‘Rise’ is a Cinematic Triumph Review: ‘Rise’ (2023)

Carl TerverJanuary 31, 2023

In Rise, Akin Omotoso shows the world a side of Nigeria not so often portrayed in the popular, soulless, franchise Nollywood of touted mediocrity. Yet, it appears that at times, the film becomes unduly cosmetic in order fulfil a Cinderella archetype.

February/March 2023Nigeria