‘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.
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Culture & Society
Shielding the Spirit of a Continent An Existential Argument for the Restitution of African Cultural Heritage
The struggle for the restitution of Africa’s artefacts from Western museums reflects the necessary undoing of imperial domination. It is not merely political but also existential—it is a fight for the spirit of Africa.
‘Like Most People I Am Simply Exhausted by Politics’ Helon Habila’s First Draft
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.’
Navigating Misconceptions Can Contemporary African Music Escape ‘Afrobeats’?
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.
African Legend Dillibe Onyeama (1951-2022)
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.
Unforgettable Words Five African Authors on Their Most Cherished Writing Advice
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.
From ‘Flexing’ to Federal Charges Hushpuppi Has Been Sentenced to Eleven Years in Prison
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.
‘Sisi Pia ni Watu’ In Kenya, Domestic Workers Resist Exploitation
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?
‘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!’
Illuminating Lenses When Nlele and MOMA Held Three Photography Workshops in Lagos
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.