Interviews

The Emotive Verse: Joemario Umana on Influences, Process, and the Exploration of Masculinity

Joemario Umana is one of the rising voices in contemporary Nigerian poetry. Hailing from Maiduguri, Umana’s work explores the intricacies of identity, vulnerability, and the interaction between the physical and the emotive poetic realms. Umana is a SprinNG fellow, member…

Sympatheia and the Poetic Archive of Human Experience —Abu Bakr Sadiq

Abu Bakr Sadiq is the author of Leaked Footages (University of Nebraska Press, 2024), which won the 2023 Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry. “Leaked Footages” is a profound meditation on loss, memory, and the search for meaning in a world…

Comfort Omovre on Writing Healthier Love Stories

I wrote this novel to show people that love and relationships could be so much better, different than what they’re used to.

Writing, Identity, and Staying True to Your Craft – Chika Unigwe

Chika Unigwe is a Nigerian-born author and professor known for her powerful storytelling, especially on themes of migration, identity, and resilience. Her works, including On Black Sisters’ Street and The Middle Daughter, explore complex human experiences through African and immigrant…

Memory, Perspective, and the Creative Nonfiction Writer – Abasi-maenyin Esebre

In this interview, we delve into Esebre’s thoughts on memory, perspective, and the responsibilities of a nonfiction writer. How does a writer draw the line between fact and feeling? How do personal memories influence the stories we tell? These are…

In Nigeria, Writing Queer Stories Could Make Me a Target for Murder – Enit’ayanfe Akinsaya

In a country where silence is often safer than truth, Enit’ayanfe Ayosojumi Akinsanya stands unflinchingly at the crossroads of art and danger. As a queer Nigerian writer, his decision to write stories that humanise queer people’s experiences in a society…

Myths, Memory, and Representation: Ashley Thorpe’s Vision for Literature

In this interview, Thorpe talks about how his background and personal experiences influenced his writing. He shares the challenges of getting published and explains why it’s important for children’s books to include diverse characters and stories. Thorpe’s vision is to create a more inclusive world of stories where every child can see themselves as the hero.

Chukwuebuka Ibeh’s Debut and The Rise of Young Voices in African Literature

by Ikenna Churchill (Managing Editor) Highlights: African literature is experiencing a major resurgence driven by a new generation of young writers redefining the continent’s literary landscape. These emerging voices are not only challenging traditional narratives but also bringing fresh perspectives…