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

by Ikenna Churchill (Managing Editor)

Highlights:

If there’s a story inside you, write it. You don’t need permission.
Oftentimes, the only thing holding you back is yourself. My advice to young authors is simply to write.

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 that reflect the contemporary African experience. Among these rising stars is Chukwuebuka Ibeh, whose debut novel, Blessings, marks a significant milestone in this literary movement.

Ibeh’s novel exemplifies how young authors use their platforms to address themes of identity, acceptance, and resilience that resonate deeply with readers within and beyond Africa.

Blessings explores the complexities of identity, the quest for acceptance, and resilience in the face of adversity. Through the journey of Obiefuna, a young boy navigating his sexual identity in a society that criminalizes same-sex relationships, Ibeh portrays societal and familial pressures as factors that shape individual identities in the Nigerian socio-cultural clime.

This narrative not only sheds light on the lived realities of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Nigeria but also contributes to a broader dialogue about the rising need for the acceptance of sexual orientation and identity in Africa.

Chukwuebuka Ibeh’s journey to becoming a published author is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Growing up in South-South Nigeria’s Port Harcourt, Ibeh–often jotting down his thoughts on scraps of paper–was always passionate about writing.

Over time, these fragments of his imagination coalesced into the manuscript that would become Blessings. Despite numerous challenges, including societal pressures and the difficulty of breaking into the literary world, Ibeh remained steadfast. His determination paid off when he secured a publishing deal which marked the beginning of his literary career and cemented his place in the new wave of African literature.

Akpata Magazine recently engaged in a discussion with Chukwuebuka Ibeh about his work on Blessings and his emergence as a new voice in African literature among other voices.

The conversation has been summarized and edited for brevity and coherence.

Akpata Magazine: Can you share the journey of how Blessings came to be, from initial scraps of paper to a published novel?

Chukwuebuka Ibeh: In the early stages of writing Blessings, I used to have spontaneous visual moments of inspiration: I would write down the scenes that came in these moments on scraps of paper; the scenes were often fleeting. I was afraid that if I did not write them right away, I would lose them.

During the 2020 pandemic, I was contacted by an editor from Penguin Random House who enjoyed one of my short stories. This was when I got the first opportunity to develop the novel. I spent several months indoors revising and crafting the manuscript before finishing the first draft.

What inspired the themes and characters in your debut book?

The characters in Blessings are inspired by real people but redefined to avoid direct representation. I create complex, non-definitive portrayals by drawing on observed traits and nuances and adding or subtracting from them.

The novel’s themes include familial love, the nature of love itself–whether conditional or unconditional, the complexities of marriage, and societal expectations that are all influenced by personal reflections and observations over time.

***How does* Blessings *reflect contemporary Nigerian culture and society for the Gen Z and early Millennials?***

Blessings seems to mostly resonate with Gen Z and early millennials in Nigeria as seen in their enthusiasm and acceptance of its themes. The novel reflects a cultural shift towards greater liberalism among young Nigerians.

Although I was initially uncertain about its reception due to its subject matter, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how it has sparked discussions and prompted readers to reconsider their pre-existing views.

While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly how the novel reflects Gen-Z culture, I do hope it can influence them (Gen Z) towards a more liberal mindset.

What personal challenges did you face as a young author during the writing and publishing process?

As a Nigerian writer, I faced challenges common to many, like frequent power outages that hindered writing on electronic devices. Also, access to supportive institutions, like comprehensive creative writing programs, is limited in Nigeria and across Africa. This is what led me to pursue an MFA in the US.

Another challenge I faced was trying to break into a saturated global literary market. It’s still a daunting task despite the quality of work one produces.

In what way do you hope your book will influence and inspire other young African writers?

I hope Blessings inspires young African writers by showing that it’s possible to write novels outside of the mainstream; I wish there were more novels like it. This would diversify the range of stories available to readers.

I hope “Blessings” inspires young African writers by showing that it’s possible to write novels outside the mainstream.
Chukwuebuka Ibeh

How do you think young voices will shape the future of African literature?

I’m happy to see younger Africans not just consuming but also producing literature. Each generation shapes its culture through various forms of art, including literature. I believe young Africans will continue this tradition and even surpass it.

While I can’t predict the future, I’m optimistic. Books written by young authors, like Blessings, show that African literature has a bright future with diverse voices gaining attention and sparking discussions.

What advice do you have for young Nigerian writers who want to portray their queer experiences but are afraid of the stigma here?

I can’t speak to individual experiences, but if something feels important, that’s a reason to pursue it. However, in Nigeria, the risks can be significant, including potential legal consequences. Protect yourself first and foremost. If you feel confident and ready to face the potential repercussions, go ahead.

If not, it makes you no less courageous. The real issue is the oppressive environment, not the choice to defend yourself. Self-preservation is vital, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to take risks you’re not ready for.

What advice would you give to aspiring young authors who are looking to write their own story?

If there’s a story inside you, write it. You don’t need permission. Oftentimes, the only thing holding you back is yourself. My advice to young authors is simply to write.

If there’s a story inside you, write it. You don’t need permission.
Chukwuebuka Ibeh

Chukwuebuka Ibeh’s debut, Blessings, illuminates the power of storytelling in African literature. His extraordinary journey from scribbling fleeting thoughts on scraps of paper to securing a publishing deal with Penguin Random House exemplifies the relentless spirit and creativity that defines the new wave of African writers.

It is a reminder that even in the face of significant obstacles—societal pressures, infrastructural challenges, and the daunting global literary market—passion and determination can carve out a path to success.

As the literary landscape continues to evolve, the rise of young African voices like Ibeh’s heralds a new era of diversity and innovation.

These voices are not only shaping the future of African literature but also enriching the global literary landscape. In all, Ibeh’s success story encourages aspiring writers to remain steadfast in their creative endeavors because every story, no matter how unconventional, deserves to be told!