June/July 2025
‘Writers Understand the World in a Transcendent Way’ Hamza Koudri’s First Draft
Algerian writer and author of Sand Rose, Hamza Koudri, wants readers to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to culture: ‘Communities are diverse and what you learn about a specific place does not entirely apply to the whole community… Culture varies with every step you take across time and space, and while it is important to familiarize yourself with the dynamic parts of the country and its past, you shouldn’t take anything for granted.’ Read More...
7 Books That Prove That Nigerians Are Having Sex
In our latest book recommendation, we have compiled a list of seven books that prove that Nigerians are having sex. From the published accounts of African women on their sex lives to a story with a nuanced portrayal of teenage sexual attraction, the books on this list are all the proof you need that contrary to what many Nigerians would have us believe, they do enjoy a good rumble in the sheets! Read More...
Watching ‘My Father’s Shadow’ in Cannes
My Father’s Shadow, Nigeria’s first-ever official selection at the Cannes Film Festival, takes us on a cinematic journey through Lagos with a father and his two sons—blending nostalgia, political tension and dreamlike storytelling. Read More...
Nigeria Was Once the World’s Largest Palm Oil Producer—What Happened?
Nigeria is the fifth largest producer of palm oil in the world although it used to be number one. Despite being a major producer, its population relies on imported palm oil reflecting a history that saw Nigeria lose the global palm oil market to southeast Asian countries. Read More...
Politics of Religion in Northern Nigeria
The failure of populist religious reforms has opened the door to radical religious groups who criticize the state for both poor governance and non-adherence to religious doctrines. This unresolved tension leads to the politicization of Islam. The resulting disconnect deepens ideological divides and leads to continuous social unrest. Read More...
Akwaeke Emezi’s Love Letter to Eastern Nigeria
In their sophomore novel, The Death of Vivek Oji, published five years ago, Akwaeke Emezi upends conventions of plot, genre and place to tell a riveting story of how three generations of an Igbo family reckon with the unpredictability of desire and the certainty of death. Read More...
Nigeria Is No Haven for People With Albinism
For Nigerians with albinism, the greatest burden isn’t their condition; it’s the ignorance and misinformation around it. Widespread education and public awareness is crucial to dismantling the stigma they face daily. Read More...
Six African Writers Reveal the Last Great Book Recommendations They Received
In our latest First Draft interview, we asked six writers to share the last great book recommendations the received. Here’s what they told us. Read More...
7 Books That Will Make You Actually Care About Climate Change
From the memoir of a Ugandan climate activist, which emphasizes the importance of climate justice, to a dystopian novel that imagines a climate-ravaged South Africa, the books on this list will show you just how bad things can get if the world does not prioritize climate conservation. Read More...
Does Lagos Have an Architectural Identity Crisis?
The architectural identity of Lagos is at a crossroads. It got there on the back of urbanization and economic growth. While these major influences have led to remarkable development, they have eroded the spirit of place in Lagos. Is this a problem or an opportunity? Read More...
