As an African policy researcher, sub-editor at The Republic, and author of ‘Algeria’s Indefinite Pause’, Temi Ibirogba, sees a lot of misconceptions about Africa and blackness. ‘One common misconception is that Black issues are not global.’
First Draft is our interview column, featuring authors and other prominent figures on books, reading, and writing.
Our questions are italicized.
What books or kinds of books did you read growing up?
Growing up, I fondly remember reading Things Fall Apart and Purple Hibiscus and how monumental those books were for me. Both books provided ways for me to feel connected to Nigeria and its history while growing up in America, and they also made me feel seen. The main characters of the books we read at school or that were targeted to my age group in the library normally didn’t look like me, so reading stories like these and seeing Nigerian names was really important for me.
If you could rewrite a classic book/text, which would it be and why?
I would rewrite George Orwell’s 1984 but have it take place today. The past few years have been difficult globally, from Trump to persistent racism to the pandemic. It would be interesting to see dystopian elements in a modern-day novel. Like Black Mirror, but a book.
The main characters of the books we read at school or that were targeted to my age group in the library normally didn’t look like me, so reading stories like Things Fall Apart and Purple Hibiscus and seeing Nigerian names was really important for me.
What’s a recent book/text you disagreed with?
Probably anything published in the New York Post or Daily Mail.
What’s the last book you read that changed your mind about something?
I always cite Orientalism by Edward Said as being life-changing for me. It perfectly explained the way I had always felt but had never been able to put into words. I think it changed my mind in that it made me less naive about the world, when you don’t have the language to explain what you’re feeling, it’s easy to dismiss it or not explore it properly.
Reading Orientalism made me understand that I was being intentionally ‘othered’ and how harmful the Western gaze can be—more importantly, Orientalism made me realize the importance of African stories by Africans, for Africans.
Reading Orientalism made me understand that I was being intentionally ‘othered’ and how harmful the Western gaze can be—more importantly, Orientalism made me realize the importance of African stories by Africans, for Africans.
What’s a common misconception about politics in Africa or African politics?
My job is to research political, social and economic issues in Africa so the misconceptions I see regularly are endless. One common one is that Black issues are not global.
People see BLM in America and think it’s strictly an American issue; they forget there are Black people in the UK that experience issues like police brutality; or even in Africa at the hands of officials who act with complete impunity and disregard for Black lives. Black Lives Matter is a global movement.
What is your writing process like? Do you edit as you write or draft first, then edit?
I do both. I edit as I write and do multiple drafts that I go back and edit. I normally write about 4-5 drafts before I have my final piece.
People see Black Lives Matter in America and think it’s strictly an American issue; they forget there are Black people in the UK that experience issues like police brutality; or even in Africa at the hands of officials who act with complete impunity and disregard for Black lives.
What was your process for writing ‘Algeria’s Indefinite Pause’, on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on organized protest movements in Algeria?
I was inspired by the 2019 Sudanese protests and wanted to highlight another powerful revolution taking place in Africa. As a policy researcher, I also wanted to make insightful recommendations on what international actors should do to uplift the protestors on the ground.
Finally, I didn’t just want to write a piece about the one-year anniversary of Algerian protests passing, that seemed boring and there wasn’t really a point to make beyond that which is what the first draft initially was.
When COVID started, I realized I had a news hook for it so I reworked the piece and analysed the effects the pandemic could have on it. I was observing so much austerity around the continent, so I also wanted to call out other countries like Rwanda in the piece where people were being shot for breaking lockdown curfews.
What is the most meaningful piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
The Republic posts quotes from authors a lot on Instagram, one from TJ Benson particularly struck me, ‘I am gradually beginning to accept that not everything that is important for me to write will sound or read good the first time.’ I have it saved in my inspirational folder and go back and read it whenever I’m feeling frustrated.
The Republic posts quotes from authors a lot on Instagram, one from TJ Benson particularly struck me, ‘I am gradually beginning to accept that not everything that is important for me to write will sound or read good the first time.’
Who is an author you wish you had discovered earlier?
Sefi Atta. Her ability to write historical fiction made me understand the importance of the genre. I love learning about Nigerian history, but it’s not every day that you can sit down and read a textbook or academic text on it. It’s just not realistic for me.
Reading Sefi Atta’s Everything Good Will Come and being able to learn about military rule while also experiencing a young woman going through her coming-of-age years or discussing her love life is more digestible for me.
What is your favourite topic to write or read about these days?
I really enjoyed reading NW by Zadie Smith recently. So, anything about the African or Caribbean experience in the UK, US or Europe is particularly interesting for me these days.
In terms of articles, I’m quite boring and don’t read as many human-interest pieces as I used to due to lack of time but anything in Africa is a Country or Quartz Africa.
Sefi Atta’s ability to write historical fiction made me understand the importance of the genre. I love learning about Nigerian history, but it’s not every day that you can sit down and read a textbook or academic text on it, it’s just not realistic for me.
What can we expect you to write about next?
The diaspora or migration—those are my current research focuses and I love writing and reading about those two topics. The Black experience, from Cuba to Brazil to France to London is so incredibly interesting and multifaceted with so many stories to tell.
Question from Paula Akugizibwe: What book made you feel seen in a way you hadn’t before?
Anything by Chinua Achebe or Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, my favourite authors.
Bonus: Please suggest a question for a future author’s First Draft
What book makes you want to travel and see more of the world?⎈
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