Culture & Society
7 African Writers and the Books You Would Never Guess They Own
In our latest First Draft interview, we asked seven African writers, including Ike Anya and Nikki May, about the books on their bookshelves that might catch people by surprise. Here’s what they told us. Read More...
5 Books to Read After Femi Otedola’s ‘Making it Big’
In our latest book recommendation, we have compiled a list of books to read after Femi Otedola’s memoir, 'Making It Big'. From books that chronicle the journey of successful businessmen to those that provide insights into the African business world, our recommendations will help you understand what it takes to build a successful business in Africa. Read More...
What Happened to Temi Dollface?
Much has been said about Temi Dollface, the creative multitasker and musical pioneer who challenged stereotypes about what was possible for women in the Nigerian music industry. Yet, the most common refrain is that she was an artist before her time. Read More...
The Weight of Duty
Azubuike Obi writes about the passing of his father and the weight of trying to step into his shoes as expected by society. Read More...
‘Nothing Should Be Out of Bounds When Writing’ Iris Mwanza’s First Draft
Zambian-American writer and author of The Lions’ Den, Iris Mwanza, is surprised by the rise of authoritarianism in the West: ‘The rise of authoritarianism in the West and how the institutional checks and balances designed to protect against it have failed us so quickly and easily have been very perplexing. This is particularly evident in the United States, and I am having a hard time unpacking exactly how, in a democracy, we can vote away our rights.’ Read More...
August Reading 2025 Half-Year Reading from The Republic’s Contributors
Our 2025 August Reading list features the most important books so far this year based on recommendations from The Republic’s editors and contributors. Read More...
The Spectacular Ordinariness of P-Square
As exemplified on their ‘Get Squared’ album, the Okoye twins seized impressively on the shared aspects of Black living across continents. In their unparalleled catalogue, we find an appreciation for pristine storytelling and tastefully adorned presentation. Read More...
Remembering Uncle Lari Through Three Characters
Seun Lari-Williams writes a tribute to his late father, Lari Williams, MFR, Nigerian actor, exploring his life through three characters he played. Read More...
‘My Characters Do What They Want’ Nikki May’s First Draft
Anglo-Nigerian writer and author of Wahala, Nikki May, drew inspiration for her latest novel, This Motherless Land, from Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park: ‘The idea of a young girl being torn from everything familiar and thrust into an alien environment where she must constantly prove herself is genius. So, I stole it. But my book is a reimagining not a retelling.’ Read More...
7 Books to Read If You Would Rather Skip the Bill at Overpriced Restaurants
In our latest book recommendation, we have compiled a list of books for anyone who’d rather skip the bill at overpriced restaurants. If the thought of those inflated prices leaves you calculating with regret, here’s a better indulgence: books. And not just any books—stories filled with irresistible recipes, rich cultural history and a healthy serving of family drama. Read More...
