Culture & Society
7 Fantasy Novels That Will Help You Escape Reality
In our latest book recommendation, we have compiled a list of seven fantasy novels that will help you escape reality. Whether you’re looking for stories of powerful deities, mystical worlds, or heroic journeys, these fantasy novels by African authors offer the perfect escape. Read More...
‘There Is No Flawless Artist’ Emmanuel Esomnofu’s First Draft
Music journalist and author of ‘The Songs of Jos’, Emmanuel Esomnofu, is interested in writing about creators whose influence extends beyond Lagos: ‘It is a purposeful mission to de-centre the city in Nigerian music discourse, as people seem to think our musical history begins and ends with Lagos.’ Read More...
The ‘Essence’ of Afrobeats
Afrobeats has gone global, but is Nigeria’s music industry winning or losing as a result of this success? Read More...
Not Every Luo Loves the Lake
When people refer to the Kenyan Luo community as ‘People of the Lake,’ my clan, JoKamreri, do not know what the hell you’re talking about. Read More...
7 Books to Help You Understand Your Grief
In our latest book recommendation, we have compiled a list of seven books to help you understand your grief. These books offer fresh perspectives, aiding in comprehending and navigating your journey through healing. Read More...
The Books 10 Writers Would Pass on to Someone Younger
In our past First Draft interviews, we asked authors such as Leila Aboulela and Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ about the books from their childhood they would pass on to someone younger. Here’s what they told us. Read More...
A Song for the Forgotten
Despite the existing literature, the Biafran war remains a criminally underexplored event. The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma makes that canon a little less bereft. Read More...
7 Books That Will Take You on a Trip Around Africa
In our latest book recommendation, we have compiled a list of seven books that will take you on a trip around Africa. With vivid descriptions and relatable characters, these books will take you to historic cities and sites in Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, and other parts of Africa. Read More...
‘I Like Narratives That Take Me on a Quest’ Pede Hollist’s First Draft
Sierra Leonean academic and author of So the Path Does Not Die, Pede Hollist, wants more people to know about the diversity of Sierra Leonean literature: ‘I wish people are aware of the efforts by Sierra Leoneans to write in the country’s national languages, and the financial struggles to support young writers through workshops, retreats, prize-bearing competitions, professional editors, and competitive publication outlets.’ Read More...
Flowers for Wande Coal?
Wande Coal has had a mixed music career and while his latter projects may not have the same rave, there is no doubt about his legendary status, or is there? Read More...
