Culture & Society
‘Don’t Give Up on the Story You Want to Tell’ Laila Lalami’s First Draft
Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of The Dream Hotel, Laila Lalami, is fascinated by the extractive power of technology: ‘Techno-capitalism has infiltrated our lives to such an extent that our only real break from it comes when we sleep. I began to wonder what might happen if that kind of extractive power were applied to the world of dreams.’ Read More...
The Crisis of Modern Existence
Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill a Monkey is a compelling demonstration of cinema’s ability to dramatize the damaged condition of modernity. Through its unflinching portrayal of individual disillusionment within systemic failures, the series channels the anxieties of a postcolonial, neoliberal world where identity and agency are constantly under siege. Read More...
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...
