Culture & Society
Nigerian Godpunk Comes of Age with Shigidi Book Review: Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon by Wole Talabi
Shigidi, a fantasy novel by Wole Talabi, is a fine display of the author’s dexterity as a writer and his keen eye for story. It is also a fine demonstration of how grossly underutilized African mythology has been in world fantasy. Read More...
Living in America, Leaving Nigeria Notes on the House that Needs Saving
Living in America as an African is quite different from living somewhere in Africa. If anything, Americans will make you forget your own insignificance on earth. Read More...
Is C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata a Modern-Day Classic? Review: ‘Mami Wata’ (2023)
By being steadfast to his vision to explore African political and religious realities, C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata is swimming outside its national shores. Read More...
7 Books for Anyone Dealing With Grief and Loss
From poignant stories to insightful reflections, our book recommendations have the potential to provide comfort, encouragement, and a profound understanding of the complexities of grief and loss. Read More...
‘I Love Books That Evoke an Emotional Reaction in Me’ Muthoni Muiruri’s First Draft
Kenyan publisher and co-founder of Soma Nami Books, Muthoni Muiruri, loves to read books that are intellectually stimulating and evoke an emotional reaction: ‘If a book makes me cry and teaches me empathy; if the characters stay with me long after reading, I consider that a forever book. I am also extremely grateful for books that teach me something, that challenge me and force me to reckon with my ignorance and biases and that compel me to want to research and learn.’ Read More...
Redefining Edo The Cultural Significance of Rema’s 02 Arena Performance
Nigerian singer, Rema, has been accused of Satanism because of the themes in his recent 02 performance. However, these themes are reminiscent of his Edo heritage. Read More...
A Journey of Resilience and Sisterhood Book Review: Lákíríboto by Ayodele Olofintuade
Lákíríboto, a novel by Ayodele Olofintuade, is a queer coming-of-age story about two young Nigerian women who find themselves at the centre of a family saga. In this novel, Olofintuade delivers a powerful narrative that speaks to the resilience of women in the face of adversity. Read More...
7 Books to Read About Life in Northern Nigeria
In this curated recommendation, we have compiled a list of seven books to read about life in northern Nigeria. Our recommendations capture the essence of everyday life and provide a glimpse into the multifaceted lives that shape the northern part of Nigeria. Read More...
Ọkà Ni Ògùn An Ode to Amala
Whether focused on its traditions, economy, or politics, any story about Ibadan, Africa’s fourth largest city, is incomplete without reference to amala. At any time of the day, you’re sure to find the city’s inhabitants congregating around sellers of the city’s favourite meal. Recently, I visited Mama Adija’s Amala Spot, which, over the past 35 years, has built a reputation as one of Ibadan’s most revered amala spots. Read More...
7 Books to Read After Chinua Achebe’s The Trouble with Nigeria
In this curated recommendation, we have compiled a list of seven books to read if you have read Chinua Achebe’s The Trouble with Nigeria. Our book recommendations delve into themes of bad leadership, corruption, and other socio-political issues across African countries such as Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, and Kenya. Read More...
