What did your favourite literary person do on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook recently? Like in our first volume in the series, we went through some timelines to bring you what they were up to.
E.C. Osondu Criticizes Prizes Run by “Professional Literary Hustlers”
The post in full:
When you hand over an important prize to professional literary hustlers, expect nothing but a downward slide into an incredibly shrinking prize.
The late Binyavanga Wainana, astute as always, was right. We as Africans must begin to claim ownership of our stories, narratives, prizes, awards, festivals, venues etc.
Our mantra going forward should be- For Africans, By Africans- FABA.
Years ago, Chimamanda Adichie, said that the more interesting stories she read that year was from a different quarter, many were puzzled.
Adichie was right. Sometimes an elephant births a mouse.
The most interesting contest short story from Africa I read this year was “Ghana Boy” by Frances Ogamba.
So raw, so heartbreaking, so true. It does what the best fiction does, it swallows you, chews you up and spits you out transformed and beatified. Praise Be. Hallelujah.
Down with pandering derivative stories and those who midwife and champion them. Africa may be considered poor by some, we may have many problems, but stories and storytelling is not one of our problems. Storytelling is to us what swimming is to fish, a liquid state, our natural habitat and our ecology.
My short story “Waiting” remains the most homaged, imitated, mimicked, aped, simulated, etc etc. You get the idea.
There is Writivism Literary Initiative..I know.
There is Storyday Africa…I know.
There is Ake..I know.
We should have more. Our name should be Legion.
There is this thing that bothers me. We are only allowed a place in the literary world as Africans if we accept to be one thing and one thing only. We can and should be writers of Graphic Novels, Crime Fiction and even writers of uncategorizable genres and non- genre conforming works.
One love.
Las, las, we all gonna be alright.
Nnedi Okorafor Clarifies Reports That Shuri Was Cancelled, Says She Opted Out
Why can’t media just ASK ?? No, it was not “cancelled”. I gave Marvel notice MONTHS ago that I couldn’t continue because I’m writing the pilots for the Amazon TV series Wild Seed and another TV series I can’t announce AND a novel, ETC https://t.co/NbB4bmfWrh
— Nnedi Okorafor, PhD (@Nnedi) June 20, 2019
I know certain people would REALLY have liked to scream “cancelled” so they can make their strange aggressive mean-spirited points, but go find another target because this one moves too fast.
— Nnedi Okorafor, PhD (@Nnedi) June 20, 2019
Like, I’m right here on Twitter. JUST ASK. No need to speculate…unless you’re just trying to generate click-bait at the expense of hardworking creatives. Mscheeeeew.
— Nnedi Okorafor, PhD (@Nnedi) June 20, 2019
This is the thing I have NOT enjoyed about writing for Marvel. This fixation of “is it cancelled” and what that implies. It’s TIRESOME AF and it’s weird. I’ve been hearing “it’s going to get cancelled” since I STARTED writing Shuri. Now that I’m done, it’s “was it cancelled”.Ugh!
— Nnedi Okorafor, PhD (@Nnedi) June 20, 2019
When Shuri was selling out in the first and second week, I endured “Well, it’s still going to get cancelled”. Are the people saying this even having any fun? Ok, I’m done ranting. Been holding this in for months. pic.twitter.com/1Y3BrKiBUX
— Nnedi Okorafor, PhD (@Nnedi) June 20, 2019
Lastly: https://t.co/gcr8k2Wd6H
— Nnedi Okorafor, PhD (@Nnedi) June 20, 2019
The PublisHer Event in Nairobi
40 female publishers gathered in Nairobi for the networking event “PublisHer”. By creating this community we are hoping to support women into leadership positions within their publishing ecosystem. This is the 2nd “PublisHer” event & the first to be held in Africa. #PublisHer pic.twitter.com/HRu99mHslW
— Bodour Al Qasimi (@Bodour) June 16, 2019
Bibi Bakare-Yusuf on the Mis-categorisation and Mis-praising of Books by Black Writers
When I look at literary prizes and hype, the definition of ‘literary’ is often stretched for black writers. Books that are merely fun, holiday reads become ‘masterpieces’, ‘award nominees’. There’s a place for those books, but this undermines the definition ascribed to literary.
— BibiBakare-Yusuf (@BibiBakareyusuf) April 30, 2019
Racism forces people to accept uncritically the celebration & elevation of black mediocrity as the pinnacle of black excellence. White people don’t want to say anything for fear of reprisal. Black people feel they have to show solidarity & do not want to critique. ENOUGH NOW!!
— BibiBakare-Yusuf (@BibiBakareyusuf) April 30, 2019
There’s merit and necessity to all the writings coming out of the black world, but how we speak about them, how we pair and compare them matters. It is important that we don’t mis-categorise them. It does a disservice to all the books and it puts unnecessary expectations on them.
— BibiBakare-Yusuf (@BibiBakareyusuf) April 30, 2019
If a book is positioned and talked about as a masterpiece, when it is in fact, a fun, easy, escapist, light holiday read, it burdens the book with high expectations and the reader is then disappointed. But if the book is positioned appropriately, we can enjoy it for what it is.
— BibiBakare-Yusuf (@BibiBakareyusuf) April 30, 2019
Sisi, I’m recalling our discussion on this matter in London. One day I will write about this phenomenon.
— Sisonke Msimang (@Sisonkemsimang) April 30, 2019
…further (if I may) the danger is that the really excellent works become devalued and ignored. Heartbreaking and demoralizing for a talented storyteller. I know – it’s exactly the same with film and tv.
— queerlivesmatter (@bevditsie) April 30, 2019
I don’t think that’s the point. There’s no problem if the right book gets a prize – whether from black or green writers. The problem’s when a book wins not for the merit of its contents but the skin of the author. &yes, I agree with Bibi that we need to be careful lest we fail us
— African Writer, Brighton Scholar (@Sueddieagema) May 2, 2019
Bibi Bakare-Yusuf on Publishing House Faber & Faber’s New Book
A lazy Sat in Berlin reading my new bible: the founding of @FaberBooks. It is both fascinating and comforting to read of the utter conviction even when the numbers tell a different story, the ‘I feel life is not worth living: the bizness seems to present inseparable obstacles.’ pic.twitter.com/15bPAytDUF
— BibiBakare-Yusuf (@BibiBakareyusuf) June 22, 2019
Ellah Wakatama Allfrey on People Asking Permission to Appropriate
There’s always ‘that’ question at book events. It always comes… used to be the white cishet man of a certain age sad about being marginalized. Most recently it’s Majority Ethnic aspiring writer asking permission to appropriate culture and/or experience. Please stop.
— EllahWakatamaAllfrey (@epwa66) May 6, 2019
In Light of the COZA Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo’s Rape Scandal, Chika Unigwe and TY Bello Share #MeToo Stories
Read the full report here.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzWdQHKB_kx/
The Vietnamese-American Novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen on a French Audience That Doesn’t Know Chinua Achebe
I mentioned China Achebe to a French audience at a book festival and almost no one had heard of him. Meanwhile I had read THINGS FALL APART in high school. Why the difference in reception?
— viet thanh nguyen (@viet_t_nguyen) July 5, 2019
I cited the Achebe critique of Conrad, and no one else asked about Conrad
— viet thanh nguyen (@viet_t_nguyen) July 6, 2019
Because we read Leopold Sedar Senghor… Anglophone African novelists are often ignored here, which is a pity. I hope @ChimamandaReal helps promote all the marvelous authors from the continent to French audiences…
— Benedicte Rousseau (@BeneRousseau) July 5, 2019
I remember being at a festival in Switzerland where they were only just releasing a new translation of his work after it had been out of print in French for years… So I’d say language + availability and there are many wonderful writers in the French language like Mongo Beti etc
— Nii Ayikwei Parkes is BLUE for #Sudan (@BlueBirdTail) July 6, 2019
Anglophone frame of reference vs. Francophone? Maybe they’d have known any reference to Camara Laye…. Interesting fact, though, because I think TFA (which I’ve taught often) does so much basic work for those who encounter it (I mean, transport them into a way of looking….)
— Francis Ingledew (@FrancisIngledew) July 5, 2019
A Brief Lecture on Feminism
“African Feminism(s), in their definitive plurality are indigenous feminist models and offer to speak to/of feminism from; an African cultural perspective, an African geo-political location, and an African ideological viewpoint” (Nkealah, 2016). #ECAS2019 #africanfeminism pic.twitter.com/r6GkLRUhWf
— Bilge Sahin (@DrBilgeSahin) June 13, 2019
Maaza Mengiste Offering a Free Copy of Her New Novel, The Shadow King
Enter for a chance to win an advance copy of #TheShadowKing !! 👇🏾👇🏾#Italy #Ethiopia #WomenInWar https://t.co/vcYSb7qIPF
— Maaza Mengiste (@MaazaMengiste) June 27, 2019
#ThrowBack: Farafina Magazine Shares All Its Issues in Nostalgic Thread
Imagine that you had Wole Soyinka, @OkeyNdibe, Chimamanda Adichie, @yemisiAA , @PaIkhide , @VascoDaGappah , @Funmilola , @chikaunigweall and many more faves in one room.
Well, no need to run wild, we had all that imagination come to life with Farafina Magazine.
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 22, 2018
Between October 2005 and September 2009, we published 16 issues of Farafina magazine, featuring the works of Wole Soyinka, Segun Afolabi, Uche James Iroha, @Funmilola , @dinawmengestu , Barbara Murray, Chimamanda Adichie, Jackee Budesta Batanda, @helonhabila …
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 22, 2018
Issue 1: “Men of God as Superstars” – the name of this issue of the magazine, as well as the title of the cover story written by @yemisiAA , author of Longthroat Memoirs.
It also features a short story, ‘New Husband’ by CNA and photography by Uche Iroha and @kelechiamadiobi pic.twitter.com/rTIhM6FwF4
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 22, 2018
Issue 2: “Voice of Africa – Sorious Samura”.
The cover story of this issue is by Makin Soyinka, and is centered on the famous Sierra Leonean journalist, Sorious Samura, best known for his two CNN documentary films: ‘Cry Freetown’ and ‘Exodus from Africa’. pic.twitter.com/aZFp47s0pJ
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 24, 2018
Issue 3: “Mothers are Not Threatening”. Splashed across the cover is the cover story on the protest by mothers across Nigeria, following the tragic event of the Sosoliso plane crash.
This issue also contains an interview with Uzodinma Iweala, author of ‘Beasts of No Nation’.
‘ pic.twitter.com/VvdQ8usJIe— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 24, 2018
Issue 4: “The Architecture of Demas Nwoko”. This edition features Nigerian sculptor, painter and theatre director, Demas Nwoko, designer of structures such as the Dominican Abbey in Ibadan.
It also contains an epic interview with Kola Boof. pic.twitter.com/SoIbyU2VY1
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 25, 2018
Issue 5: “The New Entrepreneurs”. Edited by Ike Oguine, this edition is dominated with various reflections on death and loss.
Some contributors: @chikaunigwe , Wole Soyinka, @helonhabila , etc. pic.twitter.com/DWMdzsAjKr
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 25, 2018
Issue 6: “Beko; The Question He Posed”. This issue’s cover story was a personal recollection by Mobolaji Aluko, of the late pro-democracy activist, Dr. Bekololari Ransome-Kuti, who was also brother to the Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. pic.twitter.com/jU3QFl6nLF
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 25, 2018
Issue 7: “My Vision for Nigeria”. Edited by @OkeyNdibe and containing a short story by @molarawood titled ‘The Beaten Track’.
This issue is replete with short meditations on the writers’ visions of Nigeria, and Africa as a whole. pic.twitter.com/BquTfdcDua
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 25, 2018
Issue 8: “Seeking The Sky”. Edited by @molarawood , the edition boasts an interview of @Nnedi Okorafor by Molara and short stories by Petina Gappah and Chimamanda Adichie. The edition is full of stories that ‘flirt with fire’ – as ‘all stories are necessary’. pic.twitter.com/kM0QcnfXV4
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 25, 2018
Issue 9: “The Woman Issue”. Probably the most daring cover then.
Guest-edited by Toni Kan, this issue boasts of poetry by Nike Adesuyi, a memoir piece by Funmi Iyanda and a short story by Tolu Ogunlesi. This edition is about love, relationships, loss and finding one’s voice. pic.twitter.com/rnKCDbQFGH
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 25, 2018
Issue 10: “Africa and The Rest of the World”. Edited by Uzodinma Iweala, this tenth issue has a focus on Africa (as always!) the continent, its people and their relationship with the rest of the world.
Some contributors: Dinaw Mengestu, Chris Nwogodo, Binyavanga Wainana, etc. pic.twitter.com/vcJAhCgq75
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 25, 2018
Issue 11: “Journeys”. Guest edited by Petina Gappah, Zimbabwean author, this issue centers on the journeys and connections people make, and glimpses we get into the lives of other people.
Some contributors: Chris Abani, @olgagrushin , Darrel Bristow-Bovey and many more. pic.twitter.com/v3G6XSt1n0
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 25, 2018
Issue 12: “Home; Lost and Found”.
Edited by Akin Adesokan, this edition’s articles addressed the various unconventional ways Africa’s cultural institutions are going about breaking certain standard patterns on the continent.
Some contributors: E.E. Sule, @kolatubosun , etc. pic.twitter.com/WBtwygmAsY
— Farafina Books (@farafinabooks) October 25, 2018
Yewande Omotoso on Political Correctness
Bemused when people say “I’m not political” as if this is some kind of virtue. More like “I’m privileged enough to try ignore the stuff that’s complex and uncomfortable” or “I’m tired, heartbroken” or whatever but you’re definitely political. Your not-politicalness is political.
— Yewande Omotoso (@yomotoso) July 1, 2019
Lola Shoneyin Shares Her New Picture Book Series
First of my series of picture books set in northern Nigeria. Set in Kwoi, Kaduna State, it was inspired by Baji Nyam’s childhood memory. Thanks to @kroplex for the awesome illustrations. Dedicated to all out-school-children in Kaduna State, who must (one day) be able to read. pic.twitter.com/nezKSJfjUn
— Lọlá Shónẹ́yìn (@lolashoneyin) July 5, 2019
Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature Winner Harriet Anena on GoFundMe
Fam, I got admitted to Columbia University for the MFA Writing Program. This course has been my dream in like forever. Columbia is up those ends in terms of academic ranking… https://t.co/VyHMlYFjPg
— Harriet Anena (@ahpetite) April 30, 2019
Kadaria Ahmed Calls Out President Buhari
Fewer Ministers, 50 percent female representation and a significant number of young people. This is the make up of the newly appointed #SouthAfrican cabinet. @MBuhari pls take note inclusion, diversity and efficency are critical ingredients for good governance. #Nigeriacabinet
— Kadaria Ahmed (@KadariaAhmed) May 30, 2019
Ahead of This Year’s Lagos International Poetry Festival
Each year the LIPFest offers series of workshops & actual masterclasses, that connect accomplished writers, poets & artists across the world, with emerging voices. The classes build confidence, affirm & develop craft. This year will be no different #LIPFest19 #AWildBeautifulThing pic.twitter.com/vbIfmgmipt
— LagosPoetryFestival (@LagosPoetryFest) June 20, 2019
Opening Night of Africa Writes Festival
Two hours of powerful performances – from @stillSHErises, @RaymondAntrobus, @NickMakoha, among others poets – at the opening night of @AfricaWritesUK later, the sky, too, parts the way for poetry. #AfricaWrites2019 #FridayFeeling pic.twitter.com/JTUoQ7Mlfc
— Sana Goyal (@SansyG) July 5, 2019
Pamela Adie Shares Shocking Statistics on Nigeria’s Handling of Rape Culture
I will say it again.
ONLY 18 men have been convicted of rape in Nigeria since 1960. (I’m yet to hear from @FactCheckNgr on their findings)
Every woman in Nigeria knows at least 1 female who’s been raped.
I know 6. Personally
How many rapists are walking freely in our midst?
— Pamela Adie (@biwomdz) July 4, 2019
In Honour of Lesley Nneka Arimah’s Caine Prize Win, McSweeneys Is Giving Away Copies of Its Issue 53
In honor of @larimah @CainePrize win we’re giving away free copies of Issue 53 through this Thursday only to all new subscribers. Make sure you have a subscription: https://t.co/0lFig2urux and Issue 53: https://t.co/KPbf55bcga in your cart and then enter discount code “Lesley”
— Timothy McSweeney (@mcsweeneys) July 8, 2019
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