Image by Simon Maina for AFP

It is exactly one year since the legendary Binyavanga Wainaina passed on at the age of 48. In sharing this collection of quotes from tributes to him and pictures of him with individuals from the African literary scene, we remember him here not just as an author, but also as a figure whose life and works touched and inspired many.

Rest in peace, Binyavanga!

Aminatta Forna, from “In Memoriam: Binyavanga Wainaina,” Literary Hub
Bassey Ikpi and Binyavanga Wainaina, via Victor Ehikhamenor’s Instagram
Ellah Wakatama Allfrey, from “In Memoriam: Binyavanga Wainaina,” Literary Hub
Taiye Selasi, Binyavanga Wainaina, and Teju Cole, via Taiye Selasi’s Instagram
Yvonne Adhiambo Owour, via Twitter
Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Micere Mugo, Angela Wachuka, and Binyavanga Wainaina, via Angela Wachuka’s Instagram
Niq Mhlongo, from “The Binj Outside Books,” The Johannesburg Review of Books
Stanley Gazemba and Binyavanga Wainaina, via Pinterest
Mukoma wa Ngugi, “Our Man of the People,” Africa is a Country
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Binyavanga Wainaina, via Chimamanda Adichie’s Instagram