Nigerian writer and editor Wole Talabi’s debut novel Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon is now available in paperback. The novel, which won the Ilube Award for Best Speculative Fiction Novel 2024 was also nominated for the World Fantasy Award. This paperback edition includes the bonus short story “Saturday’s Song.”

Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon follows a disgruntled nightmare god in the Orisha spirit company who meets Nneoma, a sort-of succubus with a secretive past. Together, they attempt to break free of divine obligations and navigate their new relationship while elder gods plot against them. The story spans from the streets of Lagos to the rooftop bars of Singapore and the hidden spaces of London, weaving together a heist caper, a love story, and a mythic exploration of godhood in the modern world.

Critics have praised the novel’s kinetic energy and fresh approach to African mythology. Publishers Weekly gave it a starred review, calling it “a heist caper with sex, violence, and superpowers popping off every technicolor page,” while The Washington Post described it as “defiantly ambitious…an action-packed thrill ride.” The Guardian called it “a vivid, entertaining tale of love, power and revenge.” Rebecca Roanhorse, New York Times bestselling author, recommended it for readers who “love mythic fantasy à la American Gods but make it African and add in some lovely writing, a fascinating take on our world, and an exciting adventure.”

For readers familiar with Talabi’s acclaimed short fiction, his stories have appeared in Asimov’s, F&SF, and Lightspeed, and he’s been a finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, Locus awards, as well as the Caine Prize for African Writing, and winner of the Nommo award, this novel demonstrates his range as a novelist. P. Djèlí Clark, author of A Master of Djinn, called it “godpunk, done with style,” while T. L. Huchu, author of The Library of the Dead, praised it as “a remarkable debut” that “rocked my world.”

Talabi has also made significant contributions as an editor, including the two-volume Africanfuturism anthology published by Brittle Paper in 2020 and the forthcoming Mothersound: The Sauútiverse Anthology (Android Press). Currently living and working in Malaysia, he brings a global perspective to his deeply rooted engagement with Yoruba mythology and Nigerian culture. Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon is perfect for fans of Nnedi Okorafor, Marlon James, and Karen Lord who are looking for African fantasy that combines high-stakes adventure with genuine emotional depth.

Order the book here.