1. Chinua
Achebe
Arguably
one of Nigeria’s popular and creative writers in the history of this country.
He is known for concocting proverbs as well as indigenous Igbo settings in his
books. Perhaps, that is why ‘Things Fall Apart’ is regarded as one of the
finest African literature. It has been translated into over 30 languages.
‘Things Fall Apart’ opened the door for the recognition of African literary
works. Maybe soon, Chinua Achebe will be awarded the Nobel prize for Literature
posthumously.
2. Wole
Soyinka
Vocal,
articulate, cerebral and upright, Prof. Wole Soyinka is Nigeria’s and Africa’s
gift most prized possession and gift to the world. Like other writers of his
time, he attended the University of Ibadan. Soyinka’s greatest achievement is
probably, being named the first African and Nigerian to win the Nobel prize for
literature. He is known for his vocabularies and you may need a dictionary to
read his books. But, take nothing away from the Professor whose self-styled
white Afro makes him a distinct and unique personality. Soyinka is indeed a
literary giant!
3. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
‘Purple Hibiscus’,
Half of a Yellow Sun, ‘The Thing around Your Neck’ and ‘Americanah’ are the
books written by Adichie. These award-winning books have gotten rave reviews
all over the world. The Visionary Nigeria can say without any doubt that she is
one of the many writers inspired by Chinua Achebe. Adichie is a champion when
it comes to modern literature and a consistent voice that encourages women to
wear their natural hair. In addition, she had the courage to write about
Nigeria’s torrid history i.e. the Biafra War in her book ‘Half of a Yellow
Sun’. The question that will be on the minds of many that read this book is
“What happened to Kainene?”
4. Helon Habila
His
book ‘Love Poems’ won the Caine prize in 2001. Helon Habila is a Nigerian
writer, journalist and lecturer. He also wrote the book ‘Waiting for an Angel.’
It won the Commonwealth Writers’ prize for the African category. Habila is
worthy of mention because he has contributed his own quota to Nigerian and
African literary scene.
5. Lola Shoneyin
Lola
Shoneyin is one of the new entrants into Nigeria’s literary world. The author
of ‘The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives’ was born in Ibadan in 1974. She also
has a flair for short stories and children’s books.
6. Buchi Emecheta
Married
at age 16, gave birth to five children in 6 years and was in a marital union
that was sad and violent. However, this did not deter this strong-willed woman
who took up writing to find solace. This experience and background extensively
shaped Emecheta’s writings. From second class citizen to Joys of Motherhood,
these books chronicle the difficulties that women go through. Joys of
Motherhood is all about the maltreatment of women by the menfolk and how these
women do whatever it takes to survive.
7. Chukwuemeka Ike
Best
known for his books ‘Toad for Super’, and ‘The Bottled Leopard’, Ike combines
the power of description and storytelling in all his books. Ike can be
described as a master storyteller! Bottled Leopard is a classic that blends the
strength of a leopard and a boy whose heritage can be traced to this menacing
animal. He is one of the few Nigerian authors that have a very good descriptive
power. His writings often make readers feel a part of the scene. Ike is
currently a traditional ruler in his native home of Ikelionwu in Anambra state.
8. Sefi Atta
Sefi
Atta is a former accountant who delved, into the world of writing, which has
taken her to enviable places. Atta is a cosmopolitan woman who was born in
Lagos Nigeria, studied in London and USA.
Her debut novel ‘Everything Good Will Come’ offers hope to everyone and
this book won the inaugural prize for the Wole Soyinka Literature in Africa
award.
9. Cyprian Ekwensi
Cyprian
Ekwensi unlike other writers, prefers to write short stories. ‘When Love
Whispers’, ‘The Leopard’s Claw’, ‘Lokotown’ and other stories are some of the
books he wrote for the delight of young ones. He was born in Minna, Niger State
on Sept. 26, 1921 and died Nov. 4, 2007.
10. D.O. Fagunwa
If
you want the best of indigenous Yoruba language literature, then D.O. Fagunwa
is recommended. His use of Yoruba Language to convey the supernatural and
tradition is both fascinating and fantastic. ‘Ogboju Ode ninu Igbo Irumole’
(The Forest of a thousand demons), ‘Ireke Onibudo’, ‘Irinkerindo ninu Igbo
Elegbeje’ (Expedition to the Mount of Thought, 1954), and ‘Aditu Olodumare’
(1961) are some of his works.
.png)
