Not only Chimamanda

Chijioke Obinna

Not only Chimamanda

Three connoisseurs of African literature, Sonia Fernández, promoter of literaphics; Chema Caballero, co -director of the Books of Baobab collection; and Angeles Jurado, coordinator of the Casa Africa Reading Club, talk about literary expectations by 2025. Is the Nobel year for Wa Thiong’o?

Last autumn, the very anticipated new novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was announced. After a decade of narrative silence, the Nigeriana returns with Dream Count, candidate for literary event of African letters in 2025. On that impact there are, however, differences in interpretation. From the Watchtower of Casa Africa, Ángeles Jurado recognizes that he has spent a lot of time since Americanhis latest novel: “It seems intriguing and interesting, because in this interval many things happened: she was a mother, she lost her father, we went through the pandemic … I don’t know what to expect and intrigue me.” Sonia Fernández, promoter of Literafricas, the Spanish reference portal on African letters, acknowledges that the Nigerian “will put the African letters again at the head, although I do not know to what extent it is quite good. In the end, it has become “the African writer” that everyone has read. ” With nuances, Chema Caballero, acknowledges that «a new novel of yours is good news for literature in general. What can contribute to African letters? Don’t know. His first two novels have a freshness and a way of writing with flavor to what we imagine from Africa. On the other hand, the rest of his work seems written from another perspective, as if he already knew that most of his readers are western and that they have to give what they like.

Tied the return of the Nigerian, Jury and Knight are encouraged to share their literary wishes by 2025. The first, to name a few, includes «the last three titles of Gauz; Zoo City, from Lauren Beukes; Sugar and poems of Nii Ayikwei Parkes; The stories of JOLOF RICE AND OTHER REVOLUTIONSby Omolola ijeoma ogunyemi ». although it also points to Véronique Tadjo and Lola Shoneyin. The enumeration of the second, almost endless, includes «Beyrouk, Yamen Manai, Báraka Sakin, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Helon Habiba, Novuyo Rosa Tshuma, Taiye Selasi, Nansubuga Makumbi, Peter Kimani, Tendai Huchu, Mwaza Mujila, Fatou Diome, Mabanka , Mia Couto, Mbougar Sar or Monénembo, to name some authors that I like and I do not tire of reading ».

Will the honor of the awards between this plethicade be distributed? The Nobel, will finally go to Kenya? The latter is, by appellant, the big question that circulates among the literary mentions inside and outside of Africa. Fernández dares to anticipate that wa thiong’o “are not going to give him the Nobel, as they did not give it to others as valuable as he”, although, he adds, “it can be satisfied with the level of readers around the world that They have read him ». Some more optimism, at least in formulation of the response, transfers gentleman: «The Nobel to NGũGĩ? Inshalá. He would highlight literatures written from the periphery of the western canons and would speak of Africa again, as happened with Gurnah »(in the image).

Beyond authors and awards, the three experts reflect on recurring themes and less frequent arguments in African authors. Fernández misses dynamism, hybridization or multiculturalism of African societies, and insists that «the narratives are voices, the subject does not matter, voices that are groundbreaking, that transgress and that show us other worlds to be able to aspire to be able to aspire , other ways of being in the world ». For Caballero, the importance lies not so much in the plot and continuity: “I just hope you continue writing and that your works arrive every day to more people, so that the arrogance of Western -centric thinking is broken.” From the Canary Islands, Jury considers it essential to “make a place for all kinds of voices, of all countries, in all genres and languages ​​… we should stop exoting that literature”, and share another reflection: “I would say that we have to read more happy things, Light, more stories, more science fiction, more romantic novel. In the reading club a partner always complains that we read drama. Well written, but drama ».

To finish off, Chema Caballero launches a corporal who is appropriate: «In 2025 in Spain we will continue to suffer the difficulty of accessing African literatures. It translates little and do so, in general, small publishers. It would be necessary to seek formulas so that the general public has access to these other literatures and can open their minds and hearts to other realities and ways of seeing and understanding the world ».

To read it has been said.

Photography: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

Chijioke Obinna

I've been passionate about storytelling and journalism since my early days growing up in Lagos. With a background in political science and years of experience in investigative reporting, I aim to bring nuanced perspectives to pressing global issues. Outside of writing, I enjoy exploring Nigeria’s vibrant cultural scene and mentoring young aspiring journalists.