This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
From Lagos with a dream to unify all writers in Africa ¶
Published on October 5, 2019
Anthony Onugba, a Nigerian writer, has a dream to bring together writers of African descent to create a unified African literary space. He shares his vision with Tom Odhiambo in this interview.
Anthony Onugba is a Nigerian-born author of six books, including Amanda's Crime, The Chronicle of Christ, Reflections, Darien, Three Men and a Bottle, and Mixed Emotions. He is also a scriptwriter and has studied film production and directing for film. Onugba is the creator of Writers Space Africa and the founder and vice-president of the African Writers Development Trust.
The African Writers Development Trust is an NGO that promotes a reading culture, encourages cross-cultural learning, and provides publishing grants, educational grants, and learning opportunities to empower writers. Onugba initiated the Annual African Writers' Conference and African Writers Awards.
Onugba's dream is to bring together writers of African descent to network, collaborate, and create a unified African literary space. The African Writers Conference is a step towards achieving this dream. The conference aims to rotate among African countries, with the maiden edition held in Nigeria last year.
Onugba believes that African literature exists, but it needs to be defined. He suggests that African literature is literature written and published in Africa. To cross national borders, African literature needs a wider acceptance among Africans, more book fairs, and increased readership.
Onugba advises Kenyan writers to network more, write for a cause, and keep writing, even after winning a prize. He believes that the African story needs to be written, and writers should not give up.
