African Literature

 

African writers

Introduction: 

African literature encompasses a vast array of literary works that provide insights into the diverse cultures, histories, and experiences of the African continent. Familiarity with influential African literature writers is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the literary landscape. In this list, we will explore a selection of important African literature writers whose contributions have shaped the discourse and shed light on the rich tapestry of African narratives.

Here's a list of some important writers in African literature:

Chinua Achebe 

(Nigeria) 

- Known for his novel "Things Fall Apart," which is considered a classic of African literature.

Wole Soyinka

 (Nigeria) 

- A playwright, poet, and essayist. He was the first African to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o 

(Kenya) 

- A prominent writer and activist known for his works like "A Grain of Wheat" and "Petals of Blood."

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 

(Nigeria)

 - An acclaimed novelist known for works like "Half of a Yellow Sun" and "Americanah."

Buchi Emecheta 

(Nigeria) 

- A pioneering female writer known for her novels exploring themes of gender, race, and identity.

Ama Ata Aidoo 

(Ghana) 

- A playwright and author known for works like "Changes: A Love Story" and "Our Sister Killjoy."

Nawal El Saadawi 

(Egypt) 

- An Egyptian writer, feminist, and activist known for her works on women's rights and social issues.

Bessie Head

 (Botswana) 

- A South African-born writer known for her novels and short stories exploring themes of identity and social injustice.

Ayi Kwei Armah 

(Ghana) 

- Known for his novel "The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born," addressing themes of corruption and political disillusionment.

Chinweizu 

(Nigeria) 

- A writer and scholar known for his works on African identity and decolonization.

1. Ben Okri 

(1959 - Present)

He was African writer from Urhobo community, who started writing at his early age but never found a publisher. He won Booker Prize for his novel The Famished Road at the age of 32, youngest writer from all of the booker prize winner. his debut novel was 'Flowers and Shadows' published at 1890.

works:-

a). The Famished Road 1991

The Famished Road:-
This is first novel of the trilogy of same name. two other novels of the trilogy was Songs of Enchantment and Infinite Riches. the Novel talks about the story of a Spirit child Azaro. who is dead but lives with his mortal body in this world. his parents was laborer and Hawker. His fellow spirits are constantly pressuring him to leave that place. They want Azaro joins with them. Due to his love for his Parents Azaro can not do that.

b). Dangerous Love 1996

c). Star Book 2007

2. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 

(1977- Present)

She is a Nigerian Writer famous for her two novels Purple Hibiscus (2003) and Half of A Yellow Sun. she is edited the magazine The Compass and very famous TED Talks are 1) The Danger of A Single Story in 2009, 2) We Should All Be Feminists in 2014. Born in Engu in Nigeria on 15th September, 1977. She was influenced by famous African Writer Chinua Achebe. In her partly-autobiographical novel Americanah, she is confronted with issues of skin color and race. Also, she protests against this issues.

works:

• Purple Hibiscus 2003
• Half of A Yellow Sun 2006
• Americanah 2013
• TED TALK:
• The Danger of A Single Story 2009
• We Should All Be Feminists 2014

3. Nadine Gordimer

(1923-2014)

she was a South African Writer and Political Activist, who received Nobel Prize in 1991 for literature. she also received Booker Prize.

works

• A Guest of Honour
• 
  
• The Conservationist
• 
  
• Burger's Daughter
• 
  
• July's People
• 
  
• A Sport of Nature
• 
  
• My Son's Story
• 
  
• None to Accompany Me.

4. Wole Soyinka

(1934-present)

He is a Nigeria Nobel prize winner English literature's well-known novelist, essayist, poet, and playwright. As a political activist his works satirist government.

works

• The Interpreters
• 
  
• Aké: The Years of Childhood

5. Tony Morrison

1931-2019 

 She received the Nobel Prize in 1993 and also received the Pulitzer Prize. She is the first African American woman who win the Nobel Prize in Literature Her best known works are The Bluest Eye (1970), Sula (1973), Tar Baby (1981), Song of Solomon (1977), and Beloved (1987).


1. The Bluest Eye (1970) 

 It is a Story of a young Black girl Pecola as she is consistently making fun of her dark skin, hair, and eyes. From her point of view 'white skin' considers being more beautiful. the blue eye also play important role in her life.

2. Sula (1973)
Morrison's second novel Sula is Set in a fictional town in the Black community of Ohio. the novel about Nel and Sula growing up as best friends. One decides to stay in their hometown and raise her family, but the other one leaves her home for college and enjoys city life. a tragic accident happens and because of that their friendship falls apart. and This novel was nominated for a National Book Award.

3. Song of Solomon (1977)
This work Song of Solomon, won the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1978. It is about the story of Macon Dead, a Milkman and the story talks about racial violence. He grows up in the industrial Midwest against the backdrop of the Great Depression. And after that, he travels through Pennsylvania and Virginia to build his own identity.

4. Jazz (1992)
It is The second book in Morrison’s trilogy which is Set in 1920s Harlem. Also, it is a historical story that tlks about the love triangle of salesman Joe, his wife, Violet, and his teenage girlfriend Dorcas. Dorcas begins to reject Joe, and he kills the young girl. so, it is a story about the brutal and dizzying world of the two lovers.

African American Writers

6. Maya Angelou

her 7 autobiographies are:

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - 1969
• Gather Together in My Name - 1974
• Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas - 1976
• The Heart of a Woman - 1981
• All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes- 1986
• A Song Flung Up to Heaven - 2002
• Mom & Me & Mom - 2013

7. Zora Neale Hurston

• Journey's End
• Night 
• Passion
• Sweat
• Jonah's Gourd Vine - 1934
• Mules and Men - 1935
• Their Eyes Were Watching God - 1937
• Moses, Man of the Mountain - 1939
• Dust Tracks on a Road - 1942
• The Sanctified Church - 1981
• Spunk
• Mule Bone: A Comedy of Negro Life 

8. Ralph Ellison

• Invisible Man
• Shadow and Act 1964
• Three Days Before the Shooting 2010
• Juneteenth 1999

9. Amiri Baraka

His pen name are LeRoi Jones and Imamu Amear Baraka.

• Blues People - 1963
• Black Music - 1968
• A Black Mass - 1966
• Dutchman - 1964

Conclusion: 

The writers included in this list have made indelible contributions to African literature, enriching our understanding of African culture and its global significance. Studying their works not only provides insight into the diverse voices and perspectives of the continent but also offers a broader understanding of the human condition. As aspiring scholars, embracing the works of these influential African literature writers will deepen our appreciation for the cultural heritage, resilience, and creativity inherent within African societies.