One major problem I exprience with most contemporary Nigerian writers is that we seem to be suffering from an identity crisis. I believe your writing language says a lot about where you are coming from. Its our signature, our thumb print. A lot of us want to infuse the [i][/i]American street language into our writing and that erodes the originality and creativity in our works.

We are all witnesses to Chimamanda's originality in her story telling. Its painful because in the long term, Nigerian or African Literature will function in the same frequency with American Gangster Rap, Hip Hop and what have you.

Ciao

spot on correct.
I agree with you vehemently.

My problem with most Nigerian writers is the lack of imagination.

i'm perturbed by these comments.

i bet that all these comments are from folks in 9ja or UK.
i've notice that 9jas back home don't value their writers.



i was raised in the US.
9jas here in America continually praise the writers back home.

quote by sisi kill:
« #2 on: November 13, 2009, 06:41 AM »

My problem with most Nigerian writers is the lack of imagination.

uhhh, lack of imagination?? NIGERIANS!? i beg to differ.

I t

Sisi_Kill:

My problem with most Nigerian writers is the lack of imagination.

Its really not a matter of imaginativeness, but rather, I still belive that once the flame of originality is lost in a work, the content as well as imaginativeness is gone with the wind at the same time. I think that's why the likes of Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and a few others are still much in our minds today! Originality trascends generational barriers if I may say.

Sisi_Kill:

My problem with most Nigerian writers is the lack of imagination.

girlfriend, what have u been reading?
u should take a look around, esp d unpublished works and u would appreciate d naija-li-ness in d words !!!

stereo2:

I t
Its really not a matter of imaginativeness, but rather, I still belive that once the flame of originality is lost in a work, the content as well as imaginativeness is gone with the wind at the same time. I think that's why the likes of Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and a few others are still much in our minds today! Originality trascends generational barriers if I may say.

true, cos u can neva flow in english better than d english man

Read the unpublished works, huh? Really?

def !!!
u should check out poems, articles and novels posted on dis forum, then
check out d blog spots, and u would get a feel of what i mean.

My problem with Nigerian writers is the lack of originality.

Since Chimamanda blew up, every one now wants to write like her.

Then there is the magical realism that the Europeans think that's all we are about, so the writers think they have to keep writing about animals that talk and evil spirits.

Polando:

My problem with Nigerian writers is the lack of originality.

Since Chimamanda blew up, every one now wants to write like her.

Then there is the magical realism that the Europeans think that's all we are about, so the writers think they have to keep writing about animals that talk and evil spirits.

Because that's what most Nigerian writers feel they have to do these days to get recognition as "legitimate" authors of authentic African lit. I don't mind the metaphysical or the magic realism but when that's the only thing the book is relying on to have any value, then it doesn't make sense to me.

@ topic,

I feel that everyone is so busy trying to write one genre of these fantastical happenings and these psycho-cultural themes, that novels that our writers are becoming one-notes. And I understand it, because the only writers that seem to be celebrated are those that write that one genre.

i believe each individual has his own brand of literature in him, we all grew up differently even though we all may be living in naija. the world is a global village, no more seclusive writing, cultures are now intertwined, mixed up and brought together by tv and travelling, no need to be stereotypical or copy someone, write as you feel and the world will feel your originality

Tatase:

Because that's what most Nigerian writers feel they have to do these days to get recognition as "legitimate" authors of authentic African lit. I don't mind the metaphysical or the magic realism but when that's the only thing the book is relying on to have any value, then it doesn't make sense to me.

@ topic,

I feel that everyone is so busy trying to write one genre of these fantastical happenings and these psycho-cultural themes, that novels that our writers are becoming one-notes. And I understand it, because the only writers that seem to be celebrated are those that write that one genre.

co sign!

i agree with the same view above, whites celebrate a particular brand of african literature

YOU WONT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS NIGERIAN ROMANCE AUTHOR
http://www.taiwoodubiyiministries.com/estore.php

there's a new nigerian writer on the block, she's in the romance genre so i dn't think u'd have a problem with her, her name is Myne Whitman, her novel is called a HEART TO MEND, u can get a copy from amazon.com or from www.mynewhitman.com