Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / New
Stats: 3,148,847 members, 7,802,709 topics. Date: Friday, 19 April 2024 at 07:38 PM

10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History - Literature (3) - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Literature / 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History (33071 Views)

Achebe's 'things Fall Apart' Makes 12 'greatest Books Ever Written' List / Why Are There No Millionaire Fiction Writers In Nigeria? / When The ‘other Woman’ Triumphs: A Literary Review Of Toke Makinwa’s On Becoming (2) (3) (4)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (Reply) (Go Down)

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by emmaliver(m): 7:26am On May 17, 2016
crotonite:
Mostly igbos, maka y?
Maka I Go Before Others, i.e IGBO
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by henry78okez(m): 7:27am On May 17, 2016
Op, thanks so much for a job well done. Ur research is highly appreciated and enjoyed of bit of it. Honestly i must commend d igbos so much for representing Nigeria internationally. They are realy trying in their capacity. Op once again, thanks for the info.

3 Likes

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Orikinla(m): 7:28am On May 17, 2016
micronut:
In your dream? Ode.

[size=28pt]Your fada is more Ode than you.
When Chimamanda wins the Man Booker Prize, then you can open your dirty mouth.
You can never even come close to me in the literary world, cinema and even blogging.
Amazon.com: Michael Chima Ekenyerengozi: Books, Biography, Blog ...
www.amazon.com/Michael-Chima-Ekenyerengozi/e/B00JCNHUIG
8 Results - Nollywood Mirror by Ekenyerengozi, Michael Chima (2013) Paperback. $141.35. Paperback. NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Second Edition (NOLLYWOOD ...

Michael Chima Ekenyerengozi | Shadow and Act - Indiewire

blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/author/michael-chima-ekenyerengozi
Jun 9, 2015 - Michael Chima Ekenyerengozi. Articles by Michael Chima Ekenyerengozi(1 - 10 of 22). Shadow and Act. 2 comments. like. 0. tweet. Nollywood

[/size]

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by cckris: 7:28am On May 17, 2016
Orikinla:
[size=28pt]OP, JP Clark should replace Elechi Amadi.

John Pepper Clark, pseudonym J.P. Clark-Bekederemo (born April 6, 1935, Kiagbodo, Nigeria) the most lyrical of the Nigerian poets, whose poetry celebrates the physical landscape of Africa. He was also a journalist, playwright, and scholar-critic who conducted research into traditional Ijo myths and legends and wrote essays on African poetry.

[/size]
http://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Pepper-Clark

[size=28pt]John Munonye should be included.
http://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Munonye

Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo has not yet achieved any greatness be on this list.

Do your research very well.

[/size]
Please can you back this up with some STATS?

2 Likes

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Orikinla(m): 7:30am On May 17, 2016
cckris:

Please can you back this up with some STATS?
www.britannica.com has all the facts on their literary achievements.

[size=28pt]John Munonye is an important Igbo writer and one of the most important Nigerian writers of the 20th century. He was born in Akokwa, Nigeria, and was educated at the University of Ibadan and the Institute of Education, London.
~Wikipedia[/size]
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by cckris: 7:32am On May 17, 2016
Afromalaika:

I shouldn't have dignified a response to a bleak mind but I guess u needed to be informed and thus my response.
Have you ever heard of D.O. Fagunwa, Mamman Vatsa, Akilu Aliu, Dan Fulani, Abimbola Adelakun, Zainab Alkali,Uwem Akpan, Tolu Ajayi, Gabriel Okara. Etc.
I know some of the's names are strange to you probably because you don't carry out proper research before writing.
In view of this, You are strongly advised to change the misleading title from 10 Greatest writers in Nigerian History to 10 GREATEST WRITERS I PREFERED.
By so doing, nobody will crucify you.
Top Ten, not list of all writers.

4 Likes

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by semoly(m): 7:34am On May 17, 2016
nedufantasy:
3. CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born in Enugu on the 15th of September 1977 but hails from Abba in Njikoka local Government Anambra state. She has been called the most prominent” of a procession of critically acclaimed young Anglophone authors thatg is succedding in attracting a new generation of readers to African Literature.
Adichie divides her time between Nigeria where she teaches writing workshops and the United States. Chimamanda is a core feminist, she said “I think of myself as a storyteller, but I would not mind at all if someone were to think of me as a feminist writer, I’m very feminist in the way I look at the world, and that world must somehow be part of my work”.
Chimamanda’s speech for TEDxEuston which she titled “we should all be feminist” was sampled on 2013 before Grammy nominated song **Flawless** which attracted world attention to her .
Her award includes BBC short story competition prize 2002, Commonwealth writers prize 2005, Orange prize for fiction 2007, International Nino prize 2009 etc.
Her published novels are Purple Hibiscus (2003), Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), The Thing Around Your Neck (2009), Americanah (2013and We should all be feminist (2014).

   2. WOLE SOYINKA (Prof)
Akinwande OLuwale Babatundde Soyinka is an author, poet, playwright and a human right activist. Born on 13th July 1934. Soyinka has been a strong critic of Nigeria successive governments, especially the country’s many military dictators, as well as other political hittlers in Africa like Mugabe of Zimbabwe.
        During the regime of General Sani Abacha, Soyinka escaped from Nigeria and went and lived in the United States. In 1986 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature making him the first African to be honored in that category. 
He has written many books which includes The Swamp Dwellers (1958), A Quality of Violence (1959), The Lion and the Jewel (1959) and Many others, among his notable awards are Nobel prize for literature 1986, Agip prize for literature 1986, international Humanist Award 2014 and too many others not mentioned here.

1.  CHINUA ACHEBE
Born on the 16th of November 1930 in Ogidi Anambra state, Albert Chinualumogu Achebe was a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor and critic. He was also considered by many to be one of the most original literary artists writing in English during his lifetime. He is best known for his novel Things Fall Apart (1958).
Achebe became learned in English, though he grew up in a village full of Igbo language and traditions and colonial legacy.
Things fall apart was his first novel and remains his best known works. It has been translated into at least forty five languages and sold eight million copies world wide. Other novels of his include No Longer At Ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964), and A man of the people (1966).
 His final published work was the literacy autobiography There was a Country a personal account of Biafra. Achebe has been called “the father of modern African writing and many books and essays have been written about his work”.
Before his death he has received over 30 honourary degrees from universities in England, Scotland, Canada, South Africa, Nigeria and the United states.
Among his notable Awards are Peace of the German book trade, Man Booker prize 2007, an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 1982, he twice refused the Nigerian honour Commander of the Federal Republic in 2004 and 2011 and slighting bad governance in the country and in his home state Anambra. He died on the 21 of March 2013 in Boston, United states at the age of 82.  

source: http://www.nuelsblog.com/2016/05/10-greatest-literary-writers-in-nigeria.html?m=1
Na where u put D. O. FAGUNWA

1 Like

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Nobody: 7:34am On May 17, 2016
Orikinla:
[size=28pt]Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is not yet a great writer.
She is not greater than Helen Oyeyemi.
In a 2016 interview with Slate, Oyeyemi was named as one of the "most gifted" writers at work today.
[/size]

Lol...comparing lizard to tiger. SHM for you yoruba...think everything is about competition? Igbos are not your mate...at all. google online on the invention of in indigenous writing by Igbos/Ibibio/Efik called Nsibidi.

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Chanchit: 7:34am On May 17, 2016
timilehing:
Chimamanda over Ola Rotimi undecided op must be Lai Muhammad relative



I thought I was the only one that noticed it.
I've read more of Ola-rotimi's books than wole and Achebe sef.

1 Like

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by olushowunm(m): 7:35am On May 17, 2016
nedufantasy:
3. CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born in Enugu on the 15th of September 1977 but hails from Abba in Njikoka local Government Anambra state. She has been called the most prominent” of a procession of critically acclaimed young Anglophone authors thatg is succedding in attracting a new generation of readers to African Literature.
Adichie divides her time between Nigeria where she teaches writing workshops and the United States. Chimamanda is a core feminist, she said “I think of myself as a storyteller, but I would not mind at all if someone were to think of me as a feminist writer, I’m very feminist in the way I look at the world, and that world must somehow be part of my work”.
Chimamanda’s speech for TEDxEuston which she titled “we should all be feminist” was sampled on 2013 before Grammy nominated song **Flawless** which attracted world attention to her .
Her award includes BBC short story competition prize 2002, Commonwealth writers prize 2005, Orange prize for fiction 2007, International Nino prize 2009 etc.
Her published novels are Purple Hibiscus (2003), Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), The Thing Around Your Neck (2009), Americanah (2013and We should all be feminist (2014).

   2. WOLE SOYINKA (Prof)
Akinwande OLuwale Babatundde Soyinka is an author, poet, playwright and a human right activist. Born on 13th July 1934. Soyinka has been a strong critic of Nigeria successive governments, especially the country’s many military dictators, as well as other political hittlers in Africa like Mugabe of Zimbabwe.
        During the regime of General Sani Abacha, Soyinka escaped from Nigeria and went and lived in the United States. In 1986 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature making him the first African to be honored in that category. 
He has written many books which includes The Swamp Dwellers (1958), A Quality of Violence (1959), The Lion and the Jewel (1959) and Many others, among his notable awards are Nobel prize for literature 1986, Agip prize for literature 1986, international Humanist Award 2014 and too many others not mentioned here.

1.  CHINUA ACHEBE
Born on the 16th of November 1930 in Ogidi Anambra state, Albert Chinualumogu Achebe was a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor and critic. He was also considered by many to be one of the most original literary artists writing in English during his lifetime. He is best known for his novel Things Fall Apart (1958).
Achebe became learned in English, though he grew up in a village full of Igbo language and traditions and colonial legacy.
Things fall apart was his first novel and remains his best known works. It has been translated into at least forty five languages and sold eight million copies world wide. Other novels of his include No Longer At Ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964), and A man of the people (1966).
 His final published work was the literacy autobiography There was a Country a personal account of Biafra. Achebe has been called “the father of modern African writing and many books and essays have been written about his work”.
Before his death he has received over 30 honourary degrees from universities in England, Scotland, Canada, South Africa, Nigeria and the United states.
Among his notable Awards are Peace of the German book trade, Man Booker prize 2007, an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 1982, he twice refused the Nigerian honour Commander of the Federal Republic in 2004 and 2011 and slighting bad governance in the country and in his home state Anambra. He died on the 21 of March 2013 in Boston, United states at the age of 82.  

source: http://www.nuelsblog.com/2016/05/10-greatest-literary-writers-in-nigeria.html?m=1
Why do igbos like to re-write history? First Wole Soyinka should not be on that list as second. Instead you change the title and write it. "GREATEST BIAFRAN WRITERS IN HISTORY"
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Kay17: 7:37am On May 17, 2016
The beauty is a writer is the sum total of his/her environment and experiences.
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Ans55: 7:37am On May 17, 2016
Did he say Ola Rotimi was born in Delta state? I thought he was from Ogun state. But come to think of it, our northern brothers are not represented here, does it mean they don't have notable writers?
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by 989900B: 7:38am On May 17, 2016
Drsheddy:
Dem try. But who their books EPP??

Millions.

1 Like

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by playtheblues(f): 7:41am On May 17, 2016
Igbos: 7 and half.

Yorubas: 2.

Urhobo: Half.

Number 1: Igbo.

Are you ok?



DropShot:
There are only two as far as I'm concerned:

1. The winner of a Nobel Peace Prize in Literature, Professor Wole Soyinka.

2. The rest.

Running out quickly to dodge missiles.
grin cheesy grin cheesy

1 Like

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Nature129(m): 7:42am On May 17, 2016
Orikinla:
[size=28pt]Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is not yet a great writer.
She is not greater than Helen Oyeyemi.
In a 2016 interview with Slate, Oyeyemi was named as one of the "most gifted" writers at work today.
[/size]

Hmmm
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Kay17: 7:42am On May 17, 2016
There has to be an aesthetic standard upon which you evaluate these writers.
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by naijacampu(m): 7:46am On May 17, 2016
John Peppe Clark - The Night Rain (Poem), The Wives Revolt (Drama)
Abubakar Gimba - Trial of Sacrifice (Prose), Witnesses to Tears (Prose)
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by fabre4: 7:46am On May 17, 2016
Zico5:
So the op could only point to two yoruba among the greatest literary writers in Nigeria. Even picking chinua achebe above wole soyinka, the Nobel prize winner speaks volume of the intention of the op. We yoruba don't boast, we just allow our work to speak. It shall be well.


Nobel prize is just an award every writer mustn't be presented with the award to be recognized as the best take a look at times most influential people in the world , richest people in the world, greats in every field of life how many of them have the award even uncle Shakespeare never got it that is to tell u that the award is limited to time and chance

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by SirToby(m): 7:47am On May 17, 2016
What of J.P Clark, Amos Tutuola ?
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by sixtus3606(m): 7:48am On May 17, 2016
asha90:
4 out of 10 are Anambrans..we lead the pack as always.

1. Chinua Achebe- (Ogidi)

2. Cyprian Ekwensi- (Nkwelle-Ezunaka)

3. Chimamanda Adichie- (Abba)

4. Akachi Adimorah- (Uga)



Anambra, truly the light of the entire black race.
ANAMBRARIANS not Anambrans wink
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by PenSniper: 7:53am On May 17, 2016
Did you know, as we were told by a lecturer in school then that Ben Okri was a university drop-out in Britain. But he went on to write books and impressed so much that he was employed at Cambridge to teach the English how to write english ?
The lecturer said this in reference to his book "The Famished Road'.

Could anyone please confirm this ?
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by haywire07(m): 7:55am On May 17, 2016
crotonite:
Mostly igbos, maka y?

My broda, I didn't know u noticed it too o.
Shame sef com dey catch me .
No northerner, just 2 westerners !!

I gat to make the west proud o. Soyinka am coming!!!! cool

1 Like 1 Share

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by DropShot: 7:56am On May 17, 2016
playtheblues:
Igbos: 7 and half.

Yorubas: 2.

Urhobo: Half.

Number 1: Igbo.

Are you ok?



You could have 9 persons not even measuring up to 1 person. Show me their Nobel Peace Prize, then I take you serious. tongue
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by okitejoseph: 7:57am On May 17, 2016
Quota System has truly damaged the mind of an average Nigerian, Everything must and should be shared equally. Someone was even listing out Names of some Hausa writers who probably wrote there books with Hausa and where only read in the Hausa community, I'll fault the OP in some of the names on his List of Nigerian Greatest writers, but then 70% of the names deserve their position, At JP Clark should be on the list............ While some people out of tribal bigotry said Prof. Wole Soyinka should be ahead Prof Chinua Achebe because he has the Noble prize award, I mean that's their only excuse "Noble prize". From the topic the OP was referring to the "10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History", the emphasis is on "Greatest Literary Writers" and not the biggest award, if it were to be the biggest award, I will give it to Wole Soyinka any day but here is for the "Greatest Literary Writers" and the OP rightly place the Father of modern African writing as the number one. Common guys this tribal sh*t is becoming too much to bear.......

10 Likes 1 Share

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Aribambam: 8:02am On May 17, 2016
sweet
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by naijacampu(m): 8:08am On May 17, 2016
sixtus3606:

ANAMBRARIANS not Anambrans wink
It's Anambrarians, don't be sure of what you don't know.
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by naijacampu(m): 8:14am On May 17, 2016
Orikinla:
[size=28pt]Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is not yet a great writer.
She is not greater than Helen Oyeyemi.
In a 2016 interview with Slate, Oyeyemi was named as one of the "most gifted" writers at work today.
[/size]

Are you kidding me? Your are the funniest man alive.
So the 'award' that was given by an online magazine should be compared with numerous award Chimamanda have been receiving for over 14 years now? Please check the array of Chimamanda awards here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimamanda_Ngozi_Adichie#Awards_and_nominations
Strange, this is even my first time of hearing about that your Helen Oyeyemi ooor whatever.

4 Likes

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Toroze(m): 8:16am On May 17, 2016
timilehing:
Chimamanda over Ola Rotimi undecided op must be Lai Muhammad relative
Shraaaaaaap there....... grin grin
Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Nobody: 8:17am On May 17, 2016
okitejoseph:
Quota System has truly damaged the mind of an average Nigerian, Everything must and should be shared equally. Someone was even listing out Names of some Hausa writers who probably wrote there books with Hausa and where only read in the Hausa community, I'll fault the OP in some of the names on his List of Nigerian Greatest writers, but then 70% of the names deserve their position, At JP Clark should be on the list............ While some people out of tribal bigotry said Prof. Wole Soyinka should be ahead Prof Chinua Achebe because he has the Noble prize award, I mean that's their only excuse "Noble prize". From the topic the OP was referring to the "10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History", the emphasis is on "Greatest Literary Writers" and not the biggest award, if it were to be the biggest award, I will give it to Wole Soyinka any day but here is for the "Greatest Literary Writers" and the OP rightly place the Father of modern African writing as the number one. Common guys this tribal sh*t is becoming too much to bear.......

You dont have any business talking about literature if you can't even spell 'Nobel Prize'

OP is an Igbo supremacist sh!tbird

1. D.O Fagunwa
2. Wole Soyinka
3. Chinua Achebe
4. Elechi Amadi
5. Flora Nwapa
6. Buchi Emecheta
7. Chimamanda Adichie
8. Helen Oyeyemi
9. Chika Unigwe
10. Remi Raji

1 Like

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Toroze(m): 8:20am On May 17, 2016
Shym3xx:
Loool.

Funny list...though I have never heard about most of the people on that list.

However, I do know that Ben Okri is light years ahead of Chimanmanda in terms of literary skills. Heck, Helen Oyeyemi writes far better than she does.

As for the King of them all - Wole Soyinka is on the throne by himself.
You people haf come again please leave Chimanmanda for me biko, If you had said Ben Okri I agree with you but Helen Oyeyemi come on bruv and as to Wole being the King of them all you seem to forget a Chinua Achebe is also on that list...

1 Like

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Toroze(m): 8:23am On May 17, 2016
Orikinla:
[size=28pt]Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is not yet a great writer.
She is not greater than Helen Oyeyemi.
In a 2016 interview with Slate, Oyeyemi was named as one of the "most gifted" writers at work today.
[/size]
Bro I cannot but disagree with you Chimanmanda is a great writer I dunno why you'd put Helen over her but that's just my opinion and this is coming from some one who has read both of their works

P.S. I'm not being tribalistic.....ooo just stating my opinion

2 Likes

Re: 10 Greatest Literary Writers In Nigeria History by Nobody: 8:24am On May 17, 2016
Drsheddy:
Dem try. But who their books EPP??
me and countless others...pick one.

1 Like

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (Reply)

The Story Of Stella 18+ / About Whitey's Flash Fiction Challenge *comment Thread* / Love, No Inhibitions

(Go Up)

Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health
religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket

Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 78
Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.