By Praise Vandeh
Indie publishing is a small facet of the Nigerian publishing landscape, which is otherwise dominated by giant publishing houses like Masobe Books, Ouida, and Narrative Landscape. Most Nigerian readers majorly consume literature published by these top dogs, but the average reader limits their literary palate by reading only traditionally published authors.
The indie publishing scene showcases some of the finest authors majoring in our favourite genres. From swoon-worthy meet-cutes to chilling voodoo chants, here are seven Nigerian indie authors that should be on your radar.
Aminat Sanni-Kamal
Aminat Sanni-Kamal writes books she describes as “escapist”. She dabbles in contemporary romance and fantasy, often blending both genres into what is known to bookworms as “Romantasy”. Her romance novels range from sweet to spicy, but one thing is for sure: you are in for a good time.
A lawyer and blogger, she has authored popular titles like Amber Fire, which takes its roots in Yoruba folklore. It is centred on the Yoruba god, Sango, who needs to secure a human’s love to break a spell and save Yoruba deities. Her other works include A Crossfire of Hearts, Rebound: A Billionaire Boss Romance, and Finding Love, available online and in bookshops.
Kumashe Yaakugh
How many times do we get to see the middle belt featured in our literature? Kumashe Yaakugh is one of the Nigerian indie authors filling that gap with delightful, sappy stories driven by people from the middle belt. Like Kamal, she can also hold her own in the fantasy genre.
Her book, While She Slept, was inspired by her need to showcase Tiv mythology to the world. Tarfa, a young casanova who comes into his powers as a ghost whisperer, is at the helm of this book. His characterisation is supported by Lily, a coma patient fighting for her life with the help of Tarfa. The book is rounded up by psychopathic, blood-hungry Bishops whose desire is to exert revenge on his adoptive family who lied about his mother’s existence. Yaakugh’s other titles include A Chopper City Love, Picture Perfect, and Tana’s Fate, which can all be found on Selar and Bambooks.
Yusuf Alabi Balogun
Popularly known as Aremo Gemini, Yusuf Alabi Balogun weaves literature in his mother tongue. From fascinating poetry to prosperous prose, his debut novel, Segilola Aromire Ogidan, was written solely in Yoruba. The book invites readers into a world ruled by black magic, heroes, antagonists, love, lust, and loss. He is currently counting days until the release of his sophomore book, which was also written in Yoruba. It promises to explore motherhood, widowhood, religion, and black tax. His debut can be found online and in Roving Heights bookstores.
Jerry Chiemeke
Many are acquainted with Chiemeke from bylines in prestigious publications including The i Paper, The Africa Report, Joburg Review and so on. Others discovered him through his personal essays on Medium, and now more people will recognise him from his latest book, Dreaming of Ways to Understand You, a collection of short stories that chronicle the Nigerian experience.
Book reviewers have referred to his depiction as vivid and poignant. The Colours In These Leaves and Notes for Nnedimma are his earliest published works. You can cop a copy of his short story collection online and in Roving Heights bookstores.
Rosemary Okafor
Okafor is a fan favourite amongst romance lovers. She crafts stories that make readers swoon, and these stories are very Nigerian. Akwaugo, her most revered work, which is reminiscent of Hallmark Christmas romcoms, is driven by the characters Tobe and Akwaugo. After many years, Tobe decides to spend Christmas in his hometown, where he meets Akwaugo, a fair maiden who seeks his help, causing sparks to fly. Okafor’s duality shines in the way she moves from contemporary romance to faith-based romance like God, Michael, and Me.
Rosemary Okafor also penned the books Paradise, Many Waters, One More Night, Shattered, and Hello Stranger, which can all be found in bookstores and online.
GT Dipe
Nigerian queer stories are becoming more pronounced in our literature, from Chukwuebuka Ibeh’s queer coming of age, Blessings, and now GT Dipe’s Runnin’ No More. Dipe’s literary exploit was born out of a deep yearning to shed light on social issues. Runnin’ No More is a story about Teniade Adeowo and Stefan Wickstrom, who flee to forget their past and cross paths. Theirs is a story encapsulated by love and romance.
Runnin’ From Guilt and Runnin’ Forward are upcoming books from GT Dipe. Runnin’ No More is available in bookstores and online.
Amaka Azie
Amaka Azie is another renowned romance author. Winner of the 2024 Ladies in Media Africa, African Female Author of the Year, her debut novel Melodies of Love was a finalist in the Ufere Awards Book of The Year category in 2017. She has an epic lineup of books under her belt, including Starting Over, The Senator’s Daughter, The Governor’s Wife, and Be My Valentine. Her website is the best place to purchase these books.
There you have it, seven Nigerian indie authors whose work you need to add to your TBR list! It’s time to check them out and diversify your palate.
