10 Books By Authors of Nigerian Descent Coming Out In 2020

Middle-grade fantasy from the author of Binti, Who Fears Death and Akata Witch. I’m a huge fan of Nnedi’s books as she creates really unique world in her books, merging African mythology and history with fantasy and science fiction. This book follows Nnamdi, whose desire to avenge his father’s death is given a chance when he is granted superpowers by a mysterious artifact. The title, Ikenga means “place of strength” in Igbo language, it is an Igbo deity that’s represented by a horned statue.

Get the book: Amazon

THE INFINITE – THE LEAP CYCLE BY PATIENCE AGBABI

Set in a world where some children born on the 29th of February possess a gift – the ability to travel through time. When Elle Bibi-Imbele Ifie uses her powers on her twelfth birthday, she receives a warning from the future and is pulled into a mystery. Children like her are disappearing and it’s up to her to find out why before she’s next.

I love time travel mystery books and this one has such a unique premise, children born on a leap day with powers! How cool is that? Now I’m wondering if I have any friends born on a leap day, I need to ask some questions.

Get the book: Amazon

RIOT BABY BY TOCHI ONYEBUCHI

Ella can see things that haven’t happened yet. As her power grows stronger, her brother Kev tries to protect her from it but is jailed. While witnessing all the injustice around her and watching her brother suffer in jail, Ella struggles to hold back her power and all the rage and hope it brings.

A book about family, racism, power, and revolution, Riot Baby will have you asking some important questions.

Get the book: Amazon

CONTEMPORARY

BLACK SUNDAY BY TOLA ROTIMI ABRAHAM    D

Twin sisters Bibike and Ariyike comfortable lives are overturned when their mother loses her job, their father loses their house and their parent’s marriage collapses.

Thrust into the care of their traditional Yoruba grandmother, each sister strays onto different paths as they struggle to get their lives together. Over the course of two decades, we follow them through every struggle and accomplishment in this novel about family, oppression, hope, and love. CW: sexual assault

Get the book: Amazon

THE DEATH OF VIVEK OJI BY AKWAEKE EMEZI

After giving us Freshwater and PET, Akwaeke is here with another book that’s sure to thrill us. This novel starts with the death of Vivek Oji and we’re taken back in time to see what lead to that pivotal moment. Fellow book blogger Amyn @ lipglossmafia describes Akwaeke books as “surreal” and I’m looking forward to seeing how this book follows that trend.

Get the book: Amazon

THE MECHANICS OF YENAGOA BY MICHAEL AFENFIA

A weekly blog series turned into a novel, it follows the adventures of Ebinimi, a mechanic of Kalakala Street. From getting caught in love triangles to run-ins with crooked politicians and assassins, Ebinimi gets into all kinds of stories as we explore Yenagoa through his eyes and those around him. This book is published by Masobe, a new Nigerian publisher and I’m excited to see what they bring to the table.

Get the book: Masobe Books

THE MADHOUSE BY TJ BENSON

Since reading Benson’s short story collection, We Won’t Fade Into The Darkness, I’ve been eagerly looking forward to his first full-length novel. The Madhouse follows a family from its creation to the births of two brothers, Max and Andre, who grow up during turbulent times and face many struggles.

Get the book: Masobe Books

THE RETURNEES BY ELIZABETH OKOH    D

When Osayuki decided to leave London and return to Nigeria, a country she hasn’t been to in years, she has no idea what she might find there apart from her new job in the fashion industry. At the airport, she has a chance encounter with Cynthia Okoye and Kian Bajo. In Lagos, Osayuki struggles to find her place and crosses paths with Cynthia and Kian again, this leads to events that might change her life forever.

Get the book: Amazon

A BROKEN PEOPLE’S PLAYLIST BY CHIMEKA GARRICKS

A Broken People’s Playlist is a collection of short stories with underlying themes so beautifully woven that each story flows into the other seamlessly. From its poignant beginning in “Lost Stars” a story about love and it’s fleeting, transient nature to the gritty, raw musical prose encapsulated in “In The City”, a tale of survival set in the alleyways of the waterside. (Synopsis from Publisher)

You should also check out his other book, Tomorrow Died Yesterday, which is a gripping tale of a region in turmoil.

Get the book: Masobe Books | Amazon

LOVE IN COLOUR BY BOLU BABALOLA    D

A collection of short stories inspired by history and mythology, Love In Color takes old tales, from Greek myths to Nigerian folklores, and retells them as a celebration of love from around the world.

First of all, I love anything inspired by mythology, especially when it’s focused on black characters and just look at that gorgeous cover.

Get the book: Amazon