Kalu
Okpi (1947 – 1993) of Nigeria wrote and
published some of the most exciting "popular" fiction, or thrillers in Africa over the years. A remarkably imaginative writer of prose
and drama, Okpi deserves much more attention even in recent times.
He published some ten works of gripping
fiction, starting with The Smugglers
in the 70s. In many other works, like On
the Road, Crossfire, Coup!, Love, he created interesting characters,
including delectable women. In a novel like The
South African Affair, the usual
stunning plot, twists and turns, and startling finale make for powerful
reading.
International
scholars have recognised Okpi's contributions to interesting African fiction -
at least some of them; as witness certain major anthologies and books on
African Literature in general. Such
scholars include Wendy
Griswold, Oyekan Owomoyela, K.S Ogbonna, V. Coulon, T A Ezeigbo, and H Ehling. But Okpi's work and
impact deserve even more attention.
In many ways, he was a versatile
writer, and stylist - he was in fact a scriptwriter for the national television
of Nigeria (NTA). He also published a play titled ECHOES: a play in 5 Scenes.
It is often suggested that
"popular writers" are essentially undermined, with a dearth of real
studies or full-length works produced on their ouvre. This is certainly not the
case overseas, with hundreds of studies and books regularly written and
published on the likes of Agatha Christie, Enid Blyton, Philip Roth, John
Updike, R L Stevenson, and countless others. Why should the situation be
different in Africa, or specifically in Nigeria which has such a vibrant
literary history and community?
We must celebrate, enjoy the literary
contributions of the likes of Okpi, Victor Thorpe, and the great Ekwensi. Many
monographs should be published on them, which would include appraisals of their
published work, positive and negative. Here, for example, is some criticism of
Okpi s novel, Love changes Everything.(by
Erl, on goodreads) :
“… The plot has holes on every page so
large you could drive a Mack truck through them. Additionally, it promotes
wrong-headed ideas such as love at first sight and revenge. A woman who is traumatized
by witnessing her parents' murder will not be able to "lay the ghosts to
rest" by committing additional murders. Lastly, the protagonist, a major
rock star, decides to sell all his assets for half a million US dollars. Half a
million-- really? He then proceeds to spend so much money on the next few pages
that he is certainly broke by the end of the chapter, but there is no mention
of that. .. ‘
Kalu Okpi, rather like the Eurocentric
writers Mark Twain, Agatha Christie, or even James Hadley Chase gave a lot of
pleasure to (African) readers via his well written novels or thrillers.
His legacy must be kept alive, with at least 2, 3 - or much more - full-length
studies, biographies et al focused on
his life, times, and of course, his prolific creative work.
-
O
Bolaji
Works by Kalu Okpi
The Smugglers
Cross-fire
Biafra
Testament
Love
On The Road
The Oil
Conspiracy
Love
Changes Everything
The Warriors
The
Politician
The Jasmine
Candle
The
South African Affair
Coup !
ECHOES: A Play
in 5 Scenes
