DILLIBE ONYEAMA (Nigeria)

In African literature, Dillibe Onyeama is an illustrious, revered name, even if a large number of younger readers might not be familiar with this brilliant writer. Onyeama, a Nigerian, was born to write! 

 He started to write and publish books at a very young age (like Ben Okri) and has published well over 20 books till date. There is some nonsense on his "most popular" works which might interest some...but serious pundits would not worry too much about this. Is "popularity" of book(s) related to a particular country or region (let's say Africa); or in eurocentric climes? Or is "popularity" gauged from modern artifice like "goodreads" which the older generation is largely unfamiliar with? And anyway an author's most popular works are often unrelated to pristine literary quality. 

 Onyeama himself as a top-notch writer has said that he considers Obi Egbuna one of the greatest ever Ibo and African writers. This is subjective of course, but one has to respect Onyeama's opinion here. Egbuna who wrote superb works too, is or should be a revered figure. Some claim that his novel, The madness of Didi, is one of the classics of African literature; others would prefer his well-written short stories' collections. Such polemics do not really matter. The brilliance of such wordsmiths is the main thing.

And the brilliance of Dillibe Onyeama was never in doubt since he was a youngster producing thrilling works. Yes, he was (is) an outstanding writer and his name and reputation should always be written in gold. Works of his like Revenge of the Medicine Man, and Juju can always be relished across the generations.

He has displayed very impressive range, depth and breadth over the decades. Apart from the exciting, scintillating fiction, Onyeama has published biographies and autobiography. He has written on general subjects, including humour and introspective work.

Now in his 60s Onyeama can be very satisfied and proud of himself for his contributions to African literature - and he started many decades ago! He has also been a publisher, and despite daunting odds these days in respect of books and reading, this suave cerebral gentleman can afford a wry smile, considering his status and pedigree in the world of letters

Select bibliography

Nigger at Eton

Sex is a Nigger’s game

John Bull’s Nigger

The Return,

Juju (novel)

 Secret Society,

The return

Boomerang (short stories),

Godfathers of Voodoo,

Female Target

The New Man

Revenge of the Medicine Man

Book of Black Man’s Humour;