ESOSA KOLAWOLE (Nigeria)

 

Ever since Africans fathomed the skill of modern writing, plethora of awesome literature has been produced in Africa by Africans themselves.  The world today enjoys literature cultivated by African writers with great glee. Apart from male African writers, African literature generated by women African writers is absolutely remarkable.  Yes of course sublime African female writers devoted their entire literary life by writing books that are aesthetically invaluable.  To mention but few of them, the luminaries such as Ama Ata Aidoo, Grace Ogot, Efua Sutherland, Miriam Tlali, Bessie Head, Flora Nwapa, Mariama Ba, Buchi Emecheta, Lauretta Ngcobo contributed enormous corpus of literature that is dazzling.

Moreover, female writers in the world have never disappointed when it comes to literature, although the society sometimes where they found themselves at would treacherously deny them an opportunity to unequivocally express themselves overtly.  Obviously there are many extant examples where female writers would deliberately conceal their original identity and would rather (initially) use pseudonym names instead of their original names.  Bronte Sisters, Jane Austen, Olive Schreiner et al, are perfect examples.

Another thing that is essential about female writers is that although they might be stimulated by certain writers like is usually proverbial with men, they are not namby-pamby about the work they produce.  Their open mindedness about the work they generate is very captivating.  Ama Ata Aidoo whom I can say, from the onset her literary works are very magnificent.  Since she believed from the outset that writing was her calling and what is astounding about her is that, at a young age she courageously showcased her literary prowess when her article in the literary newspaper won a prize, subsequently she devoted her pride in writing, that’s why readers will invariably reminisce about what she said when she got to know that her article won a prize. “On the 24th of December, my auntie and I were in the kitchen," Aidoo reminisces. "I opened the center page of the newspaper and saw my name." With the money from her first publication, she bought coveted pink shoes. She was 18 years old.  In similitude Bronte sisters including Jane Austen began to write at a very early stage in their lives.  What about Toni Morrison who published one of the groundbreaking books, “Contemporary African Literature” that includes the world African venerated writers like Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka and Athol Fugard?  Also how can I forget the prodigious literary works of Maya Angelou? Reckoning her youthful life which was terribly harrowing but ultimately she triumphed in her life and she became one of the celebrated sublime writers in the world.

Yes, Africa and the world possess female writers who are absolutely gifted.  Recently, young African writers have been doing exceptionally fantastic and their literary works are transcending majestically.  Despite the chronic poverty issue which continues to inflict poignant pain, and threatens the survival of African communities-this has not disheartened Africans to dramatically achieve world class recognition in literature.  Like today things have changed completely.  Beforehand, Africans through their fervent efforts they were able to come up with literary initiatives that bolstered literature.  For instance, early literary journals like Black Orpheus, Transition etc were very potent in fostering African literature.  In fact Ama Ata Aidoo and Grace Ogot were very familiar with this type of journal which they also contributed to with relish.  Of course those were very difficult times as writers across the African continent would employ physical mails to send their writings to the editors of the journals which was often a protracted, frustrating process  to reach the appropriate destination.

Currently things have improved a lot, although mails are still relevant but technology has swiftly replaced certain hurdles that were hitherto experienced with mails of yore.  Journals that promote literature still exist even today, for example Chimurenga, Kwani, Jalada and so on. Imperatively, the introduction of new technology has assisted in making communication much easier.  The power of technology at present moment is creating a better situation where information can be gleaned with ease without impediment.  It is easier to research any writer in the world because of the internet where you will also find literary blogs that buttress literature. Smartphones too do have internet that makes even researches animated.     Unlike in the past where journals were essentially the only way to know about writers in the world, technology has simplified things.  Although social media can in many of the cases be regarded as an aspect that only deals with social entertainment and posting of fashion show and employing inappropriate language that might not be acceptable to the conservative. 

It is however gladdening that a young female writer by the name of Esosa Kolawole (a Nigerian) is already making waves in respect of creative writing.  She is mostly conspicuous on the internet, and has already published some tentative works and books. She already writes with zest and confidence.  Considering her young age many in the literary fraternity are somewhat surprised, though elated, as her constant writings are gratifying.  Esosa's writing is augmented by her ability to adapt with modern era technology and use it for the benefit of literary aficionados as well as literature in general.  Reading her short stories, the reader will often be chuffed. 

Esosa's contribution in literature even at such an early stage is fascinating; patently her contribution in literature is already veritably riveting - considering the jaded nature of the genre these days. She somewhat reminds me of Ata Ama Aidoo who began her literary voyage at a very young age and today is one of the most successful writers not only in Africa but in the whole world.  Esosa's potential seems awesome, because her works reveal that she has ardent passion for writing.  Furthermore, critics will continue to zero in on her writings. Her works thus far seem to be coherently entrenched; she regularly writes corpus of short stories, and other general features on the mechanics of writing. 

Yes she loves ‘spooky’ stories about magic, myths etc!  She has written a number of thrilling short stories, and at least a novella titled Tella.  Of course Esosa Kolawole's impact in literature will strongly have powerful effects which will evoke the world about African successful writers like Tsitsi Dangarembga - of the Nervous Conditions fame, and many more thriving African female writers. 

Interestingly, Esosa has stated thus about herself: "I’m Esosa Kolawole, an avid reader and a YA paranormal writer.  I have an upcoming novel this June titled Fib and the Axe Of Fury.  I basically write all the time.  If I’m not on my blog:  The Quirky Pen Girl quirkypengirl.blogspot.com then I’ll probably be plotting a story.  I love Percy Jackson series and I love Cupid’s Match.  Both books have spurred me to write a YA mythology which is a spin off to Fib and The Axe of Fury..."

Surely, a young, fascinating lady to watch!
- Ishmael M Soqaga