Fatshimetrie is a publication that highlights the vitality and diversity of contemporary African literature. As part of the International Literature Festival in Dublin (ILFD), which was held in Ireland last May, Nigerian-German writer Olumide Popoola and literary agent Bibi Bakare-Yusuf discussed the past, present and of the future of Nigerian and African writing as a whole.
Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, founder of the Cassava Republic Press publishing house, expressed her desire to continue to nurture this renewed energy and enthusiasm within the African literary landscape. Since its inception in 2006, Cassava Republic Press has been committed to promoting Nigerian writing to local, African and global audiences, whilst expanding its presence with offices in the UK and USA.
As part of the ILFD’s “Cities of Literature: Abuja” event, Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, shared the stage with Olumide Popoola to discuss the literary potential of Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. Abuja aspires to become a UNESCO City of Literature, a title currently held in Africa by South Africa. Bakare-Yusuf highlighted the growing dynamism of the Abujan literary scene, highlighting the wealth of book clubs, theaters and bookstores which contribute to the development of the city as a place of literary creation.
Olumide Popoola, a Nigerian-German writer represented by Cassava Republic, draws deep inspiration from the richness of Nigerian literature to nourish her own creativity. Her book “Like Water, Like Sea” addresses sensitive themes such as human relationships, motherhood and mental health, offering an innovative narrative approach that challenges the conventions of Western storytelling.
The presence of Cassava Republic Press on the African publishing scene has made it possible to bring out new talents and diversify the African voices heard on an international scale. This contribution also inspired the growth of the continental publishing industry and expanded the audience for African works across the world.
The commitment to diversity and accessibility of books has placed Cassava Republic at the heart of a literary revolution in Africa. By promoting encounters between different cultures and perspectives, this publishing house actively contributes to the construction of an African literary heritage for future generations.
The future of African literature rests on authentic and diverse representation of the continent’s voices. Through the creation of an “archive of the future”, the editorial work of Cassava Republic and other African publishing houses contributes to shaping the collective memory and literary identity of Africa for generations to come. It is in this quest for diversity and inclusiveness that we find the strength and richness of contemporary African literature.