Zimbabwean literary arts influencer Mbizo Chirasha conducts an exclusive conversation with Nigerian Writer/Author Christian Emecheta
MC: Who is Christian Emecheta and how long have you been writing?
Christian Emecheta: I am a Nigerian writer and content creator who combines writing, illustration, and computer science. I currently reside in Nigeria and have been writing for about 15 years now. My journey began in 2010 when I started writing poetry, but over time I found myself gravitating more towards short stories. My work focuses on exploring themes of self-actualization and the complexities of human nature. What makes me unique as a writer is that I don't just write - I do deep research on each theme I want to write about, which gives me a different perspective on storytelling and creativity.
MC: How many books or stories have you published so far and how are they received in your country?
Christian Emecheta: While I haven't published a complete book yet, I have published numerous poems and short stories in various respected literary journals and anthologies. My work has appeared in prestigious publications such as Arts Lounge Magazine, Writefluence Anthology, the 9th Edition of Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology, Synchronized Chaos Online Journal, The Decolonial Passage, Mocking Owl Roost, Cranked Anvil Press, Walden's Poetry and Reviews, Step Away Magazine, and many others. The reception has been very positive in Nigeria and internationally. I have even been featured on a television program called the Weekend Show on Africa Independent Television (AIT), which shows that my work is gaining recognition. My unique voice and evocative imagery have helped me build a growing reputation as a voice of change in the global literary scene.
MC: What are your literary thematic areas?
Christian Emecheta: My primary thematic focus centers on self-actualization and the complexities of human nature. I am deeply interested in exploring how people discover themselves, grow, and navigate the various challenges of life. My stories and poems examine the different layers of human experience - the struggles, the triumphs, the contradictions, and the beauty of being human. I look at how people transform themselves, how they overcome obstacles, and how they find their true purpose in life. These themes are universal but I often explore them through a Nigerian and African lens, showing how our culture and environment shape our journey of self-discovery.
MC: Are you a multi-genre writer or do you only write short stories?
Christian Emecheta: I am definitely a multi-genre writer. I started with poetry in 2010 and have continued writing poems throughout my career. Later, I expanded into short stories, which have become a major part of my work. But my creativity doesn't stop at writing - I also create illustrations, which complement my literary work. Additionally, I work in computer science, which brings a unique technological perspective to my creative process. This combination of poetry, short stories, visual art, and technology makes me a truly multifaceted creator. I find that each medium informs and enhances the others, creating a richer overall artistic experience.
MC: How is the book industry in your country?
Christian Emecheta: The book industry in Nigeria is experiencing both growth and challenges. On the positive side, there is a vibrant community of talented writers and poets who are producing excellent work. We have many literary magazines, anthologies, and online platforms that publish Nigerian literature. However, the industry still faces significant obstacles including limited funding for publishers, distribution challenges that make it hard for books to reach readers across the country, and economic factors that affect both writers and readers. Many writers, like myself, have to balance our creative work with other careers to make a living. Despite these challenges, I see the industry slowly improving, especially with digital platforms making it easier for writers to share their work and reach global audiences.
MC: Do you write anything on racial equity, social justice, gender rights and other human rights?
Christian Emecheta: Yes, these themes naturally emerge in my work because they are part of the human experience I explore. When I write about self-actualization and human complexity, I inevitably touch on issues of fairness, justice, and how society treats different groups of people. My work examines how people navigate systems that may not always treat them equally, and how they find ways to assert their dignity and worth despite challenges. As a Nigerian writer, I am particularly aware of how colonialism, racism, and social inequalities affect people's journey toward self-actualization. While I don't always write explicitly about these issues, they form the backdrop of many of my stories and poems because they are part of the reality that shaped my life.
MC: How are writers and artists appreciated or treated in your country?
Christian Emecheta: The way writers and artists in Nigeria are treated is complex and evolving. There is a growing recognition and appreciation for literary work, as evidenced by the increasing number of literary prizes, festivals, and media coverage of writers. Programs like the one that featured me on AIT show that there is interest in promoting literary arts. However, the financial reality is still challenging - most writers cannot survive on their creative work alone and must have other sources of income. The government support for arts is limited, and the publishing industry is still developing. But I see positive changes, especially among young people who are very engaged with literature and use social media to discover and support writers. The appreciation is there and growing, but the infrastructure to fully support writers financially is still being developed.
MC: Do you have spaces that promote creativity, literary arts, books and writing in your country?
Christian Emecheta: Yes, Nigeria has several spaces and platforms that promote creativity and literary arts, though we could always use more. There are literary magazines and journals that actively seek out new voices and provide platforms for writers to publish their work. We have writing groups and literary communities that meet to discuss and critique work. Cultural centers in major cities sometimes host reading events and workshops. Universities also play a role in promoting literature through their programs and publications. Online spaces have become increasingly important - social media platforms, literary blogs, and digital magazines have created new opportunities for writers to share their work and connect with readers. However, we still need more physical spaces like well-funded libraries, bookstores, and cultural centers that can serve as regular gathering places for the literary community.
MC: Have you ever attended literature festivals, fellowship programmes and bookfairs, how has been your experience?
Christian Emecheta: No, I have never attended literature festivals, fellowship programmes, or bookfairs. This is actually something I really hope to experience in the future because I believe these events are crucial for writers' development and networking. I know they provide opportunities to meet other writers, learn from experienced authors, participate in workshops, and connect with publishers and literary agents. They also offer chances to perform readings and share work with live audiences. While I haven't had these experiences yet, I am actively looking for opportunities to participate in such events because I understand they can be transformative for a writer's career and artistic development.
MC: How many awards/accolades have you received since you began literary arts activism and writing?
Christian Emecheta: I have been fortunate to receive several awards and recognitions that validate my work and encourage me to continue writing. I won the Eriata Oribhabor Food Poetry Contest, which was particularly meaningful because it recognized my poetry skills. I also received the 2019 Baobab Literary Awards, which is a prestigious recognition in African literature. In 2015, I won both the Nokia Lumia Short Story Contest and the Mastercard Short Story Contest, which were significant achievements early in my career. I was honored to be a finalist in the Brigitte Poirson Poetry Contest in 2017, and I was shortlisted for NSPP 2020. These awards have not only provided recognition but have also opened doors to publication opportunities and helped establish my reputation in the literary community. Each award represents validation of my artistic vision and encourages me to continue exploring such themes in my work.
Christian Emecheta is a creator who blends writing, illustration, and computer science. His fiction and poetry grace prestigious publications including Arts Lounge Magazine, Step Away Magazine, and The Decolonial Passage. He is also a published contributor to Cranked Anvil Press, Walden's Poetry and Reviews, and Mocking Owl Roost, among other publications too numerous to mention. Christian finds inspiration through reading, film, and the boundless landscapes of his imagination.
