Nnedi Okorafor, Queen of Africanfuturism and Africanjujuism

Nnedi Okorafor is a Nigerian-American writer known for her works in Africanfuturism and Africanjujuism, blending African culture, folklore, and myth.

Nnedi Okorafor 

Nnedi Okorafor is a Nigerian-American writer known for her works in Africanfuturism and Africanjujuism, blending African culture, folklore, and mythology with science fiction and fantasy. Born on April 8, 1974, in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, to Nigerian immigrant parents, Okorafor originally pursued a career in athletics but turned to writing after a medical condition left her temporarily paralyzed.

Her parents, who emigrated from Nigeria in 1969, ensured that Okorafor’s upbringing was enriched with both American and Nigerian cultural influences, a duality that profoundly shapes her storytelling.

Okorafor's academic journey is as impressive as her literary career. She holds a PhD in literature, along with two master’s degrees—one in journalism and another in literature. She currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with her daughter, Anyaugo.

Her literary works are characterized by the integration of African cultures, particularly Nigerian, into science fiction and fantasy narratives. This unique blend has earned her numerous accolades, including the World Fantasy Award, Nebula Award, Eisner Award, Locus Award, and Lodestar Award. Notably, her debut novel, Zahrah the Windseeker, won the prestigious Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature.

Beyond novels, Okorafor has made significant contributions to the world of comics. She authored the Africanfuturist comic series LaGuardia, which won both the Hugo and Eisner Awards. She has also written for Marvel Comics, contributing to Black Panther: Long Live the King (featuring the Dora Milaje) and the Shuri series. Her works have gained international recognition, and Who Fears Death is being adapted into an HBO series with George R.R. Martin as an executive producer. Additionally, she wrote a short memoir titled Broken Places and Outer Spaces.

In recognition of her impact on the genre, Okorafor was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame by the Museum of Pop Culture in 2024.

Her storytelling is deeply influenced by her dual heritage, and she has coined terms like Africanfuturism and Africanjujuism to describe her work. These narratives often explore themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the fusion of traditional African beliefs with futuristic concepts, offering readers a fresh perspective on science fiction and fantasy.

Her recent novel, Death of the Author, marks a departure from her acclaimed science fiction works into mainstream literary fiction. The story follows Zelu, a disabled Nigerian-American writer who, after facing numerous personal and professional challenges, writes a bestselling sci-fi novel, Rusted Robots, gaining instant fame and wealth. The novel explores themes of feminism, Nigerian culture, and the autonomy of disabled individuals.

Through her innovative narratives and dedication to blending cultural elements, Nnedi Okorafor continues to redefine the landscape of contemporary science fiction and fantasy literature.

—Ajayi Oluwabukunmi