The World of Literary Writers

Abstract

African literary writers have a profound literary culture that they use at different times as a necessary instrument to forge an outstanding identity. There are times when literary works are used to preserve African culture, and there are times when they are used to recreate history. Literary works are often used to evaluate cultures and writers mostly use the texts to inspire revolutionary changes in the immediate society. This, therefore, foregrounds the difference between the African literary culture and other literary cultures because while others may sometimes serve only esthetic or entertainment purposes, African literary cultures have the utilitarian sanction. African literary writers depend largely on the continent’s oral traditions as these remain the source of their literary engagement. Here, we shall consider a number of these African literary writers who have made significant contributions to global literary traditions. We will also examine how their works have been of global importance and, where needed, give an informed judgment on their artistic orderliness. This chapter examines the works of literary writers like Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Nuruddin Farah, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The works of these writers are placed in the context of the struggle for a better African society and decolonization of knowledge.