Dr. Tanure Ojaide & Modern African Literature Steadily Gaining Global Prominence

African literature has gained global popularity only in the recent times. Prominence of the genre of literature has obviously been possible because of some ideal classics that have been penned. Actually, the tradition of written literature is comparatively new to the continent. However, the art of oral account of literature has been well preserved in this society across the ages. It was only in 1986 that the continent received its first Noble Prize for Literature.

In the recent times, a number of talented as well as dedicated poets and authors have emerged across the continent. Thanks to their spirited effort, the genre of modern African literature seems to be more impressive than ever. In this context, it is indeed relevant to mention about Dr. Tanure Ojaide – one of the most prominent and powerful literary geniuses that the continent has produced.

Dr. Ojaide is a Fellow in Writing at the University of Iowa who travels wide and far almost round the year to deliver the inherent message of Africa along with the enrich culture and tradition of her society and people. He has a humble upbringing in an Urhobo household across the typical marshy landscape of the Niger Delta. After finishing the local school, he attended the Federal Government College in Warri and thereafter, he moved to the University of Ibadan, to receive his bachelor's degree in English. Finally, Dr. Ojaide got his master’s in creative writing and Ph.D. in English from the Syracuse University.

The Nigerian poet in Dr. Ojaide has penned a number of poetry books till this date. Some of his most famous works in the context include Labyrinths of the Delta, The Fate of Vultures, The Blood of Peace, The Tale of the Harmattan, Waiting for the Hatching of a Cockerel, The Beauty I Have Seen, and Love Gifts, etc.

Apart from a gifted poet, Dr. Ojaide is a powerful writer, a captivating author and a talented creative genius. In spite of all these facets, his identity as a sharp and sensitive socio-economic observer cannot be underestimated anyhow.