Fans of literature around the world were abuzz at the announcement of Nigerian literary giant Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi’s latest novel, titled Dream Count. This marked a significant milestone as it has been over a decade since the acclaimed author shared a new novel. Given the changing global landscape, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, this return of such a celebrated voice was met with immense excitement and anticipation.
During my recent curatorial fellowship at the Guest Artist Space Foundation in Lagos, I had the fortune of experiencing the first leg of Chimamanda’s highly anticipated book tour. Following her successful event in Lagos, the tour continued to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and concluded in Enugu, the very city where she grew up.
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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s new book Dream Count explores love in all its complicated messiness
As a scholar immersed in African literature, my arrival in Lagos was driven by a desire to experience the city’s vibrant literary scene. Lagos, known for its dynamism and creativity, certainly did not disappoint.
The book launch in Lagos turned out to be an extraordinary event, showcasing how literary celebrity can thrive in Africa. The implications of this occasion ran deep, as it demonstrated the cultural significance of celebrating both the writer and the audience. Held at the renowned MUSON Centre, the venue buzzed with energy on that memorable June evening, as hundreds gathered to celebrate Chimamanda’s much-anticipated return.
A Celebration of Literature
The auditorium filled up quickly as fans adorned in colorful outfits created a festive atmosphere. A large banner featuring Chimamanda’s radiant image highlighted the event, providing a perfect backdrop for selfies that showcased their attendance. The hashtag #dreamcountlagos began circulating, marking this momentous occasion in social media narratives.
Beneath the celebratory surface was an identifiable craving for connection, for stories that resonate, and for the renewal of literary engagement. Attendees, eager to be part of this cultural moment, exhibited a palpable excitement in both their emotional and physical presence.
As attendees lined up to purchase not just one but multiple copies of her book—hoping for her autograph—the contrast compared to typical book launches was striking. This was not merely a book event; it was an affirmation of the vitality of African literature.
The atmosphere felt reminiscent of a spirited town hall, with a VIP area set aside for dignitaries, but the barriers dissolved, blending the elite and the everyday enthusiast into a collective experience. The authentic enthusiasm illuminated the auditorium, as even an hour of delay could not dampen the crowd’s eagerness to welcome the literary icon. Dressed in a stunning yellow gown, Chimamanda embodied both elegance and relatability, as attendees rushed to capture their moments with her.
On stage, she was joined by media figure Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, who provided an intimate lens to the evening. Their rapport was natural and inviting, creating an environment filled with laughter and mutual respect. Chimamanda candidly shared her journey over the last decade, addressing her experience with writer’s block and the personal losses that reinvigorated her creative spirit.
Her novel, Dream Count, intricately weaves the narratives of four women, exploring themes of love, independence, and friendship—distilling a post-COVID world into stories that reflect both pain and resilience.
Defying Stereotypes and Celebrating Community
As she introduced her characters, the audience erupted with enthusiastic recognition, demonstrating a deep connection to the narratives. The launch was undeniably a celebration drenched in Nigerian culture—vibrant, lively, and full of communal joy. This spectacle defied stereotypes surrounding African reading habits, as evidenced by the hundreds who turned out, eager to connect with literature and each other.
Chimamanda’s collaboration with a local publisher, Narrative Landscape Press, ensured that Dream Count was accessible in Nigeria simultaneously with its release in Europe and North America—a refreshing commitment to homegrown literature. By launching her book in Nigeria, Chimamanda asserted that African literary prestige stands on its own, independent of global validation.
While she is indeed an exception among writers, her stature creates unique opportunities for dialogues between varied audiences. Events like this remind us of the transformative power of literature, affirming the notion that it still holds deep relevance and importance in African society.
Ultimately, this book launch was not just about Chimamanda or her novel, but about a collective recognition of literature’s enduring value—a vibrant tapestry woven from the stories, struggles, and aspirations of the African people.
#Literature #CulturalMoment
