Nigerian author Obinna Udenwe has secured a groundbreaking 5-million-naira book deal with Purple Shelves, a Lagos-based Indie publishing house.
The deal, one of the largest for a Nigerian author in recent years, highlights the growing recognition and investment in African literary voices by local publishers. Udenwe described the collaboration as a partnership rooted in trust and mutual appreciation for the project’s significance.
The novel delves into the life of Patrice Ikebe, whose decision to perform the ukpa ji-ukpa nwa—a solemn and feared Igbo oath—triggers profound, multigenerational consequences. The story intertwines themes of power, tradition, and the lasting repercussions of human choices, drawing heavily from Udenwe’s heritage and the cultural influences of Abakaliki and Arochukwu.
Obinna Udenwe is a Nigerian novelist and short story writer, acclaimed for his works such as Satans & Shaitans and Colours of Hatred. In 2021, he won the inaugural Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature for Colours of Hatred, which was also a finalist for the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature the same year.
Udenwe’s writing often reflects his deep connection to his cultural heritage, particularly the traditions of his Abakaliki roots. He currently resides in Nigeria, where he continues to produce compelling stories that explore themes of identity, power, and the complexities of human relationships.
The upcoming novel, Years of Shame, marks Udenwe’s fourth publication and is set to release in February 2025.
Read more about the book deal here.
Congratulations Obinna Udenwe on this great win!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
