Feature Articles

Cyprian Ekwensi, 1921-2007
by Joe Face, Account Processor

The death of Cyprian Ekwensi, a Nigerian writer of some prestige, on November 6, 2007, both ends and renews an on-going debate for literary giants. The issue is that of contemporary fiction, and its place in the world of art.

Mr. Ekwensi described himself as "an artist of the masses." In this way he differentiated himself from compatriot Chinua Achebe, choosing a path to entertain and enliven his audience, rather than attempting to educate or reform. His countless novels and short stories were wildly popular throughout Africa and abroad: "Jagua Nana," a story of an aging courtesan who adores the wild high-life her practice can afford, is rich with themes that seem straight out of a Hollywood movie: sex, political intrigue, violence, even a happy ending makes an appearance, though not at the expense of others.

Perhaps the best way to describe the impact of Ekwensi's death upon his millions of followers is a listing of the tributes being paid to him as various news sources, message boards, and literary magazines obtain the report of his passing:

The Charles Dickens of Africa One of the Grand Old Men of African Literature. One of the nation's greatest literary writers A Great African mind The Great Drummer Forefather of the (African) city novel A fine man with a fine mind Your favorite storyteller