Nigeria, with its rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and diverse ethnic groups, boasts a vibrant cultural landscape. At the heart of preserving, celebrating, and disseminating this cultural wealth are numerous publications that delve into the multifaceted aspects of Nigerian heritage. In this essay, we will explore the significance and impact of cultural publications in Nigeria.
Culture publications in Nigeria serve as guardians of the nation’s heritage, documenting traditions, folklore, and historical narratives. By capturing these elements in written form, these publications contribute to the preservation and transmission of cultural knowledge across generations. These cultural publications provide a platform for artists, writers, poets, and photographers to express themselves. Through literature, poetry, and visual arts, these publications showcase the creativity and artistic diversity inherent in Nigeria’s cultural landscape. These magazines, websites, or newspapers dedicated to culture often engage in critical analysis and commentary on contemporary issues. They explore the intersection of tradition and modernity, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Nigerian society. This cultural critique contributes to a nuanced understanding of the evolving cultural dynamics.
Enter the Nigerian critique/review sites. PartyJollof was one of the first websites to take on the challenge, reviewing Nigerian web series and quickly becoming an authority on what was good to watch. NativeMag followed in 2017, as did Culture Custodian and More Branches, all Gen-Z-focused platforms. Sodas and Popcorn (which still exists but with a fraction of its former clout) and True Nollywood Stories, (which was well thought out but fizzled out quickly) were more specific to film. Then, of course, there was Creetiq—an all-around review website that is now defunct.
In 2010, Ainehi Edoro a doctoral student at Duke University established the online literary magazine Brittle Paper to document the literature happenings in Nigeria and Africa. Brittle Paper conducts a critical analysis of African writers, literature, and reviews. Brittle Paper has become a great force for the promotion of African literature and has helped to broaden the space for the production and appreciation of literature in its different forms and leanings. It also presents annual awards and recognition: the African Person of the Year award and the 100 Notable African Books of the Year award.
Otosirieze Obi-Young who exited from Brittle Paper as the deputy editor established his magazine for culture criticism in 2020 now known as Open Country Mag. Open Country Mag covers literature, films, and in-depth stories of the ideas and personalities that shape Nigeria’s literary and film cultures. It has published well-researched features on some of Nigeria’s most important writers including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Teju Cole, and the Nigerian movie icon Rita Dominic – all of whom have appeared on the magazine’s designed covers.
During the pandemic in June 2021, Samson Jikeme and Owanate Max-Harry founded Afrocritik together. Three years down the line, AfroCritik has positioned itself as a go-to platform for African youths headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, and California, USA. Edited and managed by Sybil Fekurumoh, Afrocritik is an interactive online platform that shares the best of Africa’s traditional and modern culture with the rest of the world. Afrocritik showcases a vibrant medley of stories on music, fashion, film, art, and political expression alongside specially curated music playlists and events. The site has gained a strong following with people who are interested in modern African culture and politics, and young people living in the diaspora who want to stay tuned to what’s happening in their home countries. Platforms like Afrocritik are important because they promote accessibility to information and participation in cultural, political, and social dialogue.
When it comes to book criticism, The Lagos Review has played a pivotal role since its establishment in 2019 by Toni Kan and Dami Ajayi. The Lagos-based establishment is a go-to magazine for everything African literature. Poised as the new Creetiq, TLR covers book reviews, and author interviews amongst others.
In conclusion, culture publications in Nigeria play a pivotal role in preserving, promoting, and evolving the rich cultural heritage of the nation. From linguistic diversity to artistic expression and critical commentary, these publications contribute to the vibrant mosaic that is Nigeria. As they continue to adapt to contemporary challenges, these cultural gatekeepers will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s cultural narrative for generations to come.
and then