Nigerian fiction writer and video artist, best known for their novels Freshwater (2018), Pet (2019) and their New York Times bestselling 2020 novel The Death of Vivek Oji. Emezi writes speculative fiction, romance, memoir and poetry for both young adult and adults with mostly LGBT themes. Their work has earned them several awards and nominations including the Otherwise Award and Commonwealth Short Story Prize. In 2021, TIME featured them as a Next Generation Leader. Emezi identifies as non-binary transgender. They use the pronouns they/them/theirs. They experience multiplicity and consider themself an ogbanje. They have written about their experience of undergoing gender confirmation surgery. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less
Born: June 6, 1987, Umuahia, Nigeria
Akwaeke Emezi has been making waves in the literary world with their groundbreaking work in fiction and memoir writing. Recently, Emezi was featured in several prominent literary festivals, where they discussed themes of identity and belonging. They have also been vocal advocates for non-binary and transgender rights, using their platform to raise awareness and foster inclusivity.
Akwaeke Emezi's recent novel, "The Death of Vivek Oji," has received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and exploration of gender and cultural identity. Their memoir, "Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir," provides an introspective look into their life, offering readers a glimpse into their journey of self-discovery. Emezi continues to push boundaries with their literary work, challenging conventional narratives and providing a voice for marginalized communities.
Akwaeke Emezi is a Nigerian author and artist known for their innovative approach to storytelling. Their work often explores complex themes of identity, gender, and spirituality. Emezi's debut novel, "Freshwater," was a New York Times Notable Book and has been translated into several languages. As a non-binary and trans author, Emezi's work has been instrumental in broadening the representation of diverse voices in literature.