Amadak Ubeng Romances Traditional African Practices In 'Under World Heaven'

The last time I had the opportunity to dine with few international writers in Zurich, we discussed on the need to encourage African writers who have passion for fantasy and sci fi genre. I knew it was going to be difficult with most young Nigerian writers looking up to genres of the likes of Adichie but I always knew there was going to be an exception.

My favorite African fantasy writer is now Amadak Ubeng. The writer of the much awaited "under world heaven". A book that flows realism from fantasy and fantasy from realism. A newer style of writing and a splash of dark intriguing experiences.

Below are two excerpts, two invoking excerpts, drawn out of a darker artistic build.

'If after the first month she gains weight, they would proceed to the second step and that is teaching her how to please her husband in every way, house chores and what was needed taught. It was an education of some sort. By the end of the second month she would gain more weight, even more than before. Then the last step would begin: The circumcision. It was a horrific sight, a sight that would give you sleepless nights'

"Sometimes in life, unimaginable, unbelievable and unpredictable things happen and set mouths questioning, heads thinking and minds wondering why and how it happened. This just brings to mind a thought about my past life I’m about to lay open. Figuratively, I’m as old as the hills and as young as the most beautiful wish of your heart. These things you are about to read may sound absurd and this is not a hoax. It is real because it happened to me and I will tell you how it happened and let you be the judge. This is my story".

One introduces your senses and expectations and the other a tiny drop of relatable taboo topics, practices, cherished and nurtured by certain traditions and cultures.

The underworld heaven is due for world wide release in May and would be lunched in three major cities, although unofficial from the publishers, Onuk interactive inc. a company that promotes traditional African history and practices in form of art.

As a way of honoring the underworld communities in Africa, the major drive of this fiction is the usage of real cult symbolisms.

To get more quotes from Amadak Ubeng's under world heaven, follow her for updates:

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