The journey of reading is a perpetual one. And it's awe-inspiring to witness how a simple arrangement of words can evoke such deep feelings and an ejaculation of wisdom within us or our willing souls!" - Yahaya Balogun.
The continent of Africa has lost another cerebral literary juggernaut. As Wikipedia aptly described him, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, originally named James Ngugi, graced the world from January 5, 1938, until May 28, 2025. Renowned as the premier novelist of East Africa, he emerged as a pivotal voice in the landscape of contemporary African literature.
The passing of our illustrious African son, the literary giant and prolific writer Ngugi wa Thiong'o, has deeply affected our hearts. Ngugi wa Thiong'o, a gifted author and scholar, has now joined his contemporary African ancestors, just a few days before his 87th birthday celebration.
Ngugi wa Thiong'o, a prolific literary figure and author, has an impressive portfolio of more than 34 published works. Ngugi wa Thiong'o's fictional contributions include seven remarkable novels: "Weep Not, Child" (1964), "The River Between" (1965), "A Grain of Wheat" (1967, 1992), "Petals of Blood" (1977), "Caitaani Mutharaba-Ini" (also known as "Devil on the Cross," 1980), "Matigari ma Njiruungi" (1986), "Murogi wa Kagogo" (or "Wizard of the Crow," 2006), and "Kenda Muiyuru: Rugano Rwa Gikuyu na Mumbi" (2018), which was published in Gikuyu. Ngugi wa Thiong'o's talent is evident in two collections of short stories: "A Meeting in the Dark" (1974) and "Secret Lives and Other Stories" (1976).
Ngugi's memoirs are a testament to his unique journey, which includes four significant titles: "Detained: A Writer's Prison Diary" (1981), "Dreams in a Time of War: A Childhood Memoir" (2010), "In the House of the Interpreter: A Memoir" (2012), and "Birth of a Dream Weaver: A Memoir of a Writer's Awakening" (2016).
In addition to these, Ngugi wa Thiong'o has enriched the literary landscape with thirteen essay collections and nonfiction works, such as "Homecoming: Essays on African and Caribbean Literature, Culture, and Politics" (1972), "Writers in Politics: Essays" (1981), "Education for a National Culture" (1981), "Barrel of a Pen: Resistance to Repression in Neo-Colonial Kenya" (1983), "Decolonizing the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature" (1986), "Mother, Sing For Me" (1986), "Writing against Neo-Colonialism" (1986), "Moving the Centre: The Struggle for Cultural Freedom" (1993), "Penpoints, Gunpoints, and Dreams: The Performance of Literature and Power in Post-Colonial Africa" (1998), "Something Torn and New: An African Renaissance" (2009), "Globalectics: Theory and the Politics of Knowing" (2012), "In the Name of the Mother: Reflections on Writers and Empire" (2013), and "Secure the Base" (2016).
Moreover, Ngugi has brought to life four compelling plays: "The Black Hermit" (1963), "This Time Tomorrow" (1970), "The Trial of Dedan Kimathi" (1976), and "Ngaahika Ndeenda: Ithaako ria ngerekano" (translated as "I Will Marry When I Want," 1977), along with three enchanting children's books: "Njamba Nene and the Flying Bus" (1986), "Njamba Nene and the Cruel Chief" (1988), and "Njamba Nene's Pistol" (1990).
From 1984 to 1985, I studied "Weep Not Child" in English Literature at Igbemo Community Comprehensive High School, Igbemo-Ekiti. It was a great memory for us to read Ngugi's poignant story, penned in his novels in Kikuyu, and he undertook the translations himself; however, he initially crafted "Weep Not Child" in English. Within its pages, one can discern the subtle influence of the Kikuyu language—the rhythm and straightforwardness of its formal prose and erudition. This interplay creates a vibrant echo of Kikuyu life, allowing the essence, mood, and hues of that culture to flow into the English text, imbuing the novel with a profound African spirit.
The death and words of Ngugi wa Thiong'o, our cerebral and literary giant, will continue to resonate and inspire us all! This renowned author, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, will be celebrated as a transformative influence, particularly for his steadfast dedication to liberating the African psyche from colonial remnants and neocolonialism. His eloquence, foresight, and scholarly bravery will continue to motivate budding authors and countless future generations throughout Africa. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Source and credit: Book titles and collections from Brittle Paper's tribute to Ngugi wa Thiong'o on his 82nd birthday.
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