In a recent announcement that has saddened book lovers and literary enthusiasts across Nigeria, OkadaBooks, a renowned digital publishing and bookselling platform for African and Nigerian literature, declared its impending closure on November 30th, 2023. Founded in 2013, OkadaBooks emerged as an aspirational platform for both established and emerging African writers, providing a digital space for their stories to flourish and reach readers worldwide. As we bid farewell, it’s essential to reflect on the legacy it leaves behind and its profound impact on African literature and publishing.
From its inception, OkadaBooks, founded by Okechukwu Ofili, sought to change and improve how African stories were accessed and consumed. It empowered writers by offering a platform to self-publish their works digitally, eliminating the barriers often associated with traditional publishing. This democratization of publishing allowed numerous talented voices from across the continent to be heard, fostering a vibrant literary landscape rich in diverse narratives.
The platform played a pivotal role in fostering a reading culture, especially among the younger generation. With a vast array of genres ranging from fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, to self-help books, OkadaBooks catered to a wide audience, ensuring that there was something for everyone. Its mobile app enabled easier access to a plethora of African literature, promoting a culture of reading in the digital age.
OkadaBooks has also been instrumental in nurturing the careers of many emerging writers, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent and gain recognition. Boasting a library of around 40,000 original books and 400,000 active readers, it served as a launchpad for numerous successful authors like Sally Kenneth Dadzie, and Tolu Akinyemi whose literary journeys began on this digital stage, and as a distribution platform for established authors like Elnathan John. The platform’s role in discovering and promoting new voices cannot be overstated. It not only encouraged African writers to tell their stories but also facilitated connections between authors and readers, fostering a sense of community and dialogue around African literature.
As we acknowledge the end of an era with OkadaBooks, it’s crucial to recognize the evolving nature of the publishing industry. While this closure marks the conclusion of one chapter, it opens doors for new opportunities and innovations in the realm of African literature. Other platforms and initiatives are emerging, continuing the mission of amplifying African voices and ensuring that their stories continue to be told and cherished.
OkadaBooks will be remembered as more than just a digital platform; it will be remembered for creating changes within the African literary landscape. Its closure serves as a reminder of the importance of championing platforms that uplift emerging diverse voices and narratives.