binyavanga wainaina how to write about africa summary

Wainaina embodied a politics of truth, in many aspects of his life. He was confusing and quirky, humorous and sarcastic, a lover of life, of food, and of whisky, frequently also ranting and raving, angry and upset. An incredibly rich archive of ideas and thoughts. He left us a memoir, pieces of creative writing, novels in progress, essays, both written and video-performed. He was a brilliant writer and sharp thinker, creative and unruly. With the constant flood of words in which he energetically talked speculative ideas, supported by wild bodily gestures. With his African print blazers (in the brightest colours one can think of), his spiky hair dyed a different colour every time. He was such an “African character”: colourful, exotic, larger than life. In his perhaps most famous satirical essay, “ How to write about Africa”, Wainaina suggested that:Īfrican characters should be colourful, exotic, larger than life – but empty inside, with no dialogue, no conflicts or resolutions in their stories, no depth or quirks to confuse the cause. It gives us a glimpse, but doesn’t capture the spirit of his life. Unfortunately, the last stroke was fatal.īut this short summary of Wainaina’s life from birth to death, doesn’t do him justice. He even signed contracts for two new books and in 2018 announced, on Facebook, that he was in love and getting married to his Nigerian partner in South Africa. Every time he fought hard to recover, remained optimistic. On World Aids Day 2016 he announced on Twitter that he was HIV positive “but happy”. In the midst of virulent social and political homophobia, he published an intimate, autobiographical literary story, “ I am a Homosexual, Mum”. He came out as gay in 2014, at a time when African countries like Uganda and Nigeria were passing new anti-homosexuality bills. In 2011 he authored his acclaimed debut book, “ One Day I Will Write About This Place”. In 2007 he was awarded the title “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum which he declined because he preferred the freedom as a writer In 2003 he became the founding editor of African literary magazine, Kwani?, and he served as the director of the Chinua Achebe Centre for African Literature and Languages at the Bard College in the US. In 2002 he won the Caine Prize for African writing, with his short story “Discovering Home”. He studied a degree in Commerce in South Africa (University of Transkei) and later an MPhil in Creative Writing in the UK (University of East Anglia). He went to school in Nakuru, Thika, and Nairobi. Wainaina was born in 1971 in Nakuru, Kenya.

How to write an obituary for a person of such standing? The conventional way would be by starting with the key biographical facts.

Binyavanga Wainaina, one of Kenya’s most famous writers, has passed away.

Binyavanga wainaina how to write about africa summary