Chika Unigwe: A Literary Voice of Compassion and Nuance

Jurnalis: Bahiyyah Azzahra

Chika Unigwe, a celebrated Nigerian writer currently residing in the United States, is renowned for her thought-provoking novels, essays, and short stories. Her work reflects a deep understanding of the human condition, exploring themes of love, loss, identity, and cultural complexities with unparalleled grace and compassion. As noted by Chris Abani, author of GraceLand, Unigwe writes with “a moral urgency nourished by a nuanced understanding of the human condition.” Similarly, Caryl Phillips, author of Crossing the River, praises her ability to depict the “cultural and racial confusions that continue to trouble her.”

Born on June 12, 1974, in Enugu, Nigeria, Chika was the sixth of seven children. Her academic journey began at Federal Government Girls’ College, Abuja, and culminated with a BA in English from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1995. Shortly after her graduation, she married a Belgian engineer and moved to Turnhout, Belgium, in the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders.

Unigwe continued her academic pursuits in Belgium, earning an MA in English from the Catholic University of Leuven in 1996 and a PhD from the University of Leiden, The Netherlands, in 2004. Her doctoral dissertation, titled In the Shadow of Ala: Igbo Women Writing as an Act of Righting, showcased her scholarly focus on gender, culture, and the transformative power of writing.

A Life Dedicated to Literature and Community

While living in Belgium, Unigwe began cultivating her career as a writer. Her tenure in Turnhout extended beyond the literary world; she also served on the town council and taught Flemish to immigrants, showcasing her commitment to fostering understanding and community engagement. In 2013, she relocated to the Atlanta area in the United States, further expanding her literary and academic pursuits.

As the Creative Director of the Awele Creative Trust, Unigwe has demonstrated her dedication to nurturing emerging voices in literature. Her expertise has also been sought in prestigious roles, such as serving as a judge for the 2016 Man Booker International Prize. Additionally, her academic contributions include positions as Bonderman Professor of Creative Writing at Brown University and lecturer at Emory University. In 2020-2021, she joined the faculty of Georgia College and State University’s MFA program in Creative Writing.

Recognition and Literary Achievements

Chika Unigwe’s literary excellence has earned her numerous awards and accolades. Among her achievements are:

• Winner of the 2003 BBC Short Story Competition for “Borrowed Smile”
• Nominated for the 2004 Caine Prize for African Writing for “The Secret”
• Winner of the 2012 NLNG Prize for Literature for her acclaimed novel On Black Sisters’ Street

Unigwe has also been recognized through various prestigious fellowships, including the Unesco-Aschberg Fellowship (2007), the Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship (2009), and writing fellowships at notable institutions like Ledig House (USA) and Cove Park (Scotland).

A Resilient and Compassionate Voice

Unigwe’s writing is characterized by its elegance, depth, and emotional resonance. Her stories delve into the intricacies of human experiences, offering perspectives that bridge cultural and racial divides. As a writer, scholar, and mentor, she continues to inspire readers and writers alike, carving out a legacy that resonates far beyond the page.

Through her creative work, academic contributions, and dedication to fostering literary talent, Chika Unigwe has established herself as a transformative voice in contemporary literature.

Chika can be contacted via her agent:

Website : chikaunigwe.com

Email: kate@wolflit.com

Facebook : amarachikaunigwe

Twitter : chikaunigwe