African Writer, Elechi Amadi Dies At 82

Jun 30, 2016 Chioma Iwunze-Ibiam

It’s been a sad day for ardent readers of African literature. One of the greatest and most influential African novelists, Elechi Amadi, has been reported dead.

He was 82 years old when he died at the Good Heart hospital in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, 29th July 2016.

My first contact with him was through his novel, The Concubine. It was memorable and engaging and important. The story of a beautiful woman was so unlucky in love, she was said to have been married to a river god. I still remember our discussions in the literature class.

Some of his works include The Concubine, The Great Ponds, Isiburu, Sunset in Biafra, Dance of Johannesburg, Peppersoup, The Road to Ibadan, The Slave , Estrangement and the Woman of Calabar.

Years later, in 2008, I attended the graduation ceremony for students of his school of creative writing. I took pictures I can no longer find and listened to his kind words of advice. It was a memorable experience for me. I remember feeling at home with the other writers, and I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. I have been searching for his Biafrian War memoir, Sunset in Biafra. I can’t wait to read it.

I will be publishing anecdotes of meetings with Elechi Amadi and his works. Have you read any of his novels, poems or plays? Have you met him in person? Do send your experiences, essays and/or vignettes to creativewritingnews@gmail.com or chiomaiwunze@gmail.com.

I’m off to mourn the legend.