See ehn, life can be tough, but we know how to find laughter in the craziest places—like in the pages of a good book. If you need to giggle, chuckle, or outright laugh out loud, here are five funny contemporary Nigerian books to do the trick. Get ready to forget your worries and dive into some serious comedy.
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BE(COM)ING NIGERIAN: A GUIDE
Be(com)ing Nigerian by Elnathan John is one of the most hilarious books you’ll ever read. The author brilliantly captures the essence of Nigerian society and its people with a sharp, satirical lens. If you think you’re a certified Nigerian, this book will make you question that. It’s a laugh-out -loud, affecting, unrestrained, and satirical guide to becoming a “real” Nigerian, filled with jabs at politics, religion, institutions, and everyday Nigerian life. This book doesn’t just entertain; it’s also a summon, a provocation, and a clever call for introspection across all levels of society.
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NEARLY ALL THE MEN IN LAGOS ARE MAD
Written by Damilare Kuku, this book is one for the ladies who think they can find love among the Lagos big boys. The title says it all—Nearly all the men in Lagos are mad. In this collection of twelve short stories, the author delivers tales of Lagos life that are as diverse as they are hilarious. Whether it’s a young woman seeking her oyibo soulmate or a wife dealing with a philandering husband in a very creative way, these stories will make you laugh, think, and feel a little less alone in the madness that is Lagos.
THE SECRET LIVES OF BABA SEGI’S WIVES
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin offers a humorous yet insightful look into a polygamous household. Baba Segi, a proud polygamist, believes his collection of wives and a gaggle of children are the symbols of prosperity, success, and validation of his manhood. But things start to unravel when the educated Bolanle becomes wife number four. Her presence threatens to expose secrets the other wives are desperate to keep hidden. This story is a delightful mix of comedy and drama that will have you laughing while pondering the dynamics of power and patriarchy.
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THE GIRL WITH THE LOUDING VOICE
Abi Daré’s The Girl With the Louding Voice is a powerful story that’s also filled with moments of humour. It follows Adunni, a 14-year-old girl who dreams of getting an education to find her “louding voice.” Instead, she is sold off as the third wife to a local man. But Adunni’s resilience shines through as she escapes to the city, determined to carve out a better life. Though her journey is fraught with challenges, her spirit and voice rise above it all, making this book both heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny in its own right.
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WHO DROVE NEARLY ALL LAGOS MEN MAD?
Just in case you thought we were being too hard on the Lagos guys earlier, Ugochukwu Ugonna is here with Who Drove Nearly All Lagos Men Mad? —a counter story to Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad. This witty, tongue-in-cheek narrative flips the script, asking who or what could have possibly driven all these men mad. Whether it’s women, money, or the madness of Nigerian society, this book will have you laughing at the absurdity of it all. Because, really, if we can’t laugh at ourselves, what else is there?
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