Ankara Press, the commercial imprint of Cassava Republic Press, has partnered with Zikoko and Big Cabal Media on “Nigerians Are Not Normal About Love,” an anthology of fictionalised stories drawn from real interviews and inspired by Zikoko’s long-running Love Life series.
The book is set for publication in January 2027, and its world rights were acquired by Ankara Press Assistant Editor Boluwatito “Tito” Sanusi.
The anthology is curated and edited by Ope Adedeji and Daniel Orubo. It draws on the same well of interviews that built Zikoko’s Love Life franchise into a cult favourite, reworking some of those episodes into short fiction while introducing new stories from contributors across the country.
The stories span university lecture-hall romances, Detty December meet-cutes at chaotic birthday parties, breakups conducted in traffic, long-distance goodbyes over late-night calls, situationships, second chances, asexual intimacy, long marriages, quiet betrayals and sudden devotion.
The publishers describe it as an attempt to capture the full range of Nigerian intimacy as shaped by dating apps, economic hardship, migration, faith and the weight of a culture that has strong opinions about how people should love.
“This anthology is a celebration of our capacity to love, even when it’s messy,” Sanusi said. “I cannot wait for readers to see themselves in these stories.”
Orubo, who is also Head of Content at Zikoko, said the anthology extends work the Love Life series started. “The original Love Life series began as a way to explore the layered shades of love,” he said. “This book takes that further, reimagining beloved episodes and introducing new stories through some of Nigeria’s most exciting storytellers. I’m excited for readers to discover new voices, and perhaps recognise their own stories too.”
Adedeji said the project reflects a broader belief in the power of narrative. “Storytelling changes us,” she said. “These stories gather the beauty and contradictions of loving, living and leaving into one place. They remind us that our love stories, in all their complexity, deserve to be told.”
Tomiwa Aladekomo, CEO of Big Cabal Media, framed the anthology as an extension of Zikoko’s reach beyond its usual digital audience. “Zikoko has always told stories that matter to Nigerians, young and old,” he said. “Seeing them take form in a book and travel beyond our digital space is deeply exciting. We’re proud to share our world with a global audience.”
The confirmed contributors include Ani Kayode Somtochukwu, Nicole Asinugo, Mowa Badmos, Edwin Okolo, Chinonso Nzeh, Kanyinsola Olorunnisola, Mariam Sule, Jeffrey Jude, Aisha Bello and Franklyn Usouwa.
The anthology also marks a milestone for Ankara Press itself, which describes itself as Cassava Republic’s new commercial imprint for romance, thrillers, fantasy, horror and nonfiction, with a stated focus on voices underrepresented in publishing.
The imprint is set to officially launch in Summer 2026 and is currently open for submissions.
Media enquiries can be directed to Rhoda Nuhu at [email protected]. Trade and agent enquiries go to Boluwatito Sanusi at [email protected].
