Veteran journalist and storyteller Linda Somiari-Stewart is breathing new life into African folklore with the release of Woyingi: God Is a Woman and The Legend of Tari-Ere: The Picky Virgin. These groundbreaking books celebrate African heritage while challenging long-held perceptions of gender and spirituality.

In Woyingi: God Is a Woman, Somiari-Stewart reimagines the divine feminine, drawing from the creation myths of the Ijaw and Kemetic peoples. Through the journey of Ayoba, a young woman uncovering her spiritual lineage, the novel explores themes of power, identity, and the balance of male and female energies in mythology.

Meanwhile, The Legend of Tari-Ere: The Picky Virgin delves into the rich traditions of the Ijaw people. The story follows Tari-Ere, a headstrong young woman who defies societal expectations, leading her into the mystical world of a water deity. The novel weaves themes of autonomy, community, and resilience against the backdrop of the Niger Delta’s vibrant culture.

At a time when global readers seek diverse narratives, Somiari-Stewart’s work serves as both entertainment and cultural preservation, making African folklore accessible to the world. She faced personal and cultural challenges in bringing these stories to life, but her dedication to storytelling remains steadfast.

Both books are available for purchase online and in bookstores, offering readers a fresh perspective on African mythology and a celebration of its enduring legacy.