Art, culture journalists collaborate on moonbeam

Some of Nigeria’s arts and culture journalists have collaborated to birth an anthology of short stories titled, Moonbeam. This ambitious project has found a home in Narrative Landscape Press (NLP) Ltd., which is managed by Dr Eghosa Imasuen and Anwuli Ojogwu, who are Director, Business Development and Managing Director, respectively of the firm.

The journey towards the realisation of Moonbeam has been one of dedication and perseverance. It was last year when Anote Ajeluorou submitted the anthology for consideration during NLP’s seasonal call for submissions in March.

After months of anticipation, a publishing deal was officially inked on January 31, 2024, at the NLP office in Anthony, Lagos, marking a significant milestone for Nigerian literature. Already, Narrative Landscape Press has slated the publication for 2025.

The anthology features folk performer, Akeem Lasisi, formerly with The Punch newspaper; Terh Agbedeh, who is now with the popular online platforms https://thisislagos.ng and https://thelagosreview.ng, Adeniyi Kunmola, who is with Lagos Talks FM; winner of The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2016, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, finalist for the same prize (drama category) in 2023 (Yamtarawala – The Warrior King), Henry Akubuiro, poetry performer and journalist with The Nation newspaper, Evelyn Osagie.

Others are Deputy Editor, ThisDay on Sunday Newspaper, Okechukwu Uwaezuoke; Deputy Editor Weekend Guardian Newspaper, Gregory-Page Nwakunor; Arts Editor at The News magazine, Nerhu Odeh, and former Blueprint’s Arts Editor, Ismaila Isah Umaisha. Former Arts Editor and Head of Politics of The Guardian, Ajeluorou, brings up the rear as chief promoter of Moonbeam.

To further give added impetus to the anthology, three ‘elder journalists’ were enlisted. They include the publisher of https://thisislagos.ng and https://thelagosreview.ng, Mr. Toni Kan, former Editor of The Guardian on Sunday and Chairman of Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), Mr. Jahman Anikulapo and the Editorial Board Chairman of The Nation newspaper, Mr. Sam Omatseye.

In a statement after signing the contractual agreement in Lagos, the publishing company’s Managing Director, Anwuli Ojogwu, said, “Narrative Landscape Press is proud to announce the acquisition of Moonbeam, an anthology by some of Nigeria’s finest culture journalists. The anthology explores some of the complex issues in today’s world. The stories in Moonbeam cover a variety and range that we hope will stimulate readers to find them worthy pieces for their enjoyment. Moonbeam will be published in 2025.”

One of the ‘elder journalists’ in the anthology Mr. Omatseye described the project as a “Great move to concretise agreement for us. It makes all of a family, and this could be the beginning of something special in Nigeria’s literary landscape. I commend Anote’s zeal and the rigour in putting together a deal for letters.”

Anikulapo also shared how important this community offering is a source of bonding among the contributors, when he said, “it is always a delight to share literary offerings with one’s community. Moonbeam, with contributions by friends and colleagues who have become more of family, will make for better bonding, greater communal sense, and deeper understanding of the cultural environment of our habitation and individual practice, and as well encourage cross-pollination of cultural ideas and mores. It is, indeed, yet another milestone in literary journalism in Nigeria.”

Also, award-winning author of Season of Crimson Blossom, Mr Ibrahim described the project as a milestone, saying, “This is an important milestone in Nigerian literature where art journalists, who have always been invested observers, decided to bare their creative teeth and publish their own fictional works. This is a brilliant idea and I, like all the other fabulous contributors to this anthology, am excited to see this work in print.”