It’s January 2nd,
and it marks the annual celebration of National Science Fiction Day. It is no coincidence that Isaac Asimov, a famous science fiction writer and professor of biochemistry, has his birth celebrated on this day. This chosen date was picked in honor of Asimov (Author of “I, Robot”) who, along with Robert A. Heinlein (“Starship Troopers”) and Arthur C. Clarke (“2001: A Space Odyssey”), is considered one of the three most influential sci-fi writers of the all time.
Today, we choose to celebrate Nnedi Okorafor and the brilliance of her contribution to the discourse of science fiction. Above all, she is worthy to be honored for putting African Literature on the map!
In an article titled “National Science Fiction Day: A History of Science and Technology in Fiction” Capitol Technology University opines that “Science fiction” or “Sci-Fi” is a broad term used to define the genre and it is often categorized as any fictional narrative that involves science and technology. More specifically, it is “fiction based on imagined future scientific or technological advances,” but can also be defined as “the literature of the human species encountering change or societal shifts.” Sci-Fi is not only a genre of literature, but also refers to movies, TV shows, comics, and other media.”
Sci-Fi is a genre which gives expression to our most surreal imaginations, advancing civilization, one imagination at a time. Little wonder it has been dubbed the “literature of ideas.” Sci-Fi is said to date back to the BC era with translated texts from ancient Mesopotamia, India, and Greece giving depictions of space and air travel, advanced weaponry and technology, other worlds, and man’s search for meaning.”
Capitol Technology University’s article captures a brief history of science fiction when it states that “Japanese tales from 720CE are seen to detail time travel and humans living under the sea. Middle Eastern folklore of the 10th century features cosmic and intergalactic travels, as well as usage of submarine-like vessels. Themes during the European Middle Ages (12th century) included robots, self-operating machinery, and advanced biology. The Age of Enlightenment in the 17th century gave rise to an interest in scientific discovery, and thus, many works of science fiction developed during this time. But Mary Shelley, in the 19th century, truly defined the genre with her famous work “Frankenstein” which explored themes of science, technology, and the moral aspects implicit in their use. The genre has never looked back since, with artists in every field finding ways to express their sci-fi ideas to this very day.”
Notable moments in sci-if history as captured by CTU’s article include the following:
- 2000 BCE – Ancient mythology and texts in the Hindu, Greek, and Mesopotamian cultures are seen to feature sci-fi elements.
- 17th Century – The Age of Enlightenment begins, with works by Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Francis Bacon providing templates for future Sci-Fi themes.
- 19th Century – Mary Shelley writes “Frankenstein,” a novel that introduces advanced science and technology themes, as well as the morality of such advancements.
- 1902 – First science fiction film Le Voyage dans la Lune by George Méliès debuted.
- 1928 – First sci-fi comic strip “Buck Rogers” was published in pulp magazine.
- 1937 – John W. Campbell became editor of sci-fi pulp magazine “Astounding Science Fiction,”sparking great advancements for the genre.
- 1938 – The War of the Worlds aired on American radio, causing panic to those who believed it was a real invasion and not a sci-fi drama.
- 1938 to 1946 – The Golden Age of Science Fiction.
- 1939 – Robert A. Heinlein began his career writing stories for Astounding Science Fiction magazine, and his impact on the genre was immediately felt.
- 1939 – The First World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) was held during the New York World’s Fair.
- 1950 – Isaac Asimov wrote first sci-fi novel “Pebble in the Sky.”
- 1954 – Journalist Forrest J. Ackerman, Funder of the Science Fiction Fandom, coined the term “Sci-fi.”
- 1955 – “Tomorrowland,” an exhibition of futuristic technology-based attractions, debuted with Disneyland’s Park opening.
- 1960s – The New Wave era began, with works like Frank Herbert’s “Dune” marking this era.
- 1968 – Author Arthur C. Clarke and Film Director Stanley Kubrick released “2001: A Space Odyssey”, a film noted for its realistic depiction of space travel and its futuristic special effects.
- 1980s to 2022 – Cyberpunk era redefines the genre with its unique style, persisting through to modern times today with releases like “The Matrix” movie and similar works.
Notable Works of Sci-Fi:
Novels and Novellas
- Frankenstein – Mary Shelley (1818)
- Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas – Jules Verne (1872)
- The Time Machine – H.G. Wells (1895)
- At the Mountains of Madness – H.P. Lovecraft (1936)
- The Martian Chronicles – Ray Bradbury (1950)
- Dune – Frank Herbert (1965)
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? – Philip K. Dick (1968)
- The Left Hand of Darkness – Ursula K. Le Guin (1969)
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams (1979)
- Contact – Carl Sagan (1985)
- Watchers – Dean Koontz (1987)
- Prey – Michael Crichton (2002)
- Leviathan Wakes – James S. A. Corey (2011)
Film and Television
- Le Voyage dans la Lune (1902)
- Doctor Who (1963)
- Star Trek: The Original Series (1966)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
- Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
- Alien (1979)
- Blade Runner (1982)
- The Thing (1982)
- Terminator (1984)
- Aeon Flux (1991)
- Stargate (1994)
- Gattaca (1997)
- The X Files (1998)
- The Matrix (1999)
- Sunshine (2007)
- District 9 (2009)
Despite these notable moments, African literary scene still seemed to have taken a backseat in the Sci-Fi conversation until the emergence of Nnedi Okorafor, the pioneer of African-futurism, a sub-category of science fiction. Okorafor holds a Naija-American PhD, World Fantasy, Multi-Hugo, Nebula, Eisner Award-winning, New York Times Bestselling Rudimentary Cyborg Writer. Her works predominantly explores the themes of mysticism, technology, immigration, corruption, genocide and gender inequality.
Nnedimma Nkemdili “Nnedi” Okafor (formerly Okorafor-Mbachu; born April 8, 1974) is a Nigerian American writer of science fiction and fantasy for both children and adults. She is best known for her Binti Series and her novels Who Fears Death, Zahrah, the Windseeker, Akata Witch, Akata Warrior, Lagoon and Remote Control. She has also written for comics and film.”
In her article tilted “African-futurism Defined,” she highlights that “African-futurism is concerned with visions of the future, is interested in technology, leaves the earth, skews optimistic, is centered on and predominantly written by people of African descent (black people) and it is rooted first and foremost in Africa. It’s less concerned with “what could have been” and more concerned with “what is and can/will be.” It acknowledges, grapples with and carries “what has been.” She further draws a line between African-futurism and Afro-futurism when she states that “Africa-Futurism is similar to “afro-futurism” in the way that blacks on the continent and in the Black Diaspora are all connected by blood, spirit, history and future. The difference is that African-futurism is specifically and more directly rooted in African culture, history, mythology and point-of-view as it then branches into the Black Diaspora, and it does not privilege or center the West.”
Furthermore, we find as she affirms her identity through the article, the distinct difference between African-futurism and African-jujuism, when she declares,
“I am an African-futurist and an African-jujuist. African-futurism is a sub-category of science fiction. African-jujuism is a subcategory of fantasy that respectfully acknowledges the seamless blend of true existing African spiritualities and cosmologies with the imaginative.”
She has written comics for Marvel’s “Black Panther Universe”, including the “Shuri” series, “Black Panther: Long Live the King series” and “Wakanda Forever.” Her works have had a significant impact on the Black Panther franchise, and has brought to the forefront African characters, settings and mythology.
2025 is looking to be another groundbreaking year for the mother of African-futurism as her new adult novel will land safely on earth January 14. In a tweet she says, “this novel has been coming for thirty years. I need to be ready.” Culled from her site: https://nnedi.com/books/death-of-the-author/
Death of the Author
Disabled, disinclined to marry, and more interested in writing than a lucrative career in medicine or law, Zelu has always felt like the outcast of her large Nigerian family. Then, her life is upended when, in the middle of her sister’s lavish Caribbean wedding, she’s unceremoniously fired from her university job and, to add insult to injury, her novel is rejected by yet another publisher. With her career and dreams crushed in one fell swoop, she decides to write something just for herself. What comes out is nothing like the quiet, literary novels that have so far peppered her unremarkable career. It’s a far-future epic where androids and AI wage war in the grown-over ruins of human civilization. She calls it Rusted Robots.
When Zelu finds the courage to share her strange novel, she does not realize she is about to embark on a life-altering journey—one that will catapult her into literary stardom, but also perhaps obliterate everything her book was meant to be. From Chicago to Lagos to the far reaches of space, Zelu’s novel will change the future not only for humanity, but for the robots who come next.
A book-within-a-book that blends the line between writing and being written, Death of the Author is a masterpiece of metafiction that manages to combine the razor-sharp commentary of Yellowface with the heartfelt humanity of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. Surprisingly funny, deeply poignant, and endlessly discussable, this is at once the tale of a woman on the margins risking everything to be heard and a testament to the power of storytelling to shape the world as we know it.
Here is a preorder link: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Author-Standard-Africanfuturist-STORYTELLING/dp/0063445786
Her Bibliography:
Children
- Long Juju Man (2009, Macmillan Africa)
- Iridessa and the Secret of the Never Mine (2012, Disney Books)
- Chicken in the Kitchen (2020, Lantana publishing)
Young Adult
- Zahrah, the Windseeker (2005, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; paperback 2008, Graphia/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) — writing as Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu
- Ikenga (2020, Viking/Penguin/PRH)
The Desert Magician Duology:
- The Shadow Speaker (2007, Hyperion/Disney — writing as Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu
- Like Thunder (2023, DAW/Astra/PRH)
Nsibidi Script Series:
- Akata Witch (2011, Viking/Penguin) (published as What Sunny Saw in the Flames in Nigeria and the UK by Cassava Republic Press)
- Akata Warrior (2017, Viking/Penguin/PRH) (published as Sunny and the Mysteries of Osisi in Nigeria and the UK by Cassava Republic Press)
- Akata Woman (2022, Viking/Penguin/PRH)
Adult
- “Hello, Moto” (2011, Tor.com)[87]
- Kabu Kabu (2013, Prime Books)
- Lagoon (2014, Hodder & Stoughton Ltd.) (2015, Saga Press/Simon & Schuster)
- Broken Places & Outer Spaces: Finding Creativity in the Unexpected (TED Books) (2019, TED/Simon & Schuster)
- Remote Control (2021, Tor.com)
- Noor (2021, DAW/Penguin/PRH)
- The Death of the Author (forthcoming 2025, William Morrow/HarperCollins)
- Who Fears Death
- Who Fears Death (2010, DAW/Penguin)
- The Book of Phoenix (2015, DAW/Penguin/PRH) (prequel of Who Fears Death)
- She Who Knows: Fire-spitter (2024, DAW/Astra/PRH)
- Binti Trilogy
- Binti (2015, Tor.com)
- Binti: Home (2017, Tor.com)
- Binti: The Night Masquerade (2018, Tor.com)
Comics
- Black Panther: Long Live the King (2017, Marvel)
- LaGuardia (2018, Dark Horse)
- Shuri (2018, Marvel)
- Wakanda Forever (2018, Marvel)
- Antar: the Black Knight (2018, IDW/Mirage Films)
- Shuri: Wakanda Forever (2020, Marvel)
- After The Rain (2021, Abrams Comic Arts – Megascope)
Short Fiction
- The Palm Tree Bandit (Strange Horizons, December 2000)
- Crossroads (The Witching Hour Anthology, 2001)
- Windseekers (2002)
- Asuquo, or The Winds of Harmattan (2003)
- The Magical Negro (2004)
- When Scarabs Multiply (2004)
- Biafra (Margin Anthology of Magical Realism, 2005)
- Asunder (African Writer Online, 2007)
- The Popular Mechanic (2007)
- The Chaos Magician (2007)
- Spider the Artist (Seeds of Change Anthology, 2008)
- From the Lost Diary of TreeFrog7 (Clarkesworld #32, May 2009)
- On the Road (2009)
- Icon (2010)
- Tumaki (2010)
- The Go-Slow (Way of the Wizard Anthology, 2010)
- The Book of Phoenix (Excepted from the Great Book) (Clarkesworld #54, March 2011)
- Wahala (2011)
- How Nnedi Got Her Curved Spine (2012)
- The Baboon War (2012)
- The Chaos Magician’s Mega Chemistry Set (Apex Magazine #36, May 2012)
- African Sunrise (Excerpted from The Great Book) (Subterranean Press, 2012)
- Moom! ( “AfroSF: Science Fiction by African Writers”, 2012) [88]
- The Girl with the Magic Hands (Worldreader, 2013)
- Ozioma the Wicked (2013)
- Bakasi Man (2013)
- “It’s War” short story in “Long Hidden: Speculative Fiction from the Margins of History” (2014, Crossed Genres)
- Showlogo (2014)
- “Sunrise” in ‘Africanfuturism: An Anthology (2020, Brittle Paper)
- Sankofa (Decision Points Anthology, 2016)
- Rusties (2016) with Wanuri Kahiu (Clarkesworld #121, October 2016)
- Africanfuturist 419 (Clarkesworld #122, November 2016)
- History (2017)
- Mother of Invention (Slate, February 2018),
- The Heart of the Matter (2018)
- The Black Pages (Black Stars, Amazon Original Stories 2021)
- Just Out of Jupiter’s Reach (The Far Reaches collection, 2023)
- Stones (Clarkesworld, September 2023)
- Dark Home (Out There Screaming anthology by Jordan Peele, 2023)”
Conclusion:
“Through their vivid imagination and unparalleled storytelling, Nnedi Okorafor has expanded the horizons of science fiction, inspiring generations to dream beyond the stars”
Scene fiction challenges us to dream beyond the ordinary. Let this story inspire you to explore, innovate, and push the boundaries of what is possible.
This is just the beginning! Keep an eye on our socials for more adventures into the unknown worlds of science fiction.
References:
- African-futurism Defined (2019, Oct 19) retrieved from http://nnedi.blogspot.com/2019/10/africanfuturism-defined.html?m=1
- National Science Fiction Day: A History of Science and Technology in Fiction (2022, Jan 4) retrieved from https://www.captechu.edu/blog/national-science-fiction-day-history-of-science-and-technology-fiction
- Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nnedi_Okorafor#:~:text=edit-,Children,anthology%20by%20Jordan%20Peele%2C%202023)
Read Nnedi’s X status update on her latest book right here:https://x.com/Nnedi/status/1853102070058062165?t=77TmDEk5q6XmaRNLgHPO5g&s=1
