Picture a Nigerian storyteller who spun a tale of resilience and hope that echoed worldwide—meet Abi Daré! With her debut novel, The Girl with the Louding Voice, Daré captured hearts and awards, blending raw emotion with a vibrant voice that’s uniquely her own. Now a celebrated author in the UK, she’s proof that stories can change the world, one louding voice at a time.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Daré’s journey from a vibrant childhood to literary stardom is as inspiring as her characters. Her debut novel’s protagonist, Adunni, speaks in a distinctive broken English, reflecting the realities of limited education while radiating unyielding spirit. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this remarkable writer!
The Making of Abi Daré
Abimbola 'Abi' Daré grew up in Lagos, surrounded by the bustling energy of Nigeria’s largest city. She attended Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, where her love for storytelling took root. Her mother, Teju Somorin, the first female professor of taxation in Nigeria, instilled a passion for education and empowerment. Daré moved to the UK for higher education, earning a law degree from the University of Wolverhampton, an MSc in International Project Management from Glasgow Caledonian University, and an MA in Creative Writing with distinction from Birkbeck, University of London. Balancing a career in academic publishing and motherhood, she honed her craft, drawing from personal experiences and Nigeria’s complex social tapestry.
Abi Daré’s Unforgettable Stories
Daré’s debut, The Girl with the Louding Voice (2020), is a coming-of-age masterpiece that follows Adunni, a 14-year-old Nigerian girl sold into marriage and later forced into domestic servitude. Written in non-standard English, the novel captures Adunni’s wit and determination as she fights for education and agency. It won the Bath Novel Award in 2018, was a New York Times bestseller, and was shortlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize. Critics praised its authentic voice and unflinching look at poverty, sexism, and child marriage.
Her second novel, And So I Roar (2024), continues Adunni’s story, exploring new challenges with the same emotional depth. Daré’s third work, You Are Not Going Back, delves into themes of resilience, while her contribution to Of This Our Country, a collection of essays, reflects on Nigerian identity. Her style—vivid, empathetic, and grounded in Nigerian culture—uses language as a tool to amplify marginalized voices, making her work both accessible and profound.
Why Abi Daré Matters
Abi Daré’s impact transcends the page. Her novels shine a spotlight on issues like child labor and gender inequality in Nigeria, sparking global conversations. By crafting Adunni’s voice in broken English, Daré challenges stereotypes about intelligence and education, proving that brilliance shines through any dialect. Her work inspires readers, especially young women, to find their own 'louding voice' and advocate for change. Recognized as one of The Observer’s 10 Best Debut Novelists of 2020, Daré continues to shape contemporary literature with her fearless storytelling.
- Born: Lagos, Nigeria
- Key Works: The Girl with the Louding Voice, And So I Roar, You Are Not Going Back
- Awards: Bath Novel Award (2018), Finalist in Literary Consultancy Pen Factor (2018)
- Residence: Essex, UK
Ready to be inspired? Grab The Girl with the Louding Voice and dive into Abi Daré’s vibrant world of hope and courage!