Picture a Nigerian storyteller who weaves myth, reality, and rebellion into a vibrant tapestry—meet Eloghosa Osunde! This multidisciplinary artist, writer, and worldbender has captured global attention with her debut novel Vagabonds!, a dazzling blend of magical realism and social critique. Osunde’s work dances across literature, visual art, and film, offering a bold voice for the marginalized and a fresh perspective on Lagos, Nigeria.
With a knack for shattering boundaries, Osunde crafts stories that pulse with life, challenging norms and celebrating the resilience of outsiders. Her unique vision has earned her accolades and a growing fanbase, marking her as a rising star in the global creative scene. Let’s dive into her journey, works, and why she’s a must-read!
The Making of Eloghosa Osunde
Born in Nigeria, Eloghosa Osunde grew up in a world where spirituality and storytelling intertwined. Her name, meaning 'It is not too hard for God to do,' fueled her audacity to dream big. Early on, she was wary of her unfiltered voice, shaping stories to fit what she read. A 2015 writing workshop changed everything, connecting her with Nigerian writers who encouraged her to embrace her authentic style. This pivotal moment unleashed her distinctive blend of Naija English, pidgin, and surrealist flair.
Osunde’s multidisciplinary path took root through workshops like the Lambda Literary Workshop and the Caine Prize Workshop. Her visual art, exhibited across four continents, and her work in fashion and film, including a monologue for Victoria’s Secret World Tour '23, reflect her boundary-defying creativity. These experiences shaped her as a storyteller who redefines reality itself.
Eloghosa Osunde’s Unforgettable Stories
Osunde’s debut novel, Vagabonds!, published in 2022, is a tour de force of interconnected short stories set in Lagos. Guided by Tatafo, a gossip-mongering spirit, and Èkó, the city’s mythic embodiment, the book explores the lives of 'vagabonds'—the queer, poor, and displaced whose existence defies Nigeria’s oppressive norms. Blending gritty realism with myth, Osunde tackles capitalism, homophobia, and corruption with poetic ferocity, earning praise from The New York Times and Marlon James.
Her upcoming novel, Necessary Fiction, set for release in July 2025, promises to delve into family, freedom, and human dreams through over two dozen characters. Osunde’s short story 'Good Boy,' featured in Best American Short Stories 2021, showcases her ability to craft haunting, intimate narratives. Her surrealist column, 'Melting Clocks,' in The Paris Review, further highlights her playful yet profound style, bending time and reality to explore human experiences.
Osunde’s writing is unapologetically Nigerian, infused with pidgin and cultural nuance, yet universally resonant. Her themes of resistance, queerness, and community shine through, offering hope amid chaos. Whether through prose, art, or film, she creates worlds where the marginalized find power and joy.
Why Eloghosa Osunde Matters
Eloghosa Osunde’s impact lies in her fearless amplification of voices often silenced. Vagabonds! challenges Nigeria’s anti-queer laws and societal hypocrisy, creating a 'letter of kinship' for those on the margins. Her work resonates globally, earning her the 2023 African Literary Award from the Museum of the African Diaspora and a spot among the 100 most influential Africans in 2022. Osunde’s art inspires readers to question reality and embrace their truths.
Her multidisciplinary approach bridges literature, visual art, and performance, redefining storytelling for a new generation. By centering Lagos’s outsiders, she crafts a vibrant, rebellious narrative that’s both a mirror and a beacon for change, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- Born: Nigeria
- Key Works: Vagabonds! (2022), Necessary Fiction (2025), 'Good Boy' (2021)
- Awards: 2023 African Literary Award, 2021 Plimpton Prize for Fiction
Ready to explore a world where spirits and rebels collide? Snag Vagabonds! and dive into Eloghosa Osunde’s electrifying universe!