Picture a Nigerian storyteller weaving gods, monsters, and epic quests into tales that pulse with West African soul—meet Suyi Davies Okungbowa! Born in 1989, this award-winning speculative fiction author has captivated readers with novels like David Mogo, Godhunter and Son of the Storm. His stories, rich with Nigerian culture, explore identity, belonging, and the clash of old and new worlds, earning him a spot as a leading voice in African speculative fiction.
With a knack for blending myth and modernity, Suyi crafts worlds that feel both ancient and futuristic. Now an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Ottawa, he’s not just writing stories—he’s reshaping how we see fantasy and sci-fi. Ready to dive into his vibrant universe?
The Making of Suyi Davies Okungbowa
Born Osasuyi Okungbowa in Benin City, Nigeria, Suyi grew up surrounded by the vibrant stories of Edo State. His early life revolved around the University of Benin, where he later earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering. But engineering couldn’t contain his imagination. Inspired by Nigerian oral traditions, Nollywood films, and authors like Octavia Butler and Nnedi Okorafor, Suyi began writing speculative fiction that reflected his roots. After honing his craft at the University of Arizona, where he earned an MFA, he emerged as a bold new voice in the genre.
Suyi Davies Okungbowa’s Unforgettable Stories
Suyi’s debut, David Mogo, Godhunter (2019), is a godpunk masterpiece set in a Lagos where orishas have fallen from the sky. The novel follows a demigod hunting rogue deities, blending Nigerian mythology with urban grit. It won the 2020 Nommo Award for Best Speculative Novel, with WIRED calling it the “platonic deific ideal” of its subgenre. Critics praised its vivid worldbuilding, though some noted its novella-like structure as unconventional.
The Nameless Republic trilogy, starting with Son of the Storm (2021), dives into epic fantasy inspired by pre-colonial West African empires. NPR lauded its intricate politics and relationships, while Tor.com called it “epic fantasy that breaks the rules.” The second book, Warrior of the Wind (2023), earned a starred Kirkus review for its imaginative scope. Suyi also writes for younger readers as Suyi Davies, with works like Minecraft: The Haven Trials and Stranger Things: Lucas on the Line, showcasing his versatility. His 2024 novella, Lost Ark Dreaming, a Nebula finalist, explores dystopian themes with haunting precision.
Suyi’s style is a tapestry of Nigerian cosmologies, code-switching dialogue, and themes of identity and displacement. His stories don’t just entertain—they challenge readers to rethink cultural narratives and embrace the complexity of home.
Why Suyi Davies Okungbowa Matters
Suyi Davies Okungbowa is a trailblazer in African speculative fiction, joining contemporaries like Nnedi Okorafor in elevating non-Western mythologies on the global stage. His work amplifies Nigerian voices, weaving indigenous beliefs into stories that resonate universally. As an academic, he mentors the next generation of writers, while his essays, like “Exposition Tax,” explore the challenges of writing from the margins. Suyi’s influence lies in his ability to make readers feel at home in worlds that are both foreign and familiar.
- Born: August 27, 1989, Benin City, Nigeria
- Key Works: David Mogo, Godhunter, Son of the Storm, Lost Ark Dreaming
- Awards: 2020 Nommo Award for Best Novel; 2024 Nebula finalist
- Fun Fact: Suyi writes for kids under the name Suyi Davies!
Snag David Mogo, Godhunter or Son of the Storm and dive into Suyi Davies Okungbowa’s thrilling speculative worlds today!