Picture a British-Nigerian storyteller who turned Afro-textured hair into a superhero’s greatest strength—meet Tọlá Okogwu! This award-winning children’s author, journalist, and hair care educator has enchanted young readers with her vibrant tales of cultural pride, adventure, and empowerment. From the magical Onyeka series to the heartwarming Daddy Do My Hair picture books, Okogwu’s stories celebrate diversity and inspire kids to embrace their unique identities.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in London, Okogwu weaves her dual heritage into narratives that resonate with readers worldwide. Her work isn’t just about fun plots—it’s about giving kids mirrors to see themselves and windows to explore new cultures. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore how Tọlá Okogwu became a literary star!
The Making of Tọlá Okogwu
Tọlá Okogwu’s journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, where she was born before moving to England at age six. Growing up in London, she soaked up British culture but later realized she wanted to reconnect with her Nigerian roots. With a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Okogwu honed her storytelling skills through blogging, freelance writing, and hair care education. Her blog, My Long Hair Journey, became a platform to celebrate Afro-textured hair, but her true passion was fiction. Inspired by the lack of diverse children’s books, she set out to create stories that reflected her daughters’ experiences and her own cultural identity.
Tọlá Okogwu’s Unforgettable Stories
Okogwu’s breakout hit, Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun (2022), is a middle-grade Afrofuturist adventure often compared to Black Panther and X-Men. It follows Onyeka, a British-Nigerian girl who discovers her Afro hair has psychokinetic powers. Whisked to a Nigerian school for superpowered kids called Solari, Onyeka battles villains and embraces her identity. The series, including Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels (2023) and Onyeka and the Heroes of the Dawn (2024), blends action, Nigerian culture, and themes of self-acceptance.
Her Daddy Do My Hair picture book series, inspired by her husband’s bond with their daughters, celebrates father-child relationships and Afro hair. Titles like Beth’s Twists (2022) and Kechi’s Hair Goes Every Which Way (2018) use rhyming text and vibrant illustrations to make hair care a joyful ritual. Okogwu also writes as Lola Morayo, penning the Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door series, which sprinkles magical adventures with cultural richness. Her style—playful, empowering, and culturally rooted—makes her books instant favorites for kids and parents alike.
Whether she’s crafting superhero sagas or tender picture books, Okogwu’s stories shine with authenticity. Her ability to blend Nigerian heritage with universal themes like confidence and belonging sets her apart in children’s literature.
Why Tọlá Okogwu Matters
Tọlá Okogwu’s impact goes beyond storytelling—she’s a champion for representation. Her books fill a gap in children’s literature, offering Black and African kids characters who look like them and stories that celebrate their heritage. Her Onyeka series has earned accolades, including the 2023 Children’s Africana Book Award, and a Netflix film adaptation is in the works, produced by Will Smith and David Oyelowo. By tackling themes like identity and the beauty of Afro-textured hair, Okogwu empowers young readers to love themselves unapologetically.
Her work also resonates with educators and parents, who praise her for creating inclusive narratives that spark conversations about culture and diversity. Okogwu’s legacy is one of joy, pride, and possibility, proving that stories can change how kids see themselves and the world.
- Born: Lagos, Nigeria
- Key Works: Onyeka series, Daddy Do My Hair series, Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door series (as Lola Morayo)
- Awards: 2023 Children’s Africana Book Award for Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun
- Fun Fact: She’s a self-professed melted cheese enthusiast!
Snag Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun or Daddy Do My Hair: Beth’s Twists and dive into Tọlá Okogwu’s vibrant, empowering world!