From Saraba Magazine – The Ways of Nigerian Folk… Sometimes we forget we have 300 plus languages each with their own folklore, creation stores, myths and just wonderful evening stories.

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Too often, Nigeria is presented as a union of three cultures with solid, defined margins. The truth however is far more blurred, delicate and much richer.

Presenting these folklore in their indigenous languages, we aim to communicate the beautiful variation and uniqueness across these cultures on the hinterland.

An Emai myth from the Emai clan of Edo State tells us the surprising… ( Read on! )

Somali born artist and writer, Diriye Osman has featured regularly on Black Looks as much because I love his work but also because he is a dear friend.  Below is an email interview we had a couple of weeks ago.

DIRIYE OSMAN

You are Somali by heritage and born in Kenya. I don’t want to presume your identity is Kenyan/Somali or Somali/Kenyan. Through which lens do you see yourself and what do these heritages mean in the context of a black man living in London in 2013? Do they have relevance to you and to how others see you?

Actually, I was born in Somalia. When the civil war broke out… ( Read on! )

Moroccan writer Abdellah Taia speaks about  coming out in Morocco, gay responsibilities and the importance of books and writing

Also, aside from their intellectual importance, I believe that books help us to live. When you read a book or a poem it connects you to something new inside of you or it confirms some premonition you’ve had. Using my books as a cultural instrument in the fight for freedom, for individuality, is something I’m very happy to do. Since I come from a world where individuality doesn’t exist, where homosexuality is still considered a crime, where you don’t… ( Read on! )