Why are you a writer?
I grew up with folk tales and love the beauty of words. As I grew older, I realized that literature can change the world. I come from an African storytelling tradition with authors like Chinua Achebe, who have always dealt with politics. They fought for independence and then against corrupt politicians. As a writer from a formerly colonized country, you always have to fight for the people and against injustice.
At the literature festival you will also talk about your new, as yet unpublished book. What is it about?
A Nigerian comes to America, gets married, has a child, goes back home and dies. His daughter travels to Nigeria to bury him. This book is probably less political than my others. Sometimes you get tired of politics, maybe that’s because of this strange new world. But of course the context of a Black immigrant in the age of Donald Trump is already political.
Do you still travel to Nigeria often?
I’ve lived and worked in America for 17 years, but I’m often in Nigeria; many of my books are set there. Even though I am now an American citizen, I still care about the country. When I write about American politics, I do so as an African living in America. My view of the world is shaped by my role as a Black man, my perspective will always be that of a Nigerian.
Helon Habila at the International Literature Festival Berlin
Helon Habila, a renowned Nigerian author and poet, has been a prominent figure in the literary world, celebrated for his poignant works that explore themes of identity, social issues, and the human condition. His participation in the International Literature Festival Berlin (ILB) is a testament to his global influence and the profound impact of his storytelling.
Who is Helon Habila?
Helon Habila, born in 1967 in Kono, Nigeria, is an acclaimed writer whose works often blend the personal and the political, reflecting the complexities of life in contemporary Nigeria. His literary career began with the publication of his debut novel Waiting for an Angel (2002), which won critical acclaim and introduced him to a global audience. Set in Lagos during a turbulent period of Nigerian history, the novel reflects the struggles of its characters amid political oppression and social injustice.
Following his success with Waiting for an Angel, Habila went on to publish Measuring Time (2004) and Oil on Water (2010), both of which further cemented his place as a significant voice in world literature. His writing often explores themes of displacement, the effects of corruption, the quest for self-identity, and the challenges faced by ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Habila’s work has earned him numerous awards and honors, and his voice has become one of the most important in contemporary African literature.
International Literature Festival Berlin (ILB)
The International Literature Festival Berlin is one of the most prominent literary events in Europe, attracting writers, thinkers, and intellectuals from around the world. Since its inception in 2001, the ILB has become an essential platform for promoting diverse voices and encouraging cultural exchange through literature. The festival celebrates global literature, creating opportunities for authors to present their works to a broader international audience and engage in cross-cultural dialogues.
At the ILB, writers from various countries and backgrounds come together to discuss their books, their writing processes, and the challenges they face in their respective societies. The festival features readings, panel discussions, and interactive events, offering insights into different literary traditions, political climates, and societal issues.
Helon Habila’s Involvement in the ILB
Helon Habila’s presence at the International Literature Festival Berlin is a natural fit given the themes and concerns explored in his works. As an African writer who often tackles issues such as corruption, human rights, and the consequences of political oppression, Habila’s contributions resonate deeply in the global context. At the ILB, Habila has participated in readings, discussions, and panels that have allowed him to share his personal experiences as a writer and his views on the role of literature in addressing contemporary issues.
His participation at the ILB also offers a valuable opportunity for German and international audiences to engage with African literature and to better understand the social and political realities that inform his works. Habila’s novels, which are deeply rooted in Nigerian society, provide a window into the struggles faced by ordinary people in a country marked by political instability and environmental crises.
In addition to presenting his own works, Habila has often taken part in discussions on the state of African literature and its place in the global literary ecosystem. His insights as a writer from a continent with a rich and diverse literary tradition have been a significant part of the dialogue at the festival. Through his involvement, Habila contributes to the festival’s mission to highlight underrepresented voices and create a platform for diverse perspectives.
Themes of Habila’s Work at the ILB
Helon Habila’s writing tackles complex and often urgent themes, making his participation in the ILB particularly timely and impactful. His novels often touch on topics such as:
- Political Corruption: In Oil on Water, Habila explores the impact of corruption and environmental destruction in the Niger Delta, where oil extraction has caused immense harm to local communities. His work challenges the global indifference to such issues and underscores the human cost of political and corporate greed.
- Displacement and Refugees: Habila’s work also addresses themes of migration, displacement, and the search for better opportunities, issues that resonate strongly in a world facing massive refugee crises. Through his characters, Habila delves into the emotional and physical toll of fleeing conflict or poverty, making the personal political.
- Social Injustice: Many of Habila’s characters are grappling with social inequality, and his writing often reflects the struggles of individuals caught in systems of oppression. At the ILB, Habila’s discussions around social justice issues offer an opportunity to engage with literature as a means of resistance and social change.
Helon Habila’s Impact on Global Literature
Helon Habila’s participation in the International Literature Festival Berlin further underscores his significant role in global literature. As a Nigerian writer, he brings attention to African narratives and challenges the often limited representations of Africa in mainstream media. His works contribute to the broader conversation on global inequality, human rights, and the role of storytelling in shaping social consciousness.
At the festival, Habila’s presence also promotes African literature’s growing international visibility. While African writers like Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o have long been celebrated, new generations of writers like Habila continue to elevate African voices on the world stage. By participating in global literary events such as the ILB, Habila helps ensure that African stories are heard, acknowledged, and celebrated worldwide.
Conclusion
Helon Habila’s involvement in the International Literature Festival Berlin highlights the growing significance of African writers in the global literary landscape. Through his powerful storytelling and insightful commentary, Habila not only explores the struggles faced by individuals in contemporary Nigeria but also speaks to universal issues of political oppression, social justice, and human resilience. His contributions at the ILB offer audiences a deeper understanding of African literature and its potential to foster empathy and social change.
As the International Literature Festival Berlin continues to serve as a platform for diverse voices, Habila’s participation in the event helps bridge cultural divides and promotes global dialogue on the critical issues facing the world today. Through the power of literature, writers like Habila continue to shape conversations around identity, justice, and the complexities of the human experience.
