In the 21st century, modern technologies make the impossible possible. Web 2.0, is it real or just an illusion for these new developments on the web? Blogging and Facebook enable me to meet and connect with lots of new friends, bloggers, writers and authors. I became Chika Unigwe’s Facebook friend sometime last year but I didn’t get to chat with her until 2009.

She is a very down-to-earth, talented, intelligent and nice lady. Did I mention a good sense of humour as well? Yes, she has that too. If you have never heard of her, then pay attention because you’ve missed a lot. She will be releasing her new book, On Black Sister’s Street, this summer but you can pre-order it on the Amazon bookstore.

Who is Chika Unigwe?

She is Dr Chika Unigwe, a Belgium-based Nigerian author, who published her debut novel De Feniks in 2005. This novel was shortlisted for the Vrouw en Kultuur debuutprijs for the best first novel by a female writer.

She has published two children books and short fiction in anthologies such as University of Nigeria’s Okike, University of London’s Wasafiri, University of Leeds’s Moving Worlds and University of Wisconsin’s Voices. In 2003, she made the shortlist for the Caine Prize for African Fiction.

Her magical fingers have enclose awards such as the BBC Short Story Competition (2004), a Commonwealth Short Story Competition Award (2004), Equiano Fiction Contest (3rd prize, 2005) . In 2004, her short story made the top 10 of the Million Writer’s Award for best online fiction.

Below is the interview I conducted with her over Facebook chat. Brace yourself, a star is steadily rising.

Lati: Let’s get to know you on a personal level. Do you currently reside in Belgium?

CU: Yes, I live in a Flemish town close to the Dutch border, called Turnhout.

Lati: Were you born in Belgium? If so, did you spend all your lifetime living in Belgium?

CU: No, I was born in Enugu, Nigeria. I grew up in Enugu. I moved to Belgium after my first degree.

Lati: What was it like growing up?

CU: I am the 6th of seven children and I enjoyed growing up in a large family. We had loads of books.

Lati: What course did you study as an undergraduate?

CU: I did a BA in English at the University of Nigeria

Lati: You furthered your studies and acquired a Masters. What was your Master degree based on? From what university did you acquire this degree?

CU: In Belgium. From the KU Leuven, Belgium.

Lati: You chose Literature as your research focus in University; you are a Doctor of Philosophy in Literature. What inspired you to take this path? Why PhD?

CU: I have always loved literature and I’ve always loved studying. A PhD seemed like the logical step to take after my masters and my dad wanted it too. (-:

Lati: Your debut novel, De Feniks was shortlisted for the Vrouw en Kultuur debuutprijs for the best first novel by a female writer. For your new fans, what is it about?

CU: It’s about a Nigerian woman married to a Belgian man and how she deals with migration and the loneliness which is often paired with migration. They lose their only son and mourn him in two different ways and this affects their relationship. The woman finds it difficult to mourn properly in a foreign land and it is only when he mother comes Ion holiday from Nigeria that she begins to be reconciled to her son’s death. It is out in Nigeria as The Phoenix.

Lati: You have published two children books and short fictions, what other books have you published?

CU: I had a poetry collection published while I was an undergraduate at the University of Nigeria but I hardly do any poetry these days.

Lati: What is the name of this anthology?
CU: Tear drops.

Lati: Interesting title. What was the general theme?
CU: Love and death and everything else in between.

Lati: Enlighten us about your new book, On the Black Sister’s Street?

CU: On Black Sisters’ Street is a novel of frustration but also of hope. It’s about 4 African (3 Nigerian and a Sudanese) prostitutes who live and work in Antwerp. One of them dies and the other ones begin to examine their choices, their pasts and their dreams.

When I was writing On the Black Sister’s Street, I went to the red light district and spoke to Nigerian prostitutes and the research helped the book a great deal.

Lati: Your books tend to have “Nigerianness” about them? The settings might be in a different location but you love blending Nigerian beliefs and culture with that of the western world, such as Belgium. This is very different! It reminds me of Onyeka Nwelue’s new book, The Abyssinian Boy, which is a blend of Indian and Nigerian cultures. What motivates you to blend these cultures, lifestyles and views?

CU: I love both cultures; both places have influenced me and contribute to the totality of who I am.

Lati: With all your achievements as a writer, do you feel like an accomplished writer?
CU: No, I still feel very much like I am emerging. I am far from accomplished.

Lati: What do you see for African literature in the next 5 years?

CU: This is such an exciting time to be an African writer, there is a lot happening.
More and more African writers are becoming successful on the international stage. So in 5 years time, I see more African writers than we have now becoming more visible on the world stage

Lati: What advice do you have for young aspiring writers?

CU: Read a lot of good books. Join writing groups where your works can be critiqued. Never take a critique of your writing as a personal assault.

Lati: Thanks a million for sparing your time for this interview. I see you as a mentor. I admire your drive, motivation and passion. I can proudly defend why I’m currently studying for my PhD. It’s all about loving what you do and having a great motivation and drive as well. Thanks once again. I wish you great success with your upcoming book.

CU: Thanks a lot and good luck with your PhD.