Books Written by Femi Osofisan
Femi Osofisan is famous for his stage plays, books, and other contributions to African literature. Here are the books written by Femi Osofisan and a peek into the themes.
Biography of Femi Osofisan
Femi Osofisan is a Nigerian playwright, poet, novelist, and critic whose works have left an everlasting mark on Nigerian and African literature. Osofisan was born on June 16, 1946, in Erunwon, South Western Nigeria. The author’s literary prowess is characterized by his incisive critique of societal issues, unyielding exploration of political themes, and commitment to social justice.
Growing up in Nigeria during a period of significant political and social change, Osofisan was deeply influenced by the tumultuous events of his time. He pursued his education with a thirst for knowledge, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Ibadan and later earning a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Ghana, Legon.
Osofisan’s literary career began to flourish in the 1970s, a period marked by the emergence of a new wave of Nigerian writers eager to challenge the status quo. His early works, including plays like “Midnight Hotel” (1974) and “Another Raft” (1977), showcased his talent for blending satire, symbolism, and political commentary to create thought-provoking narratives.
Throughout his career, Osofisan has been an advocate for the use of literature as a tool for social change. His plays often confront issues such as corruption, oppression, and the abuse of power, shedding light on the struggles ordinary people face in Nigeria and beyond. Works like “Women of Owu” (2004) and “Morountodun” (1975) exemplify his ability to weave together historical events with contemporary concerns, offering audiences a nuanced perspective on the complexities of the human experience.
In addition to his work as a playwright, Osofisan also made significant contributions to Nigerian literature as a poet, novelist, and critic. His poetry collections, including “Dream Seeker on a Lattice” (1971) and “Once upon Four Robbers” (1986), reveal his mastery of language and his keen insight into the human condition.
As a novelist, his works such as “Kosigidi Junction” (1992) further showcase his talent for storytelling and his ability to spellbind readers with vivid imagery and compelling characters.
Osofisan’s impact extends beyond the realm of literature; he is also a respected academic and cultural critic. He has taught at universities in Nigeria and abroad, sharing his knowledge and passion for literature with students from diverse backgrounds. His critical essays and commentaries offer valuable insights into the intersection of literature, politics, and society in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Over the years, Osofisan has received several awards and honors for his efforts in promoting literature and the arts. He is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most prominent playwrights and intellectuals, a visionary whose work continues to make an impact and provoke audiences around the world. Through his writing and activism, Femi Osofisan has left an indelible legacy, challenging us to confront the injustices of the past and imagine a more equitable future for all.
Femi Osofisan’s literary works, spanning plays, poetry, novels, and critical essays, offer a rich tapestry of themes, characters, and social commentary. His plays, such as “Women of Owu” and “Morountodun,” delve into the complexities of power dynamics, oppression, and resilience, often drawing from historical events to illuminate contemporary issues. Osofisan’s poetry collections, like “Dream Seeker on a Lattice” and “Once upon Four Robbers,” showcase his mastery of language and ability to evoke profound emotions through vivid imagery. His novels, “Kosigidi Junction,” exhibit his storytelling prowess and talent for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers. In addition, Osofisan’s critical essays offer valuable insights into the cultural, political, and societal dimensions of Nigerian and African literature, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and influential literary figure.
Have you heard of Femi Osofisan? Which books written by Femi Osofisan have you read?
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Books Written by Femi Osofisan
Here are some of Femi Osofisan’s famous books: short stories, novels, essays, and poems that are worthwhile:
1. Women of Owu (2004) – A play by Osofisan that retells the story of the Yoruba people’s war with the ancient Kingdom of Owu.
2. Once Upon Four Robbers (1987) – A collection of four plays by Osofisan, including
- “Who’s Afraid of Solarin?”
- “Once Upon Four Robbers”
- “Birthdays Are Not for Dying”
- and “Morountodun and Other Plays”.
3. Esu and the Vagabond Minstrels (1997) – A play that sheds light on the intricacies of power and authority in a Nigerian context.
4. Mori’udun and Other Plays (1994) – A collection of plays by Osofisan, featuring
- “Once Upon Four Robbers”
- “Mori’udun”
- “Yungba Yungba and the Dance Contest”
- and “The Oriki of a Grasshopper and Other Plays”.
5. Another Raft (1998) – A collection of essays by Osofisan addressing various socio-political issues in Nigeria and beyond.
6. Tegonni: An African Antigone (1997) – Osofisan’s adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy, “Antigone”, set in an African context.
7. Midnight Hotel (1992) – A play that explores themes of corruption, power, and the struggle for justice in contemporary Nigeria.
8. The Chattering and the Song (1992) – A collection of plays by Osofisan featuring
- “The Chattering and the Song”
- “Aringindin and the Nightwatchmen”
- and “Once Upon Four Robbers”.
9. Who’s Afraid of Solarin? (1983) – A play that critiques the political and social landscape of Nigeria through the lens of a university campus.
10. Kufi and the Palms (1984) – A play that examines the impact of colonialism and modernization on traditional African societies.
11. A Restless Run of Locusts (1994) – A play that delves into the complexities of post-colonial African identity and politics.
12. The Oriki of a Grasshopper and Other Plays (1994) – A collection of plays by Osofisan, featuring
- “The Oriki of a Grasshopper”
- “Who’s Afraid of Solarin?”
- “Kite’s Flight”
- and “Women of Owu”.
13. Who’s Afraid of Solarin Now? (2001) – A sequel to Osofisan’s earlier play “Who’s Afraid of Solarin?”, continuing its exploration of Nigerian society and politics.
14. Operation Rescue (1999) – A play that addresses political corruption and social injustice in Nigeria, focusing on the struggles of ordinary people against oppressive systems.
15. Yungba Yungba and the Dance Contest (1986) – A play that examines themes of tradition versus modernity, cultural identity, and social change through the lens of a dance competition.
16. Morountodun and Other Plays (1991) – A collection of plays by Osofisan, featuring
- “Morountodun”
- “The Engagement”
- “Who’s Afraid of Solarin?”
- and “The Chattering and the Song”.
17. The Engagement (1984) – A play that explores themes of love, marriage, and social expectations in Nigerian society.
18. The Road (2002) – A play that follows the journey of a group of travelers who confront various challenges and dilemmas along a treacherous road, serving as a metaphor for the struggles of life.
19. Who’s Afraid of Solarin Too? (2002) – Another sequel to Osofisan’s original play “Who’s Afraid of Solarin?”, continuing its exploration of Nigerian politics and society.
20. Tinsel Show (2003) – A play that satirizes the entertainment industry in Nigeria, exposing its glamor and superficiality while addressing deeper social issues.
21. Once Upon Four Robbers (1983) – A play that intertwines folklore with contemporary issues, following the exploits of four robbers as they navigate the complexities of life in Nigeria.
22. The Muse of Anomy: Essays on Literature and the Humanities in Nigeria (2003) – A collection of essays by Osofisan that offer critical reflections on literature, culture, and the humanities in Nigeria.
23. Finding Awo: A Personal Memoir (2011) – Osofisan’s memoir reflects on his encounters and experiences with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent Nigerian statesman and political leader.
24. Nkrumah-Nielsen and Other Plays (1992) – A collection of plays by Osofisan, featuring
- “Nkrumah-Nielsen”
- “The Steel Orator”
- “The Storm”
- and “Red Is the Freedom Road”.
25. Once Upon Four Robbers: And Other Stories (1993) – A collection of short stories. The themes explored include love, betrayal, and social injustice.
26. The God’s Medicine-Men and Other Plays (2004) – A collection of plays by Osofisan, featuring
- “The God’s Medicine-Men”
- “The Man Who Never Died”
- “How The Leopard Got His Claws”
- and “Twingle-Twangle”.
27. The Desert Encroaches (2017) – A play by Osofisan that delves into the consequences of desertification and environmental degradation in Africa
Share other books written by Femi Osofisan or any of his plays and essays in the comment section below.