A New Literary Milestone in Nigerian Culture Journalism
A groundbreaking anthology titledMoonbeam: An Anthology of Short Stories by Nigeria’s Foremost Culture Journalistshas recently made its debut on bookshelves across Nigeria. Published by Narrative Landscape Press, an independent publishing house known for its innovative approach, the book is a celebration of the creative talents of culture journalists who have long been recognized for their work in reporting cultural events. However,Moonbeamshowcases their ability to excel in creative storytelling, proving that their skills extend far beyond traditional journalism.
The anthology was edited by Mr. Anote Ajeluorou, a former Arts Editor ofThe Guardianand publisher ofTheArtHubNg, an online platform dedicated to arts and culture. As one of the first anthologies of its kind globally,Moonbeamfeatures contributions from some of Nigeria’s most respected culture journalists, highlighting their collective passion for storytelling over four decades of cultural journalism.
Key Contributors and Their Impact
The contributors toMoonbeaminclude notable figures such as:
- Mr. Sam Omatseye, Chairman of the Editorial Board ofThe Nationnewspaper
- Mr. Adeniyi Kunu, Senior Broadcast Journalist and Trainer at Lagos Talk FM 91.3
- Mr. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke, Deputy Editor ofThisDaynewspaper
- Mr. Terh Agbedeh, Editor ofthisislagos.ngandlagosreview.ng
- Mr. Henry Akubuiro, Deputy Editor ofThe Sunnewspaper
Other contributors includeMr. Jahman Anikulapo, former Arts Editor ofThe Guardian;Mr. Toni Kan, formerly withThe GuardianandNext234.com;Molara Wood, former Arts Editor ofDaily Trust;Mr. Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Arts Editor ofTheNews;Mr. Nehru Odeh;Evelyn Osagie(rest her soul) ofThe Nation;Mr. Sumaila Isa Umaisha, former Arts Editor ofBlueprint;Mr. Greg Nwakunor, Deputy Editor ofThe Guardian; andMr. Akeem Lasisi, former Arts Editor ofThe Punch, poet, and publisher of the online platformPhenomenon.
These 15 culture journalists are united by their dedication to curating stories that reflect the richness of Nigerian culture over the past four decades.
Cultural Events and Discussions
Moonbeammade its debut at the Quramo Festival of Words (QFest 2025) on October 4 at Eko Hotel and Suites. The anthology was featured in a panel discussion titled “The Place of Anthologies in a Book Ecosystem,” with contributors including Mr. Akubuiro, Mr. Agbedeh, Mr. Uwaezuoke, and Mr. Omatseye, moderated by Mr. Ajeluorou.
The book will also be a focal point at the Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) 2025 on November 14 at 4:00 pm at Freedom Park. The event will explore the theme “Moonbeam: Interrogating the Intersection of Journalism and Creative Storytelling.” Additionally, some of the anthology’s contributors will speak at the Lagos Fringe Festival on November 19, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Esther’s Revenge Lounge, Freedom Park.
Other cultural institutions, such as the Alliance Francaise and Goethe Institute, will also host discussions aboutMoonbeamin the coming months.
Availability and Purchase Options
Readers can now purchase copies ofMoonbeamat major bookshops in Nigeria or directly from the Narrative Landscape Press office located at 1B Olatunde Ayoola Avenue, Behind Mobile Filling Station, Obanikoro, near Anthony Village, Lagos. The book is also available on Amazon.
A Tribute to Visionary Contributions
According to Mr. Ajeluorou,Moonbeamrepresents a significant victory for culture reporting in Nigeria and beyond. He emphasized that while many culture journalists worldwide are also published novelists, playwrights, and poets, the idea of compiling their works into an anthology is a unique and innovative approach.
He also paid tribute toEvelyn Osagie, whose vision led to the creation ofMoonbeam. Although she passed away before seeing the final product, her legacy lives on through this anthology.Moonbeamis dedicated to her and to all those who dream of bringing new ideas to life.