A New Literary Venture: ‘Moonbeam’ and the Power of Cultural Storytelling
In a bold move that redefines the role of culture journalists, 15 renowned writers have come together to release an anthology titled‘Moonbeam: An Anthology of Short Stories by Nigeria’s Foremost Culture Journalists.’This collection, published by Narrative Landscape Press, marks a significant milestone in Nigerian literature and cultural discourse.
Edited by Anote Ajeluorou, former Guardian Arts Editor and publisher of TheArtHubNg, the anthology was launched in early October and has already begun its journey across the literary festival circuit. It is a testament to the creative potential of those who have long been at the forefront of cultural reporting in Nigeria.
The contributors to this groundbreaking work are a distinguished group of media professionals, including:
- Sam Omatseye, Editorial Board Chairman of The Nation newspaper
- Adeniyi Kunnu, senior broadcast journalist and trainer at Lagos Talk FM 91.3
- Okechukwu Uwaezuoke, Deputy Editor of ThisDay newspaper
- TerhAgbedeh, Editor of thisislagos.ng and thelagosreview.ng
- Jahman Anikulapo, former Editor of The Guardian on Sunday
- Henry Akubuiro, Deputy Editor of The Sun newspaper
- Toni Kan, publisher of thisislagos.ng and thelagosreview.ng
- Molara Wood, ex-Managing Editor at NEXT Newspaper
- Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, former Arts Editor of Daily Trust
- Nehru Odeh, Editor of TheNews and PMNews
- Evelyn Osagie, who passed away before the anthology was completed
- Sumaila Isa Umaisha, former Arts Editor of Blueprint newspaper
- Greg Nwakunor, Deputy Editor of The Guardian
- Akeem Lasisi, former Arts Editor of The Punch and publisher of Phenomenal Lagos
A Celebratory Debut and Upcoming Events
The anthology made its debut at the Quramo Festival of Words in Lagos in October, where five contributors participated in a panel discussion titled “Place of Anthologies in a Book Ecosystem.” The event featured speakers such as Henry Akubuiro, TerhAgbedeh, Okechukwu Uwaezuoke, and Sam Omatseye, with Anote Ajeluorou moderating the session.
Following the successful launch,‘Moonbeam’will be showcased at the 27th Lagos Book and Art Festival on Friday, November 14, starting at 4:00 pm at Freedom Park. It will also be part of the Lagos Fringe Festival on November 19, also at Freedom Park, where some contributors will speak on a panel titled “Moonbeam: Interrogating the Intersection of Journalism and Creative Storytelling.”
Ajeluorou has also announced that the anthology will be featured in book chat sessions at the Alliance Française and the Goethe-Institut in Lagos. Copies of the anthology will be available for purchase at all events, as well as in major Nigerian bookstores and online platforms, including Amazon.
A Tribute to Vision and Innovation
Reflecting on the significance of the project, Ajeluorou emphasized that‘Moonbeam’represents a victory for cultural reporting in Nigeria and beyond. He noted that many culture reporters around the world are also accomplished novelists, playwrights, and poets, and the anthology highlights this talent in a unique way.
He pointed out that while it is not unusual for culture journalists to publish creative works, doing so in an anthology is a new and innovative approach. “It’s a fresh way to showcase the depth of their creativity,” he said.
The anthology is also dedicated to the late Evelyn Osagie, who conceived the idea but did not live to see it realized. Ajeluorou expressed deep gratitude for her vision, stating that through‘Moonbeam,’they will continue to celebrate her imagination and legacy.
“Moonbeam is therefore dedicated to Osagie and all those who dream new things into being,” he added.
Exploring the Intersection of Journalism and Creativity
As the anthology continues to gain attention, it raises important questions about the role of journalism in storytelling. The upcoming panels at the Lagos Book and Art Festival and the Lagos Fringe Festival will provide further opportunities for dialogue on how journalism and creative writing can intersect to produce powerful narratives.
With its diverse range of voices and perspectives,‘Moonbeam’is more than just a collection of stories—it is a celebration of cultural expression and a call for greater recognition of the creative potential within the field of journalism.