Akwaeke Emezi is an artist known for their work exploring Black spirit through indigenous ontologies, delving into embodiment, ritual, and rememory. Born in Umuahia and raised in Aba, Nigeria, Emezi has achieved recognition for their contributions to literature, art, and activism. Emezi’s artistry and insights have earned them a place as a National Book Foundation ‘5 Under 35’ honoree. They’ve made appearances on prominent platforms, including The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and the cover of TIME Magazine as a Next Generation Leader. Their talks and engagements at esteemed institutions like Princeton University, MoMA, and the Brooklyn Museum have solidified their status as an influential speaker. As a writer, Emezi has been acclaimed as “one of our greatest living writers” and “a once-in-a-generation voice.” Their debut romance novel, “YOU MADE A FOOL OF DEATH WITH YOUR BEAUTY,” garnered critical acclaim and earned a nomination for the 2023 NAACP Image Award. Additionally, Emezi is involved in executive producing the screen adaptation of the novel. Emezi’s literary achievements extend beyond romance. They have authored a debut poetry collection titled “CONTENT WARNING: EVERYTHING” and a sophomore young adult novel named “BITTER.” Notably, Emezi’s memoir “DEAR SENTHURAN” received the 2022 Stonewall Book Award for Nonfiction. Their previous novel, “THE DEATH OF VIVEK OJI,” earned a Stonewall Award Honor and garnered widespread recognition. Emezi’s literary journey includes being a finalist for several prestigious awards, such as the Dublin Literary Award, the PEN/Jean Stein Prize, the Dylan Thomas Prize, the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction, and the Publishing Triangle Award for Trans and Gender-Variant Literature. Beyond writing, Emezi is an accomplished artist with a Global Arts Fund grant to their name. Their video art premiered at Gavin Brown’s enterprise in Harlem. They’ve received accolades for their short stories and memoir work, contributing to publications like The Paris Review, The New York Times, Vogue, and Granta. Overall, Akwaeke Emezi’s multidimensional artistic endeavors, literary achievements, and thought-provoking contributions to various fields have firmly established them as a notable and influential figure.
