No full-time writer in Nigeria – Onyeka Nwelue

BOOKSHELF: Tell us a little bit about yourself?OnyenkaNwelue: I was born on January 31st, 1988 in Imo State.  Many people love to hate me, because in this race, I have trampled on many people, I have insulted a lot of people, but did I do all these things intentionally? No. How did your passion for writing […]

BOOKSHELF: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
OnyenkaNwelue: I was born on January 31st, 1988 in Imo State.  Many people love to hate me, because in this race, I have trampled on many people, I have insulted a lot of people, but did I do all these things intentionally? No.
 How did your passion for writing start?
I grew up learning that Africa’s first female writer, Flora Nwapa, as they call her, is related to me. That particular thing began to win me over to creativity and slowly, I realized there was a painter in me, a writer and an artist raving in my head. Passion is what you already have in you and it is just about having time to refine it properly.
You were studying Sociology and Anthropology at the university before you dropped out. What happened?
Nothing really happened. Before I got admitted into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, some of my uncles and aunties promised me heaven. They said they would do this and that for me, if I got into university. I even got into UNN on the VC’ List, so you can imagine. An aunt of mine was a minister then and she had sent my name to the VC and the miracle happened. Then I started attending classes and struggling like others and they (uncles and aunties) stopped picking my calls. They didn’t fulfill their promises. Me, I said to myself, ‘Boy, you need to survive o.’ Once Ayodele Arigbabu published my first novel, TheAbyssinian Boy, me, I decided it was time to quit. I quit and moved on with my life, using the book tour to keep myself busy. I didn’t lie to my parents about being in university. I told everyone I had left, even the professor I was living with.
Tell us about your first book The Abyssinian Boy?
The Abyssinian Boy is a story about India and Nigeria basically and how we look at ourselves, our similarities and differences, the things we share in common.
Did your stay in India inspire the book?
My stay in India inspired the book greatly. I lived in a slum called Pahar Ganj later I moved out of AbhaIyengar’s house. What India did to my understanding of the world, no country can do it! It changed me completely and shaped the way I see the world. I see the world from another angle, which is very interesting.
How did you come about being in India?
I had attended the International Writers’ Festival in India and I decided to stay back. There was no need coming back to Nigeria. I had learnt of the festival through the internet, while using the computer at Toyin Akinosho’s house in FESTAC (town, Lagos). He had opened his doors for me and I can’t thank him enough.
Your first book was never given a chance for success by book reviewers. What were some of the criticisms the book got?
I don’t think so. There was no negative review of the book. It was highly praised by critics and reviewers. Even the reviewer at Next (newspaper) called it a Greek classical story, somehow. Everyone loved it. It has to do with India and it was refreshing to them. I haven’t read any negative review of The Abyssinian Boy. It was just at the beginning that people doubted I couldn’t spin anything interesting.
What has been your motivating force in achieving this much in your career at a very tender age?
I’ve always been rejected, even now, so rejection has always motivated me. The problem is that the same people who always reject me, come back, trying to grovel at my feet. And I don’t understand it.
Does environment influence a writer?
Yes, an environment influences a writer.
 Tell us about your new book Burnt?
Burnt is a narrative in verse. It is not poetry that you read every day. It is written in a prose form. I don’t have strength to sound like Wole Soyinka or J.P. Clark or Patrick Obaihaigbon (former member of the House of Representatives, now adviser to Edo State governor).
Your books are seen as controversial. Why?
My opinions are always considered controversial, but the truth is that I have no patience to think of a way to refine my words or anything like being diplomatic, so I just throw it out there and move on.
You have evolved from writing, painting and now you have divulged into entertainment. Tell us how you evolved all through these?
I started painting as a child and won competitions. I was originally a painter, but I didn’t go far with it, because it’s a lot of work. Then I started reading a lot and writing too. Now, I think, as a failed musician, I can appreciate musicians by finding ways to have their music distributed internationally. That is why I jumped into this.
Do we see you going full-fledged into acting movies soon?
Maybe, maybe not. I am not sure.
As a filmmaker; is any of your books being adapted into movies anytime soon?
Hopefully, yes. Money is basically the problem.
Wole Soyinka has been your role model from childhood. Do you think he will be proud of you now?
Yes, the last e-mail Wole Soyinka sent to me when I asked him to be my surrogate grandfather reads like this: “What a touching note to receive! I did read The Abyssinian Boy, by the way. Congratulations. The surrogate grandfather concept is a new one on me, but – do keep writing.” He’s one king  I admire all the time, no matter that I once fought verbally with someone who hates him!
You won the 2013 Prince Claus Travel Grant.  Tell us all about it.
The Prince Claus Ticket Grant supports cross-cultural exchange between artists and cultural practitioners in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. It specifically covers the cost of tickets for travel for the artist. So, I was sent to East Africa, where I met the Idi Amin family and also attended Writing Festival.
Tell us one of your exciting experiences that have made you a better author and filmmaker.
I have different experiences everyday in every country that I go to. I meet different people all the time. Things keep changing, evolving, maturing, tensing up and down and life goes like that with its ups and downs. I can’t actually pick out one particular experience, but the life I lived in India, I will never live again or have it. It is priceless.
You currently shuttle between Nigeria and France, should readers expect something from you based on cultural differences between both countries? If no, what is the next big thing for you?
I have learnt to keep some things to myself, because several times when I tried to tell people what I’m doing, I end up failing to do them. I have to surprise everyone.
You are signed by Pontas Literary and Film Agency in Barcelona. How can other Nigerian writers benefit from this agency?
Yes, they can, but I tried to start a literary agency in Nigeria. One of the writers I tried working with played a smart one on me and I just stopped and decided to hoard my contacts. They can do what they want. Not like anyone cares about anyone.
In your own assessment, would you say your writing is making money? Or simply put do Nigerian writers make money?
 No, my writing is not making any money and there is no full-time writer in Nigeria. Everyone is hustling on other pies.