Christopher Okigbo

A Nigerian poet who died fighting for Biafra´s independence. He is recognised as one of Africa´s greatest English-speaking poets in the 20th century. The musicality of his work and his symbolism have left their mark in the continent´s literature.

Although he had already published a series of poems in a university magazine, his first recognition as a poet came with his first book, Heavensgate. It was followed by other titles such as Silences (1965) or Path of Thunder (1965–67). Throughout his career, one is able to perceive the evolution from personal concerns to matters of political transcendence in the framework of African de-colonisation. In fact, he reported the assassination of Patrice Lumumba in his writings.

One of the highlights in his career is the Langston Hughes African poetry award that he received in 1966 at the Black Art Festival in Dakar, Senegal, although he renounced the honour because he believed that art should not be judged using racial criteria. In fact, most of Okigbo´s poetry may be considered nationalistic, but unrelated to the Black movement from that era.

When the Nigerian Civil War broke out, Christopher Okigbo returned to the East, and along with his friend Chiuna Achebe, created an editorial called Ciudadela. Unfortunately, the conflict forced him to abandon this and other plans, and he consolidated his commitment to his people by registering as a fighter in the Biafra War. In September of 1967, he died in action near the crossing of Opi, Nsukka, in one of the civil war´s first battles. He was posthumously given Biafrás National Order of Merit honour. His work has kept him alive to date, and thanks to the historical perspective, he has been confirmed as one of the pioneers of 20th century literature.

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Christopher Okigbo

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