Biography
Chinua Achebe, born Albert Chinúalùmọgụ Achebe on November 16 in Ogidi, Nigeria, is a monumental figure in African literature. He is a famous novelist, poet and critic.
Famous for his novels Everything falls apartAchebe played a key role in reshaping the depiction of African experiences, presenting them authentically from an African perspective and challenging colonial narratives. His work, which includes novels, essays, short stories and poetry, delves into topics such as pre-colonial African life, the impact of European colonization and the complexities of post-colonial societies.
Achebe’s distinctive blend of traditional storytelling with contemporary narrative forms has left a lasting impact on literature, inspiring countless writers. In addition to his writing ability, he is also a respected professor who has taught in the United States and Nigeria, nurturing future storytellers. His dedication to social and political issues in Nigeria and Africa has informed his work, making him a powerful cultural voice.
Achebe died on March 21, 2013, but his influence lives on, forever changing the way African stories are told and valued in global literature.
Nigerian novelist and poet
Chinua Achebe |
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 Chinua Achebe: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Info & About Data | |
| Real name: | Albert Chiùalùmọgụ Achebe |
| Stage name: | Chinua Achebe |
| Born: | November 16, 1930 (82 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Ogidi, Idemili North, Anambra, Nigeria |
| State of origin: | Anambra State |
| Died: | March 21, 2013 (82 years old), Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | Central School St. Philips, Government College, Umuahia, University of Ibadan |
| Height: | not applicable |
| Parents: | Isaiah Okafo Achebe, Janet Anaenechi Iloegbunam Achebe |
| Siblings: | Zinobia Uzoma Ikpeze, Frank Okwuofu Achebe, Augustine Nduka Achebe, Grace Nwanneka Achebe, John Chukwuemeka Ifeanyichukwu Achebe |
| Couple: | Christiana Chinwe Okoli (m. 1961–2013) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | not applicable |
| Children: | Nwando Achebe, Chinelo Achebe, Chidi Chike Achebe, Ikechukwu Achebe |
| Job: | Poet • Novelist |
| Net worth: | 3 million USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Chinua Achebe was born on November 16, 1930 in Ogidi, a small village in southeastern Nigeria, present-day Anambra state. He belonged to the Igbo ethnic group, known for its rich storytelling tradition, which significantly influenced Achebe’s later work.
Raised in a family that was among the first in his village to convert to Christianity, Achebe’s worldview was shaped by a dual heritage—Christianity alongside the traditional spiritual beliefs of the Igbo people, a theme reflected in his writings.
His father, Isaiah Okafo Achebe, worked as a catechist and church teacher Church Missionary Societywhile his mother, Janet Anaenechi Iloegbunam, was also a convert to Christianity. Achebe was one of six children, including Zinobia Uzoma Ikpeze, Frank Okwuofu Achebe, Augustine Nduka Achebe, Grace Nwanneka Achebe, and John Chukwuemeka Ifeanyichukwu Achebe, who grew up in a close-knit family environment, which may have contributed on his ability to tell stories, like traditional Igbo life. Highly communal.
To study, Achebe attended school St. Central School Philips in Ogidi, where he was educated partly in English, an unusual setting for the time and region. He moved forward Government CollegeUmuahia, is known for its high academic standards and its role in preparing future Nigerian leaders.
Initially received a scholarship to study medicine at school University College Ibadan (University of Ibadan)Achebe then turned his focus to English, history, and theology. This change was influenced by his growing interest in the power of literature to change perceptions and realities, especially during Nigeria’s post-independence political and cultural awakening. establish.
Career
Chinua Achebe’s career has left an indelible mark on literature, education and cultural discourse. After graduating from university, he joined Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation in Lagos, he held this role until 1961. During this time, he wrote and published Everything falls apart in 1958, a novel that received international acclaim for its depiction of the colonial experience from an African perspective, challenging dominant narratives about Europe.
Achebe’s literary path continued with famous works such as No more comfort, Arrow of God, Man of the peopleAnd Anthills of Savannah. These novels explore many different aspects of African life, from traditional pre-colonial customs to the complexities of post-independence society. His non-fiction work, including essay collections, offers critical reflections on literature, politics and the role of the writer in post-colonial Africa.
Along with his literary career, Achebe also had an excellent educational journey. He is a founding member of the Department of English at University of NigeriaNsukka, and teaches at many institutions, including University of Massachusetts Amherstfemale University of ConnecticutAnd Bard College in the United States, where he guided and influenced generations of students.
Achebe was also a strong critic of corruption, military rule and governance failures in Nigeria and Africa, using his platform as a political and cultural commentator. His public life has established him as a global ambassador for African literature, advocating for a deeper understanding of African culture and history.
Throughout his career, Achebe received many honors, including the Nigerian National Merit Medal, the German Book Trade Peace Prize and honorary degrees, culminating in the 2007 Man Booker International Prize for lifetime achievement.
Although he passed away in 2013, his work continues to inspire, with his call for Africans to tell their own stories echoing in the work of contemporary African writers. Achebe’s influence extended beyond literature, with his ideas echoed in film, music and other art forms, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in defining reshape perceptions of Africa.
Awards & Recognition
Here are some notable awards and recognitions that Chinua Achebe received during his lifetime:
- Margaret Wong Award (1984) – Awarded to “Anthills of the Savannah.”
- Commonwealth Poetry Prize (1973) – For the collection of poems “Christmas in Biafra and other poems”.
- Nigerian National Medal (1979) – Nigeria’s highest decoration for academic work.
- Jock Campbell New Statesman Award – for “The Sacrificial Egg and Other Stories”.
- Peace Prize of the German Book Trade (2002) – Recognized for his literary contributions to peace.
- Honorary Fellowship – Awarded by the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
- Honoris Causa – Received from many prestigious universities worldwide, including Harvard University, Brown University and the University of Lagos.
- Man Booker International Prize (2007) – Awarded for lifetime achievement in fiction on the world stage.
- Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) – One of Nigeria’s highest honors, awarded posthumously in 2013.
- Dorothy and Lillian Gish Award – For contributions to the arts.
- Nigeria Centennial Awards – Celebrating Nigerian achievements in the arts.
- St. Petersburg Literary Award Louis – Honoring significant contributions to literature.
- Nigerian Silver Medal – For contributions to Nigerian culture.
- Frank Knox Memorial Scholarship – To attend Princeton University, although he did not attend.
Personal life
Chinua Achebe married Christie Chinwe Okoli in 1961, herself a professor of education and a significant contributor to educational theory in Nigeria.
They maintained a marriage that lasted more than five decades until Achebe’s death in 2013. They had four children together, Nwando Achebe, Chinelo Achebe, Chidi Chike Achebe and Ikechukwu Achebe. There is no publicly available information about Chinua Achebe’s height.
Cause of death
Chinua Achebe, the famous Nigerian author, passed away on March 21, 2013, at the age of 82. He died after a short illness, according to a statement from his literary agent, Andrew Wylie , and confirmed by various reports. The exact nature of the illness was not specified in public statements, respecting the family’s privacy.
Achebe’s death was mourned around the world, with tributes highlighting his important contributions to African literature and his role in shaping global perceptions of African culture through his works.
Net worth
Chinua Achebe’s net worth is said to be around $3 million. This figure may reflect a combination of his income from book sales, academic positions, speaking engagements and various awards throughout his career, although exact financial details are not available. was never made public in detail during his lifetime or at his death.
Achebe’s financial status was more in line with his intellectual and cultural contributions than his display of luxury, demonstrating a life focused on enriching people’s stories and education. Africa is more than material wealth.
Famous works
Below is a complete list of Chinua Achebe’s works, including his notable novels, short stories, poems, essays, and children’s books:
Novel
- “Things Fall Apart” (1958) – His most famous work, depicting pre-colonial life in Nigeria and the arrival of European missionaries.
- “No Longer at Ease” (1960) – Follows the grandson of a character from “Things Fall Apart,” dealing with corruption and cultural conflict in post-independence Nigeria.
- “Arrow of God” (1964) – Focuses on the Igbo village of Umuaro and the conflict between traditional and colonial administration.
- “A Man of the People” (1966) – Political novel about corruption and coups in Nigeria.
- “Anthills of the Savannah” (1987) – Explores issues of power, corruption and the role of intellectuals in society.
Collection of short stories
- “Chike and the River” (1966) – A children’s book that could also be considered a short novel or a long short story.
Verse
- “Christmas in Biafra and Other Poems” (1973) – Reflections on the Nigerian Civil War.
Essays and non-fiction
- “The Morning of Creation” (1975) – Collection of essays on literature and politics.
- “The Trouble with Nigeria” (1983) – Discusses the challenges facing Nigeria at the time.
- “Hopes and Obstacles” (1988) – Collection of essays on African literature, culture, and the role of the storyteller.
- “Home and Exile” (2000) – Autobiographical essay reflecting on themes of home, identity and displacement.
- “The Education of a Child Protected by the British” (2009) – Autobiography, reflecting on his education and colonial experiences.
Children’s books
- “How the Leopard Got its Claws” (1972) – Collection of folk tales retold by Achebe.
- “The Flute” (1977) – Collaboration with John Iroaganachi, about Nigerian folk tales.
- “Chike and the River” (1966) – Although often classified with his novels, it is also suitable for younger readers.
Anthologies and edited works
- “African Short Stories” (1985) – edited by Achebe, includes works by various African authors.
The work is unfinished or published posthumously
- “There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra” (2012) – A memoir reflecting on the Nigerian Civil War, published shortly before his death.
Chinua Achebe’s works span a variety of genres and forms, but they are united by a focus on African culture, history, and the impact of colonialism and its consequences.
