Okike - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Okike, meaning "creation" in Igbo, is more than just a word: it's the embodiment of a literary renaissance, a journal that dared to challenge the established canons of African literature. What began as a spark of defiance became a beacon of artistic expression, often misunderstood yet consistently influential. Founded in 1971 by the renowned Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe, at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Okike emerged from the ashes of the Nigerian Civil War, a period of profound upheaval and introspection. Achebe's own letters and essays from this time reveal a burning desire to provide a platform for African voices, unfiltered and unapologetic. The journal's inception coincided with a surge in postcolonial literary movements, challenging Eurocentric perspectives and demanding recognition for the richness and diversity of African experiences.
Okike quickly became a vital outlet for both established and emerging writers, publishing poetry, fiction, drama, and critical essays that explored themes of identity, politics, and cultural heritage. Figures like Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, and younger authors seeking to break into the literary scene found a home within its pages. Intriguing is the story of Okike's resilience amidst political turmoil in Nigeria. Rumors abound of clandestine meetings, smuggled manuscripts, and coded messages hidden within poems, hinting at a deeper network of artistic resistance against oppressive regimes. The journal's impact extended beyond the African continent, influencing literary discourse in the diaspora and contributing to the growing field of postcolonial studies.
Today, Okike's legacy endures as a testament to the power of literature to shape and reflect cultural identity. Its archives serve as a treasure trove for scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering insights into a pivotal moment in African literary history. Contemporary writers continue to draw inspiration from Okike's bold spirit, reimagining its commitment to authenticity and social justice in the context of a globalized world. As we revisit Okike's history, one wonders: how many more untold stories lie dormant within its pages, waiting to be unearthed and rewritten for a new generation?