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Chimamanda Adichie responds to attacks for her criticism of Hilary Clinton
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Hillary Rodham Clinton in conversation on April 22nd as part of the 2018 PEN World Voices Festival.
See video below of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Hillary Rodham Clinton in conversation on April 22nd as part of the 2018 PEN World Voices Festival.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wrote on her Facebook-
Hilary hugs Adichie after the interview
Dear Unnamed Person Who I Am Told Is On Social Media Saying I am Her Family and Telling Me to Shut Up:
Cynicism is ugly. It doesn’t flatter anyone. Yours doesn’t suit you at all.
I remember you vaguely; I think you were in my class in primary school. And now you claim to be my ‘family’ and you are asking me to shut up.
Did you watch the video of the conversation? Did you read a full transcript?
I am tired of Nigerians who read a headline and, without bothering to get details and context, jump on the outrage bandwagon and form lazy, shallow opinions.
I am tired of Nigerians cynically thinking of anybody in public life as a ‘brand.’ No, I am not a brand. I am a person who feels strongly about certain issues. I choose to talk honestly about them. I made the choice to talk about feminism knowing very well the kind of hostility it brings – but I think it’s important and I will continue to speak my truth and hope to bring about some change, no matter how small. Adirom agba egwu ka m data ego.
No, of course you don’t actually deserve a response, but I have some free time today. So I want to make you feel a little important because it sounds like you need it.
And I want to reflect on an absolutely lovely hour spent on stage with Hillary Clinton.
I was happy when I was told that Hillary Clinton had specifically requested to be in conversation with me at the PEN World Voices festival. I am an unapologetic fan of Ms. Clinton’s. I have been for many years.
I felt quite emotional when I met her. Having read and followed her for years, it was moving to see her: the warm, human, observant, present, thoughtful person (and looking wonderful, with her hair and makeup on point!).
She said she had read my books and I restrained myself from doing cartwheels.
“Is there anything you don’t want to talk about?” I asked backstage.
“Ask me anything,” she said.
Towards the end of our conversation, I told her how, having read her writing about her own life, I think she has a great love story with Bill Clinton. A wonderful friendship. I said I feel irritated and protective of her when people dissect her personal life, but I also confessed to having an interest myself, particularly about her public Twitter profile. (I first noticed it when I was researching a piece about her during the presidential campaign). I was upset that the first word used to describe her was ‘wife.’ Was it a choice she had made or was it something done for her campaign and, if it was a choice she had made, did she think my reaction to it was fair?
Her response was very thoughtful.
I was too excited, emotional, slightly nervous, to be on stage with this remarkable woman. Had I kept in mind how easily outrage-mongers would jump on a headline, I would have phrased my question better. I would not have made it about my being upset, because it can come across as navel-gazing.
But the truth is that we were supposed to be having a ‘conversation,’ the context of our conversation was personal and warm, I had made the decision to speak from the heart, and it would be dishonest to pretend that I had not reacted personally to so many issues around Ms. Clinton, whose life has become a kind of crucible of all the questions that affect women.
We all react personally to public figures. And I WAS upset that the Twitter bio of a woman who is the most accomplished person to run for President of the United States, would begin with ‘wife.’ And considering her personal history, it just didn’t seem to fit.
I felt that ‘wife’ was used as an attempt to placate all the men and women who will not vote for a woman unless they are able to see her FIRST in domestic terms.
Yes, it’s just Twitter. But it matters. It’s a public platform. It’s where people go to hear directly from her.
And there is context to consider.
In LIVING HISTORY, Ms.Clinton writes that the two most difficult decisions she has made in her life were staying married to Bill Clinton and running for the senate seat in New York.
Women, especially women in public life, face a lot of societal pressure about how to be, how to live, much more than men do. Women in public life are considered ‘cold’ and ‘un-relatable’ unless they define themselves in domestic terms. Women’s accomplishments are often considered incomplete unless they have also ticked the ‘marriage’ box. These things are not true of men, even though marriage can be a wonderful thing for both men and women.
Feminism is indeed about choice. But it is intellectually lazy to suggest that, since everything is about ‘choice,’ none of these choices can be interrogated. Choices are never made in a vacuum. And sometimes, for women, choices are not always real choices.
After she got married, Ms. Clinton kept her name, but she was so viciously criticized for this that she then took on her husband’s name. Was this a ‘choice?’ Would she have done so if she wasn’t being attacked and if she didn’t want to feel responsible for her husband’s potential losing of votes?
During the last presidential campaign, she was expected to account for the policies of her husband’s administration. She was labeled an enabler of sexual harassment. She was accused of cynically staying married because she wanted to benefit politically.
Much of Ms. Clinton’s public image is a caricature of a person who is untrustworthy, calculated, cold, dishonest. That caricature has its roots in her early public life when she was the First Lady of Arkansas.
Her crime was that she did not conform to the traditional role of First Lady. She had kept her name. She clearly considered herself to be her husband’s equal partner. She did not intend merely to be a Wife. She had her own dreams, her own ambition. She dared to say that she wasn’t planning on ‘staying home and baking cookies,’ which was not about denigrating stay-at-home mothers but simply about saying that that was not what she wanted to do.
A small comment about a small thing, but it was significant and revolutionary because she was consciously resisting the status quo.
But she was attacked for that. Horrendously. And those attacks were repeated so often that they stuck and they contributed to her being reduced to a caricature.
It was therefore upsetting to see her first descriptor as ‘wife.’ The question isn’t about including ‘wife’ in her Twitter bio. The question is about giving ‘wife’ a certain primacy as the first word that describes her, and it speaks to larger questions about the societal expectations placed on women.
Ms. Clinton wrote in her most recent book WHAT HAPPENED, that she ran for president because she thinks she would have been a ‘damned good president.’
She certainly would have been. And so I suggested, half-joking, that ‘Would have been a damned good president’ is a perfect Twitter bio start. And then mother and wife and grandma and Senator and hair icon etc could follow!
I completely stand by my question and by my conviction that it is a subject that matters.
I had a truly enlightening evening on that stage with Ms. Clinton, and was once again awed by her grit, her humanity, her sparkling intelligence.
After the conversation, Ms. Clinton told me, “It was like talking to a friend.” She is now my Aunty For Life.
Oh, as for YOU, Unnamed Person, saying that I am ‘family’ to you, mbakwa biko. The people I consider family don’t ‘do petty.’
Saying “shut up” to a woman who airs an opinion is so unoriginal. Try and be a bit more inventive.
Try reasoning. Try intelligent debate. Try understanding things in context before you reveal your ignorant misogyny to the world. Try reading more than a headline. Try reading a whole book. Or two. And please keep talking. Keep speaking. Don’t ever shut up.
~ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, CNA
https://www.facebook.com/chimamandaadichie/videos/10156097329825944/
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Hillary Rodham Clinton in conversation on April 22nd as part of the 2018 PEN World Voices Festival.
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Nigeria is set to welcome a new kind of reality TV show, Big Brain Naija (#BB9JA), which the organisers describe as a platform designed to discover, celebrate, and showcase the country’s brightest minds.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the show, powered by Big Brain Productions in collaboration with DAAR Communications Plc, will officially debut in October.
According to the organisers, it will air on Africa Independent Television (AIT) and will be staged in the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the official signing of the partnership agreement in Abuja, Chief Executive Officer of Big Brain Productions, Mr. Kel Ameobi, explained that the initiative seeks to balance entertainment with innovation.
He stressed that the show would focus on creativity, ideas, and problem-solving rather than the usual theatrics and controversies that dominate popular reality shows in Nigeria.
“Big Brain Naija was created with a simple but powerful vision: to build a platform where intelligence meets entertainment,” Ameobi said.
He added that Nigerian youths have often been denied opportunities to showcase their ingenuity on the big stage, while entertainment spaces tend to reward superficial content.
He continued: “For too long, we’ve seen platforms celebrate emptiness and drama, while the brightest among us have no avenue to shine.
Big Brain Naija is not a show of noise but a stage for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We want to celebrate ideas, not controversies.”
Joining him, Chief Executive Officer of DAAR Communications Plc, Mr. Marcel Anyalechi, praised the project as a refreshing departure from the norm.
He noted that DAAR Communications would fully support the show across all its media platforms.
“This project blends innovation and creativity, and we believe it will bring real impact to the entertainment industry.
We are excited to partner with Big Brain Productions to showcase Nigerian talent not just to Africa but to the world,” Anyalechi said.
Adding to the details, Chief Operating Officer of Big Brain Naija, Mr. Ossai Ilome, explained that the first season will feature 37 contestants representing all 36 states and the FCT.
To make the competition even more unique, the show will introduce AI-powered judges, making it the first reality TV show in Africa to integrate artificial intelligence at such a scale.
Ilome revealed that the winner of the maiden season will walk away with a grand prize of N30 million and a brand-new car.
He emphasized that beyond entertainment, the project aims to reinforce Nigeria’s global image as a nation of intelligent and industrious people.
“The time has come to showcase Nigerians as visionary and exceptional people. While the show will retain the entertaining aspect of reality TV, its heart lies in celebrating intellect, ideas, and innovation,” Ilome said.
The organisers expressed optimism that Big Brain Naija would not only captivate audiences but also inspire young Nigerians to dream bigger and push creative boundaries.
With its unique blend of entertainment, innovation, and national representation, the show aims to become a defining moment for the Nigerian entertainment industry when it premieres in October.
The Lakowe community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State was thrown into panic last week after a skit maker and hairstylist, simply identified as Austin, was brutally murdered by suspected cultists.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, August 14, 2025, left residents in shock as the victim’s mutilated body was discovered with deep machete cuts.
Witnesses said the attackers severed one of his hands during the gruesome killing.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants stormed the area at dawn in search of Austin.
Upon locating his residence, they allegedly dragged him out of his apartment before hacking him to death in front of horrified neighbors.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity told PUNCH Metro:
“There was commotion early Thursday morning, but nobody knew what was happening.
Later, we found Austin’s corpse with machete wounds, and one of his hands cut off. That was when we realized the noise we heard was linked to the attack.”
Shockingly, friends and neighbors revealed that Austin may have anticipated his death.
A close acquaintance disclosed that the deceased posted a cryptic farewell message on his WhatsApp status just a day before the attack.
“Austin was a well-known hairstylist and also created comedy skits online. People close to him said he sensed danger and left a post hinting that something bad was about to happen,” a resident explained.
Videos shared with reporters showed his lifeless body lying on the ground with sympathizers gathered around, mourning the tragic loss.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, did not answer calls placed to his phone. A text message sent to him also went unanswered as of the time of filing this report.
The killing comes just days after Lagos police confirmed the arrest of six suspected cultists in connection with the violent murder of another man, identified as Kamoru, alias Keeper, in the Ebute Meta area.
In a statement released in mid-July, Hundeyin disclosed that the suspects — Raphael Ashim (30), Wasiu Kareem (33), Sadiq Olabisi (40), Olamilekan Oluwatosin (27), Olalekan Olugbodi (54), and Ibrahim Oladimeji (22) — were apprehended by detectives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit during an intelligence-led operation in Surulere.
Police said the suspects were involved in multiple cult clashes across Lagos, which have claimed several lives, including that of Kamoru.
Cult-related violence has been on the rise in Lagos communities, with gangs clashing over territorial control, drug turf wars, and political influence.
Many residents have repeatedly called on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the menace.
Austin’s killing has once again highlighted the growing insecurity in Lagos suburbs, especially in fast-developing areas like Ibeju-Lekki, where rapid urbanization has also attracted cult activity.
For residents of Lakowe, the incident has created fear and uncertainty. Some expressed concern that young men in the area are being lured into cult groups due to unemployment, peer pressure, and lack of opportunities.
Community leaders are now urging the Lagos State Police Command to launch a thorough investigation and bring Austin’s killers to justice.
Many fear that without swift action, cult-related killings could escalate and spread further across Ibeju-Lekki and surrounding communities.
As of press time, security presence in Lakowe has been increased, but residents remain on edge, mourning the loss of a popular young hairstylist and entertainer whose life was cut short by suspected cultists.
Nigerian superstar Tems will make history by performing at the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup final halftime show. Taking place on July 13, 2025, at New York’s MetLife Stadium, this event highlights the powerful connection between sports and global entertainment. Moreover, it showcases Africa’s growing influence on the world stage.
Joining Tems are Colombian hitmaker J Balvin and American pop icon Doja Cat, ensuring an electrifying performance. Fans worldwide can watch the show live and free on DAZN.com, breaking barriers in accessibility. Additionally, this collaboration emphasizes music’s ability to unite diverse audiences.
Expressing her excitement, Tems stated, “We’ll bring the world together through football and music.” She also highlighted the event’s charitable mission, saying, “This is a chance to support children via the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.” Clearly, the performance goes beyond entertainment to drive meaningful change.
FIFA and Global Citizen partnered to raise $100 million for the fund, which promotes education and football for underprivileged children. Consequently, the halftime show merges spectacle with social impact. Tems reinforced this, saying, “This is about unity and making a difference.”
As anticipation grows, the 2025 final promises a groundbreaking fusion of football and music. Ultimately, the event will celebrate culture while advancing a vital cause. Without a doubt, Tems’ performance will leave a lasting legacy.
Nigerian superstar Wizkid has made history by becoming the first African artiste to exceed 20 billion global audio streams.
ChartMasters, a leading music data tracker, confirmed this milestone by compiling streams from his solo work and collaborations.
His 2016 global hit One Dance, featuring Drake and Kyla, remains his most-streamed song, with over 3.6 billion Spotify streams.
Additionally, this track holds a Guinness World Record as Spotify’s first song to reach 1 billion streams.
Several other hits have significantly contributed to Wizkid’s streaming success. For instance, Essence has garnered over 295 million streams, while Boom and Call Me Everyday have surpassed 173 million and 165 million streams, respectively. Similarly, Essence (Remix) and Come Closer have each crossed 160 million and 155 million streams.
Beyond streaming dominance, Wizkid earned the BRIT Billion Award in August 2023 for surpassing one billion UK streams. Consequently, this honor solidifies his influence in global music. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990, the 34-year-old star rose to fame with his 2011 debut album Superstar.
As one of Afrobeats’ “Big 3,” Wizkid has consistently expanded the genre’s global reach.
His discography includes acclaimed albums like Ayo (2014), Sound from the Other Side (2017), and More Love, Less Ego (2022). Moreover, he holds the title of best-selling Afrobeats artiste ever, with over 65 million units sold worldwide.
In 2021, Wizkid won a Grammy for his feature on Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl”, further elevating his legacy.
Currently, he is preparing to release Morayo in November 2024, a deeply personal album dedicated to his late mother.
Ultimately, Wizkid’s achievements highlight Afrobeats’ global rise and his pioneering role for African artistes.
His relentless innovation and record-breaking success continue to inspire the next generation of musicians worldwide.
The 2024 awards season kicked off with a major triumph for Sean Baker’s romantic comedy-drama “Anora”.
Baker’s film dominated the evening, earning five awards, including Best Picture, as he wrote, directed, produced, and edited the project.
Conan O’Brien hosted the event, which highlighted 23 categories celebrating industry-wide achievements.
Meanwhile, Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her captivating role in Anora, thrilling audiences and critics alike.
Additionally, Baker made history by securing four individual awards: Best Director, Original Screenplay, Film Editing, and Best Picture.
Elsewhere, Adrien Brody claimed Best Actor for The Brutalist, while Zoe Saldaña earned Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez.
Kieran Culkin’s role in “A Real Pain” earned him the Best Supporting Actor accolade.
The international feature category saw Brazil’s “I’m Still Here“ taking home the top prize. Meanwhile, Latvia’s “Flow” was named Best Animated Feature. Other notable wins included *Conclave* for Best Adapted Screenplay and *El Mal* from *Emilia Pérez* for Best Original Song.
The technical categories highlighted a diverse array of films. “Wicked” dominated in areas such as Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, while *Dune: Part Two* excelled in Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
“The Brutalist” received recognition for its cinematography and original score.
In the documentary categories, “No Other Lan” won Best Documentary Feature, while “The Only Girl in the Orchestra” was awarded Best Documentary Short. The animated short category was led by “In the Shadow of the Cypress”, and “I’m Not a Robot” claimed victory as Best Live Action Short.
The evening celebrated a variety of creative talents and genres, with standout moments from both established names and emerging voices in cinema. As the awards season continues, “Anora” and its team have set a high bar for storytelling and filmmaking excellence.
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