Akwaeke Emezi is an acclaimed contemporary Nigerian writer. They are known for creating provocative work that explores the complexity of human identity, the intersection of power, corruption, and desire in society, and themes of queerness and sexuality. Emezi centers Nigerian culture and Igbo ontology, and much of their work draws on their own experience as a non-binary, transgender, Black writer working in the United States. Emezi is also known for their prolific writing and exploration of various literary genres. Between 2018 and 2024, Emezi has published eight books, including a memoir, a poetry collection, two young adult novels, a romance novel, and works of literary fiction. They have been awarded a number of prestigious literary prizes, and many of their books have topped the New York Times bestseller list.

Emezi was born in southeastern Nigeria in 1987, where they grew up reading voraciously and writing short stories. At 16, Emezi moved to the United States to attend college. They later enrolled in veterinary school but dropped out and went on to study public policy at New York University. In 2014, Emezi enrolled in Syracuse University’s MFA program in creative writing, where they began work on their first novel,

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