African literature: Christopher Okigbo

Christopher Okigbo is regarded by many as the most important African poet of the twentieth century.

Born in 1932 in Ojoto, Eastern Nigeria, he started writing his first poems when he was a student at the University College of Ibadan.

He began to publish his work widely from 1962, with his work being featured in publications such as Black Orpheus and Transition, two top magazines during that time.

His most famous works are Limits (1964), Silence (1965) and Labyrinths (1971, published posthumously). He died in 1967 during the Biafra war.

Suggested work by Christopher Okibgo:

Yonnie Laubhouet Akadie

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