Barack Obama names Ngugi wa Thiongo as one of his top African authors

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has lauded Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong’o as one of his best African writers.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Obama described the author’s book A Grain of Wheat as “compelling”.

“Over the years… I’ve often drawn inspiration from Africa’s extraordinary literary tradition…. (they) illuminate our world in powerful and unique ways,” he said.

Also Read: Top photos of Obama in Kenya before he became U.S. President

Obama further expressed pride and anticipation over his upcoming visit to Kenya on July 15 saying he has visited sub-Saharan Africa more times than any other sitting American President.

“Kenya, of course, is the Obama ancestral home. I visited for the first time when I was in my twenties and I was profoundly influenced by my experiences – a journey I wrote about in my first book, Dreams from My Father,” he said.

He went on to describe Africa as a continent of “wonderful diversity, thriving culture, and remarkable stories.”

Other top authors cited on his Facebook post include Nelson Mandela (South Africa), Chinua Achebe (Nigeria) and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria).