Bio

Chukwudi Ukonne is an essayist, researcher, ​editor, and storyteller with bylines in Isele ​Magazine, The Republic Journal, Stears Business, ​The Kalahari Review, Culture Custodian, and ​African Arguments. His work centers on African and ​Afro-diasporian history, politics, and culture, ​offering nuanced perspectives on these rich and ​complex subjects.

His work has garnered both local and international ​recognition. Chukwudi’s essay “Flight” was ​shortlisted in Isele Magazine’s “Top Reads of ​2023” Nonfiction category. His coverage of the ​#EndSARS protests received a special mention at ​the 2021 One World media awards. This particular ​award category aims to “recognise and encourage ​outstanding reporting” that informs the public, ​offers a platform for local voices and holds those ​in positions of authority accountable.

Currently, Chukwudi is engaged in exploring ​narratives around labor, longing, loss of identity, ​and other facets of the transcultural politics ​associated with the immigrant experience in ​contemporary North America.

Selected Publications

Flight

Isele Magazine, 2023

Whereas people used to move in the ​direction of their aspirations, now, people ​are fleeing danger, and just about ​anywhere will do.

Revolutionaries or Opportunists

The Republic, 2023

As African nations experience a coup-​culture resurgence, it is important to draw ​lessons from the past.

Reconsidering Nigeria’s Global Influence

The Republic x UNDP, 2022

Nigeria is currently experiencing a creative ​and cultural renaissance. The nation ​needs a new economic roadmap; one that ​centers the creative economy.

Nigeria’s War on Tech

African Arguments, 2021

Home for Christmas

Kalahari Review, 2021

‘Trouble Sleep, Yanga Wake Am’

Stears, 2020

The tech industry is one of Nigeria’s ​fastest growing, but is independent of the ​state patronage system and therefore ​must be eliminated.

Later that night as you lay in bed, the ​memories you have avoided for years ​assail you. You have been running so long ​that slowing down feels abrupt, unnatural.

Since the demonstrations began, there ​has been a huge emphasis on the fact ​that the movement - though it has ​distinguishable organizers, is leaderless.

Accolades

Isele magazine

“Top Reads of 2023” nonfiction ​category shortlist

(2023)

THE REPUBLIC ​JOURNAL

“Best of 2023” History Category ​(2023)

ONE WORLD MEDIA

“Special Awards” category Longlist

(2023)

WURUWURU ​MAGAZINE

Coverbank Contest Grant

Short-listed Winner

(2022)

SECOND DAY

Impact Fellowship Award Recipient

(2024)

AFRICAN ARGUMENTS

African Arguments Pilot Fellowship ​for Young Freelancers - Longlist

(2021)

Press