Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has described Chinua Achebe’s 1958 novel, Things Fall Apart, as the greatest book to emerge from Africa, citing its powerful portrayal of African history, culture and identity.
Edochie made the assertion during a recent interview with TV3, arguing that the novel’s global appeal stems from its decision to tell the African story from an African perspective.
According to the actor, the book might not have achieved the same level of recognition if it had focused on the experiences of colonialists rather than those of Africans.
He acknowledged that other African writers had continued to explore the continent’s experiences through literature but maintained that none had matched the strength of Achebe’s work.
“The reason why ‘Things Fall Apart’ is the greatest book ever written on the African continent is because it is telling our own story.
“If it had been telling the story of the White man, it won’t be that popular. Many others have made efforts since then but not as strong as ‘Things Fall Apart’,” he said.
Edochie urged African writers and creatives to draw more inspiration from their history, culture and lived experiences, describing these as important assets in presenting the continent to a global audience.
He also expressed concern that foreign cultural influences had overshadowed aspects of African identity, saying creatives should take greater pride in their indigenous heritage.
The actor recalled that he was once called Elvis Presley and John Wayne, names associated with prominent Western entertainers, and admitted that he initially enjoyed being identified with them.
He said he later abandoned the names in favour of Uwadiegwu, which he described as more closely connected to his cultural roots.
“We Africans permitted our talents to be submerged by overseas influences. I remember once upon a time I was being called Elvis Presley and John Wayne.
“I actually enjoyed answering those names but at some point I had to discard them and pick a name that’s culturally relevant to me. Then I went back to the root and started answering Uwadiegwu,” he added