The Relevance of Chinua Achebe, Langston Hughes and Ngugi Wa Thiong’O to the African Renaissance

Abstract

Recently, there has been much focus on the notion of an African renaissance. What really does the concept entail? What form of renewal are we Africans advocating? This essay explores the unique and sustained regeneration of the African ethos and psyche which dominates the writings of Chinua Achebe, Langston Hughes and Ngugi wa Thiong’O. It argues that the three writers have always symbolized genuine African sensibilities and are therefore profound Pan Africanists. Their writings portray the best of Africa to the rest of the world. They are therefore among Africa’s best contributions to the world.