Africa has lost one of its great writers, renowned Nigerian author, Elechi Amadi, popularly known for his debut masterpiece, The Concubine (1966), which is widely considered his magnum opus.
Born in Nigeria in 1934, Amadi passed away on the 29th of June 2016 in Port Harcourt, aged 82.
Set in pre-colonial Africa, The Concubine, which centres on traditional values in African society, is amongst the most widely read books in modern African literature and remains a popular prescribed text in African literature.
Amadi wrote a number of novels, and his books include, The Great Ponds (1969), The Slave (1978) and Estrangement (1986). He also wrote numerous plays, essays and poems.
A physics and mathematics graduate Amadi worked as a teacher, and also served in the Nigerian army, and retired at the rank of Captain.
Amadi, indeed leaves an indelible mark and a great legacy, which will continue to inspire contemporary and future African writers. May he rest in perpetual peace.
Since news of his death broke, heartfelt tributes and fond remembrances have been streaming in and social media users have been sending their condolences messages.
