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Abibiman Publishing launches with African and Caribbean focus
Abibiman Publishing, a UK-based publisher focused on writing from Africa and the Caribbean, has launched, vowing to "change the narrative".
The press will publish fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Registered in the US as well as the UK, it was founded by business consultant Chudi Igweonu and novelist-turned-filmmaker Onyeka Nwelue.
Pelagie Ijeoma Okorie (pictured) has been appointed c.e.o, Uzor Maxim Uzoatu is publishing and editorial director, American writer Obi Odenigbo is the commissioning editor and Uzoma Nduka is the executive editor. Professor Akachi Ezeigbo, an academic and writer, will be editor-at-large.
Igweonu said: “Abibiman Publishing is manifesting at the best possible time when the world’s focus is centered on Africa. The formidable team behind this venture includes some of the smartest, determined and ambitious young people and there’s no limit in what they can achieve together.”
Nwelue described frustration with the state of play of publishing in Europe and America, saying: “Most Africans who work in publishing houses in the UK and the US never get to rise to positions where they can make real editorial and publishing decisions. Abibiman Publishing is here with a strong team, to change the narrative. To bring our writings, both new and old, to the mainstream in Europe and America.”
He added: “I am indebted to Juliet Mabey, the editorial director of Oneworld Publications, whose encouragement has gone a long way. Her network, her recommendations, are the things we are using to run Abibiman Publishing: from printing to distribution."
Nwelue said: "Our niche is the African and Caribbean market. I am sure there are other publishers doing that — but our focus is to give solid visibility to authors published in Africa, who can’t get publishers in the West. Even those in African languages — we are working with translators from all parts of Africa to make this happen.”