Onitsha Market Literature
Onitsha Market Literature refers to a unique literary tradition that emerged in Onitsha, a bustling city in southeastern Nigeria. This form of literature became popular in the mid 20th century and played a significant role in the rise of the novel in Africa. Onitsha Market Literature primarily consisted of cheaply produced pamphlets, booklets, and novels that were sold in the bustling markets of Onitsha. These publications covered a wide range of genres including romance, adventure, and moralistic stories. The writers of Onitsha Market Literature were often unknown, and many of them wrote under pseudonyms,adding an air of mystery to their work. Onitsha Market Literature played a crucial role in the rise of the novel in Africa by providing a platform for aspiring writers, presenting African oral tradition, and demonstrating the commercial potential of African literature.