Writer

The writer of “How to Write about Africa” is Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina.

As a journalist and freelance food and travel writer from Africa, Wainaina comes across as having enough personal experience and insight to discuss writing about Africa. The writer hints at his previous experience when he mentions the African landscape and food: “The continent is full of deserts, jungles, highlands, savannahs and many other things…” (ll. 14-15); “Do not mention rice and beef and wheat; monkey-brain is an African’s cuisine of choice, along with goat, snake, worms…” (ll. 19-20). Wainaina also hints at his personal experience as a journalist when he references the writing styles used by authors who talk about Africa: “Throughout the book, adopt a sotto voice, in conspiracy with the reader, and a sad I-expected-so-much tone.” (ll. 26-27)

The fact that Wainaina had won the Caine Prize for the story “Discovering Home” in 2002, four years before this essay was published, adds to Wainaina’s reputation as a talen...