The Muson Centre came alive last Friday with the echoes of prose, poetry, and purpose as celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie made her long-awaited literary return to Nigeria for the first stop, Lagos, of her Dream Count tour.
Hosted by writer and Yellow Tamarind Productions founder Isabella Adediji, the evening was a celebration of storytelling, femininity, and identity, curated to honor the acclaimed novelist’s new book Dream Count, her first in over a decade.
Dream Count Tour Brings Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Home
Guests began to gather at 4 p.m., welcomed by music, mingling, and an atmosphere brimming with excitement. Nigerian pianist, Emmanuel Sunday set the tone with a soulful recital, his performance creating a cinematic prelude to the literary journey ahead.
After a warm welcome from the host and event organizers, spoken word artist JoyToTheWords captivated the audience with a solid performance that was both vulnerable and transcendent. Her words, touching on love, faith, and memory, laid the emotional foundation for what was to come.
In her opening remarks, Anwuli Ojogwu, co-founder of Narrative Landscape Press, emphasized the importance of homegrown stories and the power of representation. The event was made possible by the support of sponsors and partners, including ZTL Liquids Transfer Limited, GTi Rides, GLG Communications, and Nestlé Nigeria.
An Unforgettable Evening
A high point of the evening was the fireside conversation between Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Adichie. The duo talked about the inspiration behind Dream Count, discussing how themes of longing, motherhood, and self-reinvention shape the book’s narrative. Adichie read outstanding excerpts from the novel, giving attendees a glimpse into the emotional landscapes of her four female protagonists.
The audience Q&A that followed was rich and intimate, with questions from the creative process to cultural memory and the legacy of African literature. One attendee remarked, “This book is an archive of emotions. Chimamanda writes about our silence, our fire, and our softness.”
Throughout the night, several dignitaries were recognized, including Mr. Atedo Peterside, Ms. Bola Atta, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, and Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, all of whom were celebrated for their contributions to Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual fabric.
The evening closed with a book signing session for collector ticket holders and a networking reception in the executive lounge. Guests continued to post highlights online, with the hashtag #DreamCountLagos trending on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Social media buzzed with photos, quotes, and personal reflections, affirming the event’s emotional and cultural impact.
> “Dream Count is more than a novel. It’s a mirror, a balm, and a call to remember who we are.” — IG user @bookishnaija
> “That fireside chat was everything. Ebuka asked the real questions!” — X user @talesbyafrica
> “Chimamanda, thank you for coming home.” — Facebook comment from attendee
Next Stop: Abuja, Then Enugu
The Dream Count tour continues in Abuja on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Civic Centre. Don’t miss this next opportunity to connect with Chimamanda in person.