Things Fall Apart: Pete Edochie Makes Powerful Statement About The African Literature

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Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has described Chinua Achebe’s 1958 novel, Things Fall Apart, as the greatest book ever written in Africa.

Speaking in a recent interview with TV3, Edochie said the novel earned its place as Africa’s greatest literary work because it tells the continent’s own story.

He argued that the book might not have achieved its remarkable popularity if its narrative had focused on the experiences of colonialists instead.

The actor noted that several African writers had attempted to tell indigenous stories since the publication of Things Fall Apart, but none had matched its strength.

“The reason why ‘Things Fall Apart’ is the greatest book ever written on the African continent is because it is telling our own story.

“If it had been telling the story of the White man, it won’t be that popular. Many others have made efforts since then but not as strong as ‘Things Fall Apart’,” he said.

Edochie called on African writers and creatives to prioritise stories rooted in the continent’s experiences, noting that this would give them a distinctive advantage on the global stage.

However, the movie star lamented that Africans were allowing their talents to be overshadowed by their growing adoption of foreign influences.

“We Africans permitted our talents to be submerged by overseas influences. I remember once upon a time I was being called Elvis Presley and John Wayne.

“I actually enjoyed answering those names but at some point I had to discard them and pick a name that’s culturally relevant to me. Then I went back to the root and started answering Uwadiegwu,” he added.

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