A few young Nigerians are doing exceptional work on the extensive scene of African literature. Damilare Bello emerges as one of those crucial figures whose contributions reach far beyond the pages of his creative and critical writings. Usually recognised by his earlier pen name, Dami Lare, this Nigerian has become an instrumental force in shaping the narratives of African storytelling. This piece delves into Damilare’s multifaceted journey, exploring his roles as a co-organiser, co-founder, editor, storyteller, curator, and researcher. We explore his endeavours and their influence on Africa, especially its literature, writers, and the continent’s connection to the global stage.
The Organiser: Toyin Falola Prize and Emerging Voices
Damilare’s entrance into the literary scene might have started in 2015 when he co-founded Lunaris Review, a literary magazine that has since grown into a multi-project initiative: Lunaris Literary, also known as Lunaris. However, his entrance took centre stage with his role as the co-organiser of the Toyin Falola Prize, one of the biggest prizes for short fiction on the continent. Not just a mere literary competition, this prize is a beacon that casts light on emerging voices often in the shadows of established writers. The prize’s maiden edition in 2020 received close to a thousand submissions from over 30 countries in and outside the continent: an unusual number for any prize in African literature, not one in its first year. Damilare’s efforts in spotlighting these talents contribute significantly to the diversification and enrichment of African literature. A cursory surf of the Internet brings up pages upon pages of writers whose bios associated them with Lunaris Review and the Toyin Falola Prize.
The Co-Founder: Lunaris Review as a Literary Haven
Damilare uses his influence as a co-founder of Lunaris and the managing editor at Lunaris Review to connect African writing with the world. Since its inception in 2015, Lunaris Review has evolved into a literary haven, providing a platform for writers from diverse backgrounds to converge and share their narratives. Publishing creating writing and visual art from across the world under Damilare’s guidance, Lunaris Review, one of the very few African literary journals with global subscription, submissions, and readership, has become not just a bridge between emerging and established African voices but a community within the global literary sphere.
The Global Connector: Bridging Borders with Literature
Damilare Bello’s dedication to amplifying African voices thus extends globally. His work connects Africa’s rich literary heritage to an international audience. Through literary pursuits and editorial roles, he is not merely preserving the authenticity of African storytelling but propelling it onto the global stage. His most recent work, In the Sands of Time, an anthology of African writing that collects stories from writers on the continent and in the diaspora is evidence of this.
The Anthologist: Curating African Voices
Damilare’s impact expands beyond his individual creations to the curation of anthologies. “In the Sands of Time”, co-edited with Tolulope Oke, stands as a testament to recognising emerging voices, representing the culmination of selected stories from the inaugural Toyin Falola Prize. “Mosaic of Torn Places,” Damilare’s debut as an editor, not only showcases his editorial skills but features his story as the only one highlighted on Brittle Paper—a platform crucial in amplifying the anthology’s impact. The collaborative effort in co-editing “Thursday Children” with Adams Adeosun sparks discussions on Africa in Dialogue, shedding light on the collaborative spirit and the anthology’s significance within the broader context of African literature. The anthology is one of the few on the continent devoted to the creative nonfiction genre by young African writers.
The Storyteller: Dami Lare and Narrative Richness
Damilare’s pen name, Dami Lare, takes centre stage as an exceptional storyteller. Through short stories that transcend the boundaries of fiction, Dami Lare paints a vivid portrait of the complexities of African life. Each narrative, a brushstroke, contributes to the rich tapestry of diverse cultures, struggles, and triumphs that define the African experience. His works have been published in several venues, some of which are the Association of Nigerian Authors Anthology, Scarletleaf Review, Commonline Journal, Brittle Paper, and Iron Writers Annual Anthology. Damilare’s creative excellence is not only acknowledged within the realm of literary initiatives but also through prestigious awards. Winning prizes such as the AMAB-HBF Flash Fiction Prize (2017) and the maiden edition of the Glass Door Poetically Prose Fiction Prize (2017) underscores his commitment to crafting compelling narratives.
The Researcher: Dialogue, Ethics, and African Literature
Damilare’s commitment to the transformative power of literature takes a scholarly turn in his role as a researcher. Pursuing his Ph.D. at Duke University, USA, he delves into the nuanced intersection of African literature and ethics. His research vision aligns seamlessly with his broader perspective on literature not merely as a mode of changing narratives and the world but as a space that facilitates dialogue and change.
The Visionary: Investing in Tomorrow’s Literature
Damilare’s endeavors and hard work are investments in African literature and scholarship. He has shown tremendous passion and dedication to repositioning African literature so that the voices of Africa and her writers can resonate loudly across the global literary stage. This vision for African literature puts him in the class of African intellectuals shaping the continent’s literary landscape for generations to come. It is not surprising that he is currently co-producing a podcast that engages young African writers and scholars interested in sharing their creativity with a broader audience. Although still pursuing a PhD, the level of Damilare’s commitments and contributions to the field of literary studies are evidence of a legacy in the making. His co-edited anthologies, including In the Sands of Time, “Mosaic of Torn Places,” and “Thursday’s Children,” reaffirms his description as a visionary dedicated to the promotion and reflection of the diverse African experience.
Academic Pursuits: Recognising Excellence
Damilare extends this commitment to contributing to the African literary space in the United States. While pursuing a PhD at Duke, Damilare serves in different capacities including on the executive board of the Duke African Professional and Graduate Students Association, an organisation that serves the intellectual, creative, and professional needs of African students. He also convenes the African Media and Thought Speaker Series where he invites African scholars and creative intellectuals to share their work. These platforms allow for thoughtful collaborations between established and emerging scholars and creatives, and between Africa and the world.
Damilare Bello: A Contributor, not just an Editor
Reflecting on Damilare’s accomplishments, his story is one of immense contribution, excellence and service. It is marked by an exceptional drive and passion towards improving and reshaping the landscape of African literature. Crafting and curating narratives of global resonance and connecting cultures and people across the globe, Damilare stays true to his commitment to using literature to transform the world. His role as co-founder, storyteller, researcher, co-organiser and managing director reflects a hands-on approach to a vision of not just propelling African literature to a global stage, but also fostering a truly global literary community.
