Description

A bright portrait of modern Africa that pushes back against harmful stereotypes to tell a more comprehensive story.

‘Warm, funny, biting and essential reading.’ Adam Rutherford

‘An exhilarating journey through the myths, misconceptions and stereotypes of modern Africa. This book is the history lesson that we all need.’ Jeffrey Boakye, Guardian

You already know these stereotypes. So often Africa is depicted simplistically as an arid red landscape of famines and safaris, uniquely plagued by poverty and strife.

In this funny and insightful book, Dipo Faloyin offers a much-needed corrective. He examines each country’s colonial heritage, and explores a wide range of subjects, from chronicling urban life in Lagos and the lively West African rivalry over who makes the best Jollof rice, to the story of democracy in seven dictatorships and the dangers of stereotypes in popular culture.

By turns intimate and political, Africa Is Not A Country brings the story of the continent towards reality, celebrating the energy and fabric of its different cultures and communities in a way that has never been done before.

‘Hilarious, ferocious, generous and convincing. It made me reconsider almost everything I thought I knew about Africa.’ Oliver Bullough

‘This book should be on the curriculum.’ Nikki May, author of Wahala

Publisher Review

Warm, funny, biting and essential reading. -- Adam Rutherford, author of How To Argue With A Racist For curious minds... a truly revelatory read... a book that will stay with you long after you've finished - and one that opens a new chapter on the way you'll think about Africa. * Mail on Sunday * This book should be on the curriculum. -- Nikki May, author of Wahala A necessary book that deserves its place in the canon as essential reading. -- Sally Hayden * Irish Times * A masterpiece in historical journalism, bristling with insights and perspective widening truths. Anyone seeking enlightenment needs to read this. -- Jeffrey Boakye, author of I Heard What You Said