If you love a good story as much as you love good food, you’re in the right place. At Chuku’s, you can tuck into both - Nigerian flavours on your plate and Nigerian stories on the Chuku’s bookshelf. Because here, it’s never just about the food. Chop, chat, chill is what we do - and culture is always part of the mix. Alongside our Jollof and Plantain Waffles, you’ll find Nigerian stories on our shelves and in our gist.
This October, for our Afrobeats & Lit Brunch, we’ve pulled together a curated line-up of Nigerian books and authors that deserve a spot on your radar. Whether you’re joining us on the day or not these reads are perfect for your book club, your commute or that weekend you swore you’d finally read instead of scroll.
The Reads 📚
This Book of Echoes – Rosanna Amaka
Spanning generations, this uplifting story follows a boy from Brixton and a girl from Lagos who escape their dark past to find themselves a bright future.
Rose and the Burma Sky – Rosanna Amaka
A rare, moving tale of love and sacrifice following a black soldier's experience in the Second World War.
We Were There – Lanre Bakare
A documentary-like portrait of a Black Britain that for too long has been unknown and unexplored - the one that exists beyond London.
Cursed Daughters – Oyinkan Braithwaite
From the author of My Sister, the Serial Killer, Oyinkan is back with a bold new tale about broken hearts and unbreakable curses
Hope & Glory – Jendella Benson
A contemporary coming-of-age novel about a British-Nigerian woman on a quest to uncover a family secret.
Where We Come From: Rap, Home & Hope in Modern Britain – Aniefiok Ekpoudom
Celebrating the voices of UK rap and grime, this landmark book spotlights the communities who have shaped some of the UK's most popular music genres.
Picky – Jimi Famurewa
The must-read memoir from MasterChef judge and food critic Jimi Famurewa to remind us food is never just food.
A Broken People’s Playlist – Chimeka Garricks
A stunning collection of short stories inspired by songs - deeply human, heartfelt and hard-to-put-down.
Innocent Guilt – Remi Kone
A woman covered in blood walks into a London police station, sparking a gripping thriller from the Emmy-winning producer of Killing Eve.
Only Big Bums Matter Tomorrow – Damilare Kuku
The laugh-out-loud debut novel, from the critically acclaimed author of Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad.
Wahala – Nikki May
A gripping journey of friendship and revenge following three friends who allow a glamorous newcomer to join their group.
This Motherless Land – Nikki May
Following the buzz of Wahala, Nikki returns with a compulsive re-telling of Mansfield Park.
Someday, Maybe – Onyi Nwabineli
A heartfelt and witty debut novel, charting the grief and resilience of a young woman facing an unimaginable loss.
Allow Me to Introduce Myself – Onyi Nwabineli
A page-turning novel shining a light on the dark side of social media and muminfluencers.
We Were Girls Once – Aiwanose Odafen
An ambitious, moving novel that charts three women's shifting relationships against a modernising, volatile Nigeria in the 1990s and beyond.
Join The Vibes
Want to get your hands on some of these titles? Book a table at our Afrobeats & Lit Brunch! Tuck into our signature Nigerian flavours, enjoy the DJ vibes, and browse our book swap table. Bring a book by a Nigerian author, leave it behind, and walk away with a new favourite from our curated collection. No book to swap?
And even after brunch, consider this your reading list. Nigerian lit hits different - and we’re here for it!
