Abuja:Nigerian author, poet, and filmmaker Godspower Oshodin has released his debut novel, “Even the Devil Wears a Pretty Smile,” and announced a book tour across selected African countries starting in November.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Oshodin stated that the novel is published by the Africa Literature Trust Fund and is available in both paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. The book explores themes of power, loyalty, ambition, and silence, with its storyline traversing locations from Kirikiri prison to Abuja and other cities.
The novel features a foreword by Dr. Gbenga Komolafe, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. Komolafe praised the novel for tackling challenging subjects and encouraged more African writers to explore similar themes through literature. He emphasized that the book is intentionally provocative.
Oshodin revealed that he conceived the title in 2012 and shared it with his friend Victor Jideofor, also known as Phlame Nations. Initially suggested as a potential film, Oshodin chose to develop the story into a novel, completing it 14 years after its inception. His extensive travels to 77 countries and 103 cities significantly influenced the novel’s development.
The upcoming African book tour will feature readings, author conversations, media interviews, and book signings, with specific dates and cities to be announced later. In addition to his literary work, Oshodin is a journalist, media strategist, and filmmaker, known for works such as “The Scale (Tears for Enebi)” and “The Last Debt.” He is also the founder of the Young Talents Initiative and a United Nations Volunteer. The Africa Literature Trust Fund aims to promote reading, writing, and multilingual culture across Nigeria and Africa.