I'm the First Nupe Language Novelist - Aisha Hussaina Manarakis

Aisha Hussaina Idris Manarakis, an indigene of Bida Local Government Area of Niger state is a Nupe Writer, Teacher, Translator, Newscaster and Radio Presenter. The multiple award-winning writer is the First Nupe Language Novelist. She spoke with TMG about how she started writing. 

TMG》How Did You Start Writing In Nupe?

Manarakis》Writing in Nupe was just like a dream and by the grace of God. I realised l was good at writing in Nupe in 2013.

TMG》Tell Us About the Novel You're Working On And Achievements so far

Manarakis》 I have been working on a book for five years, because it needs more research before publishing. 

However, Nupe School saw my effort and decided to give me an award as the First Nupe Language Novelist.

TMG》Which Of Your Books appeals most to People?

Manarakis》The one that suit people most is"Ewo na Soko kin na, yizheci a le u man(What God has join together, no man should put assunder)".

TMG》Who Encouraged You To Start Writing In Nupe?

Manarakis》My brother encouraged me but his method was too radical. If he wants to force me to write, he would bring old stories and say "I have told you numerous stories so,  put one them on paper. He also said, "Write the story in English" and I got use to the system. I started writing on my own in Nupe. Anytime I told him about the Nupe story I wrote , he would be eager to read it. Through that, I developed intense love for Nupe Writing.

TMG》How Do You Make Readers Interested in Your Books?

Manarakis》I always have my readers in mind before I pick up my pen to write. I imagine what I want them  to gain from it; what message do I want to pass across? Do I want to tell them something new or about what they don't know? Or how we should appreciate ourselves and love each other?

TMG》Where do you get your ideas In Nupe Writing?

Manarakis》Writing requires thinking, and planning. When writing history related articles I go to people who have an idea about the particular topic I want to write on. And on the non-fiction aspect, I just inspect my surroundings for ideas that I want younger ones to emulate and some I want the next generation to come to pick from. 

TMG》How old Were You When you wrote Your first book?

Manarakis》I wrote my first book when I was 18, in 2015. It was published in 2018. And the title of the book is"Bicicin Kpako(200 common mistakes in Nupe)".

TMG》What Do You Like Doing in your free time?

Manarakis》I like reading, listening to News and music. 

TMG》Do Your Family & Friends Encourages You?

Manarakis》My family and friends like my ways of writing,  particularly my brothers but the truth is most people love my write-ups judging from the likes, comments, text messages and calls I do receive from them. So that encourages me alot. 

TMG》How Do You Know People Appreciate Your Work?

Manarakis》Despite the fact that I do write in Nupe, people love me and rush my books too. I published 500 copies of common mistakes in Nupe and I sold it all. That shows my work is appreciated. 

TMG》Which Of Your Books Is Favorite And How Many Books Have You Published?

Manarakis》Ten books, five anthologies work; Ecingi Nupe Tashiru, Soko Deke, Etsu Nupe, Yogo, Kangari, Bicicin Kpako, shitsunyi be edzo e. My story book yet to be published, children guide book and Nupe names and their meaning. My favorite book is Kangari.

TMG》What Advice Do You Have For The Younger Ones Intrested In Writing Nupe Books?

Manarakis》Our youths have to be creative and stop doing copy and paste. Many of them don't credit the source of their writeups, failing to realise that plagiarism is a crime. This happens a lot , especially on social media, instead of them to appreciate the first writer they remove the name and add theirs. Seriously, that won't help us as we need to be hardworking, determined and dedicated. I advise us all to be our own bosses and history will never forget us. And that's how we can have more Nupe writers and intellectuals. 

TMG》 What Responses Do You Get From Readers?

Manarakis》So many words like; keep it up, keep doing the good work, sky is your starting point, we're proud of you and most importantly, you're doing well. Their goodwill messages, well wishes and prayers keep me going.

TMG》What's Your Next Target?

Manarakis》I want to be a peace ambassador, lover of books and friend to all.