Written during the NigerianBiafran War of the late 1960s The Trial of Christopher Okigbo boldly tackles questions of PanAfricanism and independence with the answers leading to blissful immortality or eternal damnationAfter a fatal car accident Hamisi wakes up in a strange land called AfterAfrica an afterworld for all Africans who have died since history began He soon finds out however that his position in the afterlife hangs in the balance To be allowed to stay Hamisi must participate in the absurd trial of the renowned poet and solider Christopher Okigbo who was killed on the front lines His crime Choosing war over his artThe Trial of Christopher Okigbo is a wondrously surreal examination into the responsibilities of art and war and their uncomfortable coexistenceThe Trial of Christopher Okigbo is its own best proof that important political questioning and art are not mutually exclusive New York TimesWhether in speech or in writing Mazrui dissected and unravelled Africa in a delightful manner Guardian
