Noo Saro-Wiwa: A Bridge Between Cultures

My compass led me to yet another beautiful Nigerian in the diaspora by name Noo Saro-Wiwa. This happened after I came across a captivating article she wrote for CNN – “10 things Nigeria does better than anywhere else.”

Upon reading her article, it was clear that she’s an ideal candidate for Naijaspora. Her intelligent writing style greatly captured the essence of Naijaspora, showcasing the positive aspects of Nigeria to the international community. With clarity, her article highlighted Nigeria’s best features, making her a standout candidate for Naijaspora.

Who is Noo Saro-Wiwa?

Noo Saro-Wiwa is a British-Nigerian author who brings fresh, insightful perspectives to the world of travel writing. Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and raised in England, Noo’s unique experiences have shaped her writing into a rich blend of cultural commentary and personal reflection. As the daughter of the renowned Nigerian activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, she’s inherited a strong sense of identity and social responsibility, which often resonates through her work.

Though she grew up in the quiet English town of Ewell, Surrey, Noo’s connection to Nigeria has always been a significant part of her life. After studying at Roedean School, King’s College London, and Columbia University in New York, she carved out a career that took her beyond borders, writing for major publications like Condé Nast Traveller, The Guardian, The Financial Times, and The New York Times. Her articles span a range of topics, from travel to social commentary, always with a thoughtful, authentic voice.

In her first book, Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria (2012), Noo explores her homeland through a traveler’s eyes. What makes this book stand out is the way she approaches Nigeria with both fondness and critique, portraying a country that is as challenging as it is beautiful. She captures Nigeria’s energy, contradictions and complexities, making it accessible to an international audience.

Her latest book, Black Ghosts (2023), shines light on the African diaspora in China, an often-overlooked community. Through vivid storytelling, she delves into the experiences of Africans living in a country that can feel culturally distant, yet shares a sense of displacement that many diaspora communities face.

Beyond her books, Noo’s writing contributions to anthologies like An Unreliable Guide to London and A Place of Refuge showcase her passion for issues surrounding migration and identity. Her ability to humanize the often faceless stories of immigrants and asylum seekers speaks to her commitment to using her platform for social good.

Interestingly, her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2015, she received the Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarship, and in 2018, she was selected as a judge for the Jhalak Prize, which celebrates literature by writers of colour in the UK. She was also recognized as one of “The World’s 30 Most Influential Female Travellers” by Condé Nast Traveller.

What makes Noo Saro-Wiwa special is her ability to use travel writing as a medium for deeper storytelling. She doesn’t just talk about places, she dives into the people, the culture, and the emotions tied to each location. Whether she’s highlighting the beauty of Nigeria or exploring life as an African in China, she connects readers to the heart of each story. Through her work, Noo has become a bridge between worlds, sharing the richness of not only Nigerian culture, but that of other countries with the global community while elevating the voices of those who might otherwise go unheard.

To follow her journey and explore her works further, you can find her here.