Gone are the days when Western romance books were the most commonly read. Though interesting, their settings were distant from the African context. African romance literature is unique and relatable in themes, settings, and characters. It’s also diverse and intriguing and has gained popularity. Consequently, many African authors are recognised worldwide for their romance books.
These books expose readers to rich African cultures, traditions, and perspectives. They help to shape the narrative of love and relationships in African voices. They challenge stereotypes about African culture, love, romance, and relationships. In addition, they foster cross-cultural understanding and acceptance.
These are my top recommended African romance books to read.
10 Recommended African Romance Books to Read
1. Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold by Bolu Babalola
This is a short collection of 12 love stories. It tells love tales from around the world; some are old, and others turned into modern love stories. The book focuses on the magical folktales of West Africa. It also reimagines Greek myths, ancient legends from the Middle East, and stories from long-erased places. Love in Colour celebrates romance in all its many magnificent forms.
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2. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Americanah is about two teenage undergraduates, Ifemelu and Obinze, who are in love. They had to leave Nigeria because of frequent academic disruptions. They part ways when Ifemelu goes to study in the US, and Obinze eventually moves to England illegally.
The book examines the complexities of race and immigration through the lens of these immigrants and explores the circumstances of their return to Nigeria.
3. Stay with Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
Set amidst the unstable political climate of Nigeria in the 1980s, this book is full of emotions. It’s the story of Yejide and Akin, who have been in love since they met at the university. Now married for four years with no child, Akin’s pressured to take a second wife. But Yejide is ready to take drastic measures and take radical risks to conceive and save her marriage.
Stay With Me examines people’s actions when biology doesn’t align with societal and personal expectations.
4. Escape by Margaret Adetimehin
This beautiful love story is the fifth book in the Twin Bliss Resort Series. It tells the story of Lola, who needed an escape after being rejected by her “work husband.” She booked an impromptu trip to the Twin Bliss Resort to have fun and enjoy herself.
But things changed when she met Onahi. He, too, is on vacation at the resort he majorly owns while trying to deal with work after his failed love life. Sparks begin to fly, and they get more than they bargained for.
5. Hlomu the Wife by Dudu Busani-Dube
This novel is about two South Africans who fell in love. It covers 11 years of Mahlomu’s life, from her first encounter with Mqhele Zuku, the taxi driver who turned taxi owner and then business mogul. It encompasses thuggery at the Bree taxi rank and ends with them celebrating 10 years of marriage.
But Mqhele and his seven brothers have a dark past that involves a dead warlord father, mob justice, and lots of unaccounted-for money. They eventually become one of the wealthiest families in Johannesburg, but the danger remains. This is a great page-turner if you’re curious about finding love in South Africa’s dark scenes.
6. Wrong But Right by Ayandola Ayanleke
This book tells the beautiful love story of a man who fell for his mother’s help. At first, it seemed his battle would be limited to his mother refusing their union until he found out the help had her agenda.
Will her secret destroy their relationship or will love conquer all? This book will take you through all the thrills of an unconventional love story in modern Lagos.
7. Love at First Sound by Amaka Azie
This story is set in Lagos, Nigeria, and has lots of drama, heat, and cultural references. Born and raised in the UK, Yomi returns to Nigeria and has a crush on Sasha, the anchor of his favourite radio show. When he meets his new downstairs neighbour, Emem, whose voice he recognises as Sasha, he’s instantly attracted.
Emem is grieving heartbreak after her fiancé learns of her double life, and Yomi is a sexy younger man. Can they make it work?
8. Noteworthy by Dhasi Mwale
If you’re looking for a quick but romantic contemporary tale, this novella is it. Set in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, it’s the story of Kitty, who is torn between two men. Josiah is reliable and safe, while Wezi is wild and chaotic but is her heart’s desire. This book will entertain you with exciting plots, twists, and developments.
9. Husband to Rent by Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku
This book tells the story of Otasowie and her quest to get her family off her back. All her siblings are married, and parental and societal pressure mount daily for this successful banker. Her inheritance is at stake, and she has shelved marrying the man her father chooses for her.
A chance meeting with Gambian-born and bred hotelier Fara Damba started a chain of events. Fara is healing from a recently broken relationship and traces his grandfather to Nigeria. Otasowie devises an elaborate plan to get Fara to marry her and essentially become her rented husband for one week. Will he grant her absurd wish?
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10. The Concubine by Elechi Amadi
This masterpiece is a pre-colonial Igbo story and one of the most popular African romance books to read. It tells the tragic tale of Ihuoma, a woman of incredible beauty and dignity who experiences strange romantic relationships. To marry her, three suitors have died under mysterious circumstances. She’s doomed because of the vengeance of her spiritual husband. The novel portrays a society and its relationship with traditional gods.
From Africa by Africans
If you want to explore African affection, these are the African romance books to read. They will broaden your literary horizons and keep you hooked until the last pages.
What are your favourite African romance books to read? Let me know in the comments section below.
