Why I Wrote  “Aliens Come to Africa Too” – Ugo Awa

The decision to write Aliens Come to Africa Too stems from a deep desire to challenge the underrepresentation of African narratives within the global discourse on extraterrestrial life and science fiction. This book is not merely a work of speculative fiction but also an exploration of identity, cultural memory, and humanity’s shared curiosity about the unknown. I hope to recover and reinterpret the incredible accounts of the alien encounters that occurred at Otukpo, a small rural community in Benue State, Nigeria, in the late 1970s, putting Africa at the forefront of this cosmic dialogue.

One primary motivation for writing this book is to highlight how experiences of extraterrestrial phenomena have long been marginalized when reported by individuals of African descent. Despite numerous accounts across the continent detailing sightings, abductions, or other unexplained events, these stories are often dismissed or overlooked in mainstream discussions dominated by Western perspectives. Through the lens of Ugo, a precocious four-year-old who witnesses strange happenings around his sleepy town, I seek to amplify voices that have historically been ignored. Ugo’s dreams and recurring visions symbolize both the personal impact of such encounters and their broader significance as part of our collective human experience.

Furthermore, the choice of setting plays a critical role in grounding the narrative in authenticity while challenging stereotypes about rural Africa. The image of a city-sized alien mothership casting its shadow over Otukpo serves as a metaphor for the intersection of tradition and modernity, the known and the unknown. It invites readers to reimagine what it means to be visited by beings from beyond our planet, not as passive recipients of awe-inspiring events but as active participants in shaping their meaning. In doing so, the novel underscores the importance of diverse storytelling in expanding the boundaries of imagination and understanding.

On another level, Aliens Come to Africa Too reflects my own journey of self-discovery and advocacy. Like many others who have joined online communities dedicated to discussing extraterrestrial phenomena, I have encountered skepticism and indifference toward African contributions to this field. Writing this book became a way to assert that Africans are not only aware of these mysteries, but are also capable of interpreting them through unique cultural and scientific frameworks. By presenting Ugo’s perspective, one marked by innocence yet profound insight, I hope to inspire both young and adult readers to embrace their innate sense of wonder and question preconceived notions about Africa, and it’s disposition to the sciences.

Finally, the act of creating this novel aligns with a larger vision of using art and literature to foster dialogue and connection. Science fiction has always been a powerful tool for exploring complex themes like colonialism, technology, and existential questions about humanity’s place in the universe. With Aliens Come to Africa Too, I aspire to contribute to this tradition while emphasizing the need for inclusivity. The storytelling style employs a mix of real stories of real people, versus what could have happened. This should give readers a fulfilling experience as the mysteries are unraveled. My ultimate goal is to remind audiences worldwide that the mysteries of the cosmos belong to humanity as a whole.

Thank You!