Sefi Atta, born on January 19, 1964, is a Nigerian-American author who is known for her novels, short stories, plays, and screenplays. Her works have been translated into numerous languages, her radio plays have been aired by the BBC, and her stage plays have been featured on international platforms. She has been honored with awards such as the 2006 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa and the 2009 Noma Award for Publishing in Africa.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sefi Atta |
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian-American |
| Spouse | Gboyega Ransome-Kuti |
| Children | 1 (daughter: Temi) |
| Occupations | Novelist, Short-story writer, Playwright, Screenwriter, Former Accountant |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Education
Sefi Atta was born on January 19, 1964, in Lagos, Nigeria, into a family of five children. After the death of her father, Abdul-Aziz Atta, when she was just eight years old, her mother, Iyabo Atta, took on the responsibility of raising the family.
Sefi attended Queen’s College in Nigeria and later experienced a significant cultural shift while studying at Millfield School in Somerset, England.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham University in 1985 and went on to obtain a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Antioch University in 2001.
Career
Sefi Atta began her professional journey as a chartered accountant at Citibank in Lagos. However, she transitioned to writing full-time in 1997 after moving to Mississippi.
Her debut novel, Everything Good Will Come (2005), received critical acclaim and won the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa in 2006.
Over the years, Atta has published several novels, short stories, and plays that delve into themes of gender, class, and Nigerian society. Her notable works include Swallow (2010) and A Bit of Difference (2013), among others.
Personal Life
Sefi Atta is married to Gboyega Ransome-Kuti, a medical doctor and son of the renowned Nigerian activist Olikoye Ransome-Kuti.
The couple met at a polo club in Lagos during Atta’s national service year and has been together for over two decades. They have one daughter named Temi, who is currently 18 years old. Atta’s family background is rich and influential, with her father having been a notable figure in Nigerian civil service.
Sefi Attah Net Worth
Sefi Atta’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, and estimates vary widely. As a successful author with multiple award-winning novels and various literary accolades, her income likely comes from book sales, royalties, and speaking engagements. However, specific figures regarding her financial status remain unavailable.
Bibliography
Sefi Atta’s literary contributions encompass novels, short story collections, children’s books, and plays. Here are some key works:
Novels
- Everything Good Will Come (2005)
- Swallow (2010)
- A Bit of Difference (2013)
- The Bead Collector (2019)
- The Bad Immigrant (2022)
Short-Story Collections
- News from Home (2010)
Children’s Books
- Drama Queen (2018)
Play Collections
- Sefi Atta: Selected Plays (2019)
Notable Stage Plays
- The Engagement (2005)
- The Cost of Living (2011)
- The Naming Ceremony (2012)
Radio Plays
- The Engagement (2002)
- Makinwa’s Miracle (2004)
Screenplays
- Swallow (2021, Netflix original)
Awards and Nominations
Throughout her career, Sefi Atta has been recognized with several prestigious awards:
- Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa (2006) for Everything Good Will Come
- Noma Award for Publishing in Africa (2009) for Lawless
- David T.K. Wong Prize from PEN International (2004/2005)
- Shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Literature (2006)
Additionally, she served as a jury member for the 2010 Neustadt International Prize for Literature, further solidifying her impact on the literary scene.
