The Road Does Not End

The Road Does Not End is set on the bustling streets of Nigeria. In the story, Rilwan’s journey begins with a heartache — the loss of his parents which was shrouded in secrecy. As a result, he finds himself under the thumb of his cruel aunt, Aunty Biliki, who thrusts him into the unforgiving world of street hawking. Amidst the chaos, a twist of fate introduces him to the enigmatic Saka Pepper, a man whose role in Rilwan’s life is as uncertain as it is transformative. With a shared love for the pulsating beats of fuji music, Pepper becomes the unexpected mentor Rilwan never knew he needed. As Rilwan navigates the complexities of street life and the allure of the fuji music scene, he discovers that the road, indeed, does not end. It is a path filled with adversity, friendship, and the rhythm of a culture that refuses to be silenced. Will Rilwan’s resilience lead him to the life he yearns for, or will the streets claim his dreams?

(Longlist, Nigeria Prize for Literature 2024)