Lola Akinmade’s Journey Through Cultural Narratives and Vibrant Storytelling

Discovering The Intersection Of Identity, Travel, And Resilience

In this interview, Lola Akinmade discusses her multicultural background, the inspiration behind her books, and her commitment to amplifying diverse voices through storytelling.

L  ola Akinmade is a brilliant luminary in the realms of travel writing and fiction, whose artistry transcends borders and cultures. With an impressive portfolio that spans over 70 countries and contributions to esteemed publications like National Geographic and The New York Times, her work is a testament to the power of storytelling. Through a unique blend of vibrant photography and insightful narratives, Lola captures the essence of diverse cultures, fostering understanding and connection among her readers.

Her journey as an award-winning author began with the celebrated Due North, which showcases her ability to weave personal experiences with cultural insights. Lola’s internationally bestselling Lagom: The Swedish Secret of Living Well further solidifies her reputation, offering transformative perspectives on wellness that resonate across various demographics. The depth of her characters—particularly those of Black and Brown women—shines through her novels, challenging societal norms and allowing for authentic expressions of identity and emotion.

Highlights from the Interview:

• Insights into how Lola’s multicultural background influences her narratives.
• Discussion on the importance of depicting complex female characters.
• The impact of her travel writing experience on her fiction writing.
• Her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices through storytelling.
• Upcoming projects and her vision for future literary contributions.

Mosaic Digest magazine is proud to present this exclusive interview with Lola Akinmade, where she shares her experiences, inspirations, and the driving force behind her remarkable storytelling. Her unwavering commitment to amplifying diverse voices and creating immersive narratives is nothing short of inspiring. As Lola continues to evolve as a writer and storyteller, her forthcoming works promise to captivate and enlighten readers, drawing them deeper into the worlds she so skillfully brings to life. Join us as we explore the mind of a true visionary and celebrate the literary contributions of Lola Akinmade.

Lola Akinmade masterfully blends cultural insights with stunning visuals, creating narratives that resonate profoundly across diverse audiences.

Cultural Identity & Storytelling – Your books often explore themes of cultural identity and belonging. How has your multicultural background shaped the way you craft narratives, and what aspects of your personal journey influence your characters the most?

Growing up in Nigeria which has 250 distinct tribes speaking 500+ languages and dialects, I learned very early on that integration and assimilation are two different beasts. And that to live side by side in some level of functional social harmony, we must respect our differences and allow space for intersectionality .

Integration allows us to seamlessly blend all facets of our identities without having to choose one or the other.  As opposed to assimilation which requires you choose one over the other.

Having lived on three different continents — Africa, North America, and Europe — for extended periods of time and traveled to 80+ countries, I am drawn to the complexities and nuances of culture and how they manifest themselves within relationships and our intersections.

My work centers on fostering cultural understanding and is the visual or written representation of the words “I SEE YOU”.

Whether it’s photography, fiction, travel writing or whatever storytelling platform I choose, my work centers integration and self actualization, and creates space for people to feel fully seen without having to explain their existence.

The Power of Place – Settings in your books are richly immersive, capturing the essence of different locations. How do you approach world-building in fiction versus depicting real places in travel writing?

Close to 20 years as a travel writer continues to be beneficial within my fiction writing in two distinct ways. First, as a travel writer, I can’t simply state that Stockholm is beautiful. I have to show you through my words and descriptions so you come to that conclusion yourself as the reader. In essence, putting you in my shoes so you see the world through my eyes why Stockholm is beautiful…through my characters’ eyes and how they live their daily lives.

Secondly, as a travel writer, I often get only 800-1,200 words to craft a gripping narrative that hooks the reader until the end. Years of writing this way means my fiction is naturally dramatic, reads like several 1,200-word travel stories stitched together back to back. So the intensity never really lets up until the end. The feedback I often get from readers alludes to this page-turner quality to my novels.

Women’s Voices & Perspectives – Your novels highlight complex, multi-dimensional female characters. What drives your portrayal of women in literature, and what stories do you feel still need to be told?

My novels center Black and Brown women in particular because society still doesn’t give us the luxury to be treated as individuals as opposed to a monolith representing each other. Through my work, I am giving us space to be messy, imperfect, to be simply human, and be allowed to self-actualize too.  

I want to normalize us having and expressing our full range of emotions without immediately being pushed into stereotypical boxes or having to dim our light for the comfort of others. In my books, I’m giving marginalized women the privilege to be fully taken care of mentally, emotionally, financially, and physically by showing you just how much they’ve been deprived of those things.

Transition from Travel Writing to Fiction – Having established yourself in travel journalism and photography, what inspired you to transition into fiction writing, and how has your travel expertise enriched your storytelling?

Writing fiction was actually my first love. As a pre-teen in boarding school in Nigeria, I hand wrote 25+ shirt stories and had a sign-out sheet like a mini library for my friends.

So I knew I would get back to it in my future. My travel experience and visual storytelling work from different cultures around the world is what adds a rich and full-bodied flavor to my fiction. From descriptions of foods and traditions to small details sprinkled throughout my accessible prose. 

Literary Legacy & Impact – Your work resonates deeply with readers across cultures. What do you hope readers take away from your books, and how do you see your literary voice evolving in the coming years?

There is a huge gap of stories from the Nordics that centers Black and Brown women. Our voices, experiences, and stories are an important part of its cultural tapestry, and need to be shared globally too.

I hope to keep writing stories that challenge us to stop and acknowledge each other, to give each other space to be fully seen and heard, to make us feel what it’s like to truly walk in someone else’s shoes.

I am currently working on a novel about a middle-aged travel writer and it’s going to be my most exciting one yet.