Umar Turaki is a Nigerian writer whose debut novel, "Such a Beautiful Thing to Behold," was published in 2022 by Little A and Farafina. The literary speculative work garnered critical acclaim, earning spots on best-of-the-year lists by the Boston Globe, Brittle Paper, and Open Country Magazine. His writing has been recognized with nominations for the Miles Morland Writing Scholarship and the Short Story Day Africa Prize, as well as a win in the AFREADA Photo-Story Competition.
Beyond his literary achievements, Turaki has also made an impact in filmmaking, with his short films screened at prestigious festivals worldwide, including the New York African Film Festival, the Pan African Film Festival, and the Durban International Film Festival. His forthcoming novel, "Every Drop of Blood Is Red," is set for release in November 2024 by Little A, further cementing his place in contemporary speculative fiction. Based in Jos, Nigeria, Turaki continues to explore themes of identity, resilience, and human connection through his evocative storytelling.