How to Write Authentic Nigerian Dialogue

We all grew up on Hollywood, didn't we? We grew up on their blockbusters, their sitcoms, their dramatic declarations of love in the rain. They've practically had us in a chokehold since time immemorial. I for one, am a huge fan of Hollywood creations. But here's something I've noticed over time, as creative writers and storytellers here in Nigeria, that constant stream of American accents and Western phrasing or slang has inevitably seeped into our creative brains. 

As a result, sometimes, our own Nigerian characters end up sounding a bit off. Like they learned English exclusively from watching reruns of Friends or a particularly dramatic episode of Empire. You see it sometimes, don't you? Dialogue sprinkled with a forced "na wa o" or a random "abeg," but underneath, the rhythm, the thinking, the soul of that dialogue just doesn't feel quite right. It feels like wearing an expensive suit that just doesn't fit. How ridiculous! 😪

Look, writing authentic Nigerian dialogue goes way beyond just throwing in popular slang. Honestly, that only scratches the surface. The real challenge, or should we say, the real art, is capturing the music of how we actually speak.

Let's think it through together:

• The Rhythm & Flow: There's a certain cadence, a musicality to Nigerian English (and yes, it varies by region and background). It's not always the straightforward subject-verb-object of standard American English. We pause differently, emphasize differently.

• The Proverbs & Metaphors: How many times have you heard someone drop a saying that perfectly nails a situation? We weave wisdom and imagery into everyday talk. Saying "Today's newspaper is tomorrow's suya wrap" isn't just some mindless talk about recycling; it's a whole commentary on fleeting relevance and changing times, delivered with that unique Nigerian flair. 

• The Art of Indirectness (and Directness!): Sometimes we talk around a subject with masterful politeness; other times, especially when annoyed, we can be incredibly blunt! Knowing when a character would do which is key.

• Code-Switching: This is the effortless way many Nigerians blend English with Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or Pidgin within a single conversation, depending on who they're talking to and the situation. It's natural, it's fluid.

• The Humour: Our specific brand of sarcastic, observational, sometimes self-deprecating humour is legendary. It often lies in the subtext or dry delivery.

A Nigerian-dialogue screenplay

So, how do you capture that? Because slang alone won't cut it.

You need to listen. Really listen. Listen to the conversations in the market, in danfos, in your family meetings, on a BBNaija show (live or reunion, take your pick). Listen to the rhythm, the pauses, the word choices. Read Nigerian authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Wole Soyinka, Lola Shoneyin, and countless others who've mastered this beautifully. Watch Nollywood films, the good ones, and analyze why the dialogue feels authentic (or why it doesn't).

Don't just make your character say "Oga"; understand the context and power dynamic implied when they say it. Don't just write Pidgin; understand who would speak it, when, and why.

When you get that right, your characters stop sounding like awkward Hollywood imitations and start sounding like real people we know. And that's when your story truly comes alive. 

What are your favourite examples of truly authentic Nigerian dialogue in books or films? 

Mine is Ndani TVs "Skinny Girl in Transit." I so couldn't get enough of how relatable and authentic Tiwa and her entire family sounded. I also really loved the dialogues in "Gangs of Lagos." From the kids to the adults, everyone was just phenomenal. 

What about you? Let me know in the comments. 

Words aren't enough. Just watch this. The trailer for Gangs of Lagos speaks for itself. This is the raw, authentic rhythm of Lagos dialogue.