Publisher acquires journalist’s new novel, sets September release date

Independent publisher Masobe Books has acquired Nigerian journalist and author Olukorede Yishau's upcoming novel Black Market, with a planned release date of September 29, 2026. The announcement was made via a statement shared with PUNCH Online on Wednesday, revealing that the novel will be part of Masobe Books' growing catalog of contemporary African literature. Black Market centers on the intertwined lives of two Nigerian couples, Eyitayo and Yewande, and Tobi and Bukola, who reside in Texas, United States. Through these characters, Yishau delves into persistent assumptions within immigrant communities that choosing a spouse upon returning home can prevent marital strife. The narrative explores complex themes such as identity, loneliness, betrayal, ambition, emotional abuse, cultural expectations, and the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of success abroad. It challenges the notion that geography, rather than individual character, frequently underpins the breakdown of relationships. Masobe Books founder Othuke Ominiabohs praised the novel as a valuable contribution to the publisher’s collection of African fiction. “We are delighted to bring this important work to readers,” he stated. Founded in 2018, Masobe Books has published over 200 African writers and has emerged as a key player in the continent’s independent publishing scene by spotlighting emerging voices and fostering literary diversity. Yishau’s literary journey includes several critically acclaimed works. His debut novel, In the Name of Our Father (2018), was longlisted for the 2021 Nigeria Prize for Literature. Subsequent publications include After the End (2024), Vaults of Secrets (2020), and United Countries of America and Other Travel Tales (2022). Beyond fiction, Yishau has made his mark in journalism, earning multiple Nigeria Media Merit Awards across various reporting categories, including Columnist of the Year. He is recognized as one of Nigeria’s top editors and literary figures. The novel diverges from traditional diaspora narratives that often emphasize relocation and cultural adaptation. Instead, Black Market focuses on internal dynamics, portraying how relationships evolve when tradition clashes with modernity. Set largely in Texas, the story highlights the emotional tensions that arise when marriages become arenas for clashing aspirations, unresolved past wounds, and evolving self-perceptions. Readers can anticipate Yishau’s signature style: richly developed characters, refined prose, nuanced moral dilemmas, and a bold engagement with difficult realities surrounding family, faith, authority, and the decisions individuals make in search of fulfillment. The novel promises to offer both entertainment and introspection, inviting readers to reflect on the intricate interplay between personal choice and societal expectation. The acquisition underscores Masobe Books’ continued commitment to supporting African authors who tackle pressing social issues through compelling storytelling. With Black Market, Yishau adds yet another layer to his body of work, further cementing his role as a thought-provoking voice in contemporary African literature. The novel is set to captivate audiences with its deep psychological insight and unflinching portrayal of human experience.