Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the renowned Nigerian author known for her literary brilliance and thought-provoking essays, has shared a deeply personal milestone—she recently welcomed twins with her husband, Ivara Esege.
The celebrated writer, who has won numerous awards for her works, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with The Guardian. While the conversation covered various topics, including her latest book, Dream Count, and the controversial subject of cancel culture, the revelation about her growing family was one of the most striking moments.
Adichie, who is famously private about her personal life, explained that she had chosen to keep the news under wraps for months, primarily to protect her children from public scrutiny.
Despite her global fame, Adichie has maintained a firm boundary between her professional achievements and her private affairs. In the interview, she acknowledged that many people were unaware she had been married since 2009.
This was not an accidental oversight but a deliberate choice, stemming from her discomfort with the way Nigerians tend to pry into the personal lives of public figures. She humorously pointed out that Nigerians are naturally inquisitive, sometimes excessively so, which has made her even more guarded about discussing her family.
Though she understands the curiosity surrounding her life, she remains resolute in her decision to keep certain aspects away from public discourse.
During the conversation with journalist Charlotte Edwardes, Adichie further clarified her stance, stating, “You’ve met my babies. I want to protect my children. I’m OK with having them mentioned, but I don’t want the piece to become about them.”
This statement underscored her commitment to ensuring that her children are not thrust into the limelight. While she acknowledges that it is nearly impossible to keep such joyful news entirely private, she insists on maintaining control over how much information is shared.
Her approach to handling fame is a reflection of her broader worldview—one that values personal agency, autonomy, and the right to set boundaries despite the pressures of public life.
Beyond her personal life, Adichie also addressed the topic of cancel culture, a phenomenon that has significantly impacted her career in recent years. In 2017, she faced intense backlash for her comments regarding transgender women.
When asked whether a transgender woman was “any less of a real woman,” she responded by saying, “a trans woman is a trans woman.” The remark ignited a fierce debate, with many accusing her of being exclusionary. As a result, she faced severe criticism, with some attempting to discredit her work and silence her voice.
Reflecting on this experience, she maintained that cancel culture is harmful and should be stopped. “What do I want to say about cancel culture?” she said. “Cancel culture is bad. We should stop it. End of story.” Her unfiltered response highlights her frustration with the increasing intolerance for differing opinions in contemporary discourse.
Adichie’s personal and professional journey is a testament to her resilience. Married to Ivara Esege, a Nigerian doctor, she has successfully balanced a thriving literary career with family life. The couple welcomed their first daughter in 2016, and now, with the arrival of their twins, their family has expanded further.
While she remains committed to shielding her children from the pressures of public attention, her latest revelations provide a rare glimpse into her personal world. Yet, even as she navigates the complexities of fame, family, and controversy, Adichie continues to stand firmly by her principles—unapologetically expressing her views and fiercely guarding the aspects of her life that she holds dear.
