In the burgeoning landscape of Nigerian diaspora literature, the focus has often remained on the “arrival”, the friction between the homeland left behind and the cold reality of the West. However, Azeez Aregbesola’s “Replay” shifts the lens toward the futuristic aftermath of a much more distilled world where nationalist identify is seldom factored in the face of class struggle.
Aregbesola explores the “immigrant’s loop” in a world where ethnic identify mattered less and less, yet yearns to be called up in the fight of a larger battle against tech capitalism. The protagonist exists in a state of chronological dissonance, where the vibrant, sensory-heavy memories of Nigeria constantly interrupt the sterile, often isolating reality of life abroad.
Aregbesola’s prose is notable for its rhythmic integrity. He captures the specific cadence of a mind trying to marry its natural heritage with an artificial intelligence attached to his brain and connected to a central server thousands of miles away. All these in a world that has suddenly been turned upside down by the greed of the 1%.
While the novel is deeply personal, it functions as a broader critique of the ruling class and where contemporary society is headed. Aregbesola touches upon:
- Collective Resignation: A society’s surrendering to the resulting state of decay of the world order brought by the capitalist class.
- Cultural Erosion: The subtle, terrifying replacement of values like empathy to greed and desperation.
Aregbesola’s strength lies in his refusal to provide easy catharsis. The pacing is pragmatic, reflecting the urgency the protagonist feels. While some may find the non-linear, memory-driven structure demanding, it is a deliberate stylistic choice that mirrors the fractured nature of the troubling backdrop.
The dialogue is particularly effective; the inclusion of Nigerian vernacular especially between Collins and his cousin, Jax isn’t merely for “color” but acts as a linguistic tether to a home that feels increasingly blurred out of memory. It serves as a stark contrast to the often clinical interactions the characters have within their host country.
Replay is a sophisticated addition to the contemporary African literary canon. It re-imagines a world we can trace from already existing signs to a possible, yet outrageous future. Aregbesola has written a compelling, often heartbreaking saga on the fact that while a person can choose the safe option of staying quiet with the rest of society, employing ones distinct strength can not only change the world but how everyone else views their role in the collective.
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