Tomi Falade wows readers at Helsinki book fair

Author and journalist, Tomi Falade, recently showcased Nigerian literature and history at the 2026 Helsinki Book Fair in Finland, attracting interest from Finnish readers and members of the Nigerian diaspora.

Falade, who attended the fair alongside a delegation of Nigerian creatives, presented four of her books at Stand 7f118 of the Messukeskus Exhibition Centre, where the event was held from October 22 to 25.

The books included three historical dramas — OLÓBÙN: Matriarch of Ondo, Mother of Legacy; Orompotoniyun: 12 Nights For A Crown; and Alayemore: The Twice-Crowned King, as well as her contemporary prose collection, Dates From Hell.

The exhibition was organised by AFAES, a Helsinki-based multicultural non-profit organisation, and featured Nigerian literature, visual art and traditional crafts.

Speaking about the reception of her books, Falade said she initially had concerns about how her English-language publications would appeal to Finnish readers who did not speak the language.

However, she said the enthusiasm of visitors exceeded her expectations, with some expressing interest in purchasing the electronic versions of the books available on Amazon.

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Falade added that her sister, Oluwafunmilayo, was already in discussions with some Finnish publishers about producing Finnish-language editions of the books to reach a wider audience.

Before the book fair, she also represented Africa at a diplomatic event organised by the Council of Moroccans in Finland at the International School of Vantaa on Wednesday, October 21.

She was among the speakers at a panel discussion themed “The Cultural Dimensions of Regional Development in Africa”, alongside Mohammed Laraki of Morocco, Ari Petäjävaara of Finland and Mohamed Montasir, representing the Middle East.

During the discussion, she highlighted the importance of culture as a tool for sustainable development and a means of strengthening connections across African communities.

Other Nigerians who participated in the Helsinki Book Fair included London-based Nollywood filmmaker and playwright, Christopher Iheuwa, who showcased his work, The Quest.

The exhibition was coordinated by Fatima Usman and her team at AFAES, bringing together Nigerian literature, visual arts and cultural expressions for an international audience.