Nifemi Adediran is a Nigerian writer whose craft spans fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting. Her stories explore genres including science fiction, comedy, and thrillers.

In her story ‘Uncle Khai’s Wife’, featured in THE BARE BONES BOOK OF HUMOUR, two siblings begin to suspect that their uncle’s bride-to-be may not be the angel he believes her to be. 

The anthology’s editor Ankit Raj Ojha interviewed Nifemi about her relationship with the written word. 

Tell us about your perspective on humour and its place in writing and in life.

Humour, to me, is a universal part of life. It’s been consistent throughout history and across all cultures. It connects people in a way that is human. In writing, humour lightens the mood of serious topics and themes. It brings a short pause to the uncertainty of life and lets the readers see the absurdities from a new angle. In conclusion, it helps us cope and not take life too seriously. 

What are the things, works, and authors that have influenced your writing? 

Writers that have influenced my writings for sure start with Wole Soyinka. All of Roald Dahl’s books, especially FANTASTIC MR FOX, played a role in my writing. 

Is there any image, phrase, idea, place, person, or memory that became the seed for ‘Uncle Khai’s Wife’? 

Growing up in Nigeria, where most people believe in magic and spirits, I’ve heard countless stories about them. The most terrifying, about a girl found making her hair with her head in between her lap, was told to us by my school bus driver to scare us on our way to school. Uncle Khai’s unique character was loosely inspired by a grumpy old neighbour.