Chibundu Onuzo cover art for her second book is out and it would blow your freaking mind

The cover art for Chibundu Onuzo's new book Welcome to Lagos is out and it is freaking beautiful.

Posted on the author's Instagram earlier this month, the gorgeous cover was designed by artist and illustrator Bill Bragg.

When he was asked what inspired the cover art, Bragg told News 24: “The novel centres on a group of disparate characters all ­travelling to Lagos for different reasons. The fantastic descriptions of Lagos, the atmosphere, the title, and the interconnecting of different lives and paths central to the story suggested a busy street scene. I tried a view from street level, but the bird’s-eye view worked best as you can see more of the scene and it also allowed me to integrate the ­lettering in a more pleasing way.”

Here is a description of the book published on Brittle paper:

"Deep in the Niger Delta, officer Chike Ameobi deserts the army and sets out on the road to Lagos. He is soon joined by a wayward private, a naive militant, a vulnerable young woman and a runaway middle-class wife. The shared goals of this unlikely group: freedom and new life.

As they strive to find their places in the city, they become embroiled in a political scandal. Ahmed Bakare, editor of the failing Nigerian Journal, is determined to report the truth. Yet government minister Chief Sandayo will do anything to maintain his position. Trapped between the two, they are forced to make a life-changing decision.

Full of shimmering detail, Welcome to Lagos is a stunning portrayal of an extraordinary city, and of seven lives that intersect in a breathless story of courage and survival."

Onuzo told Daily Trust that her novel is not inspired by a BBC documentary with the same title, which generated controversy over its less than favourable portrayal of the city.

“It wasn’t inspired by the documentary though I did watch the series and I loved every episode. In Lagos, the phrase ‘Welcome to Lagos’ is shorthand for ‘keep your wits about you’ or ‘shine your eye.’ [Sic] When you are a JJC and even when you’ve lived in Lagos for years, you still have to be aware and alert. Each day, there is something to surprise you about the city. In some ways, no matter who you are, every day is welcome to Lagos.”

Nigerian writer Chibundu Onuzo is currently pursuing a PhD at King’s College, London. Her debut book The Spider King’s Daughter was published by Faber and Faber while she was just 19, making her its youngest ever female author.

She was awarded the Betty Trask Award and was featured in top cosmetic brand Clinique #faceforward campaign.

Chibundu Onuzo’s second novel Welcome to Lagos is due out in January 2017 and it will also be published by Faber and Faber.

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