INTRODUCTION

Albrin Junior is an author, poet, scriptwriter, and film director. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Albrin holds a BSc. in Geography and Regional Planning from Ambrose Alli University and an MLitt. In Creative Writing from the University of Glasgow, where he was also honoured with the African Excellence Award.

INTERVIEW

How did you get into your creative practice? What initially inspired you?

I was fascinated by Tupac’s poems and Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Poetry became my means of expressing thoughts and emotions. Without a literary background, I read various works to expand my knowledge. The more I read, the more pleasure I derived, leading me to write poems. My passion for literature grew into prose, and I published my first novel, winning Book of the Year at the Lagos Book House Award. I also wrote and produced short films, with my debut, Hadassah, winning Best International Short Film at a U.S. festival. Playwright Studio Scotland described my play as a light-hearted comedy after their review. As a creative, I take pleasure in creating something from nothing.

What themes do you tend to interrogate in your creative practices?

In my creative work, I explore themes that examine the depth and complexity of the human experience, with a particular focus on love, identity, resilience, and the effects of societal and political upheaval. I am attracted to stories that analyse the struggles faced by individuals dealing with displacement, cultural conflicts, and personal trauma. My goal is to highlight how characters face challenges—whether through immigration, war, betrayal, or societal pressures—and how they pursue connection and meaning in times of chaos. My work frequently explores moral complexities, the resilience of the human spirit, and the intricate ways individual histories are intertwined with larger socio-political contexts, ultimately underscoring the universal qualities of human endurance and hope.

What is your favourite project you’ve ever worked on and why?

This is a challenging question since I have multiple favourite projects, each with its own compelling story.  Picking one, I'd like my last project, From Glasgow Without Love. This collection of stories was inspired by a night I spent at the Buchanan bus station upon arriving in Glasgow. While I was intriguingly gazing at the Wincher’s statue, I vividly imagined John Boyega standing up and performing the final scene of the main story, "From Glasgow Without Love." Over the following months, I wrote additional stories that delve into themes of love, immigration, and identity, showcasing various characters as they navigate their realities across different genres. It is available as a paperback and E-book on Amazon, Waterstones, and from any retail outlet where books can be ordered. Alastair Mabbott described his review of the book in The Herald as a blend of humour and heartache.

What advice would you have for creatives of colour looking to get into your creative practices?

For creatives of colour seeking to enter and thrive within my creative practices, I would say, go for what you want. Do not only dare to dream but dare to achieve. More importantly, embrace your unique voice and Stories, and draw from your heritage and personal history.

What are you currently working on?

I am working on two projects. The first is a novel set in the Midwestern and Eastern regions of Nigeria during the Nigerian Civil War. It tells the story of an Igbo family living in Midwestern Nigeria and their struggle to survive before, during, and after the Biafran conflict. The book explores the complexities of love, ambition, and the moral ambiguities that arise in a world ravaged by conflict amidst the ashes of war and the haunting spectres of betrayal.

The second project is a feature film which I wrote, and it will be my directorial debut.