Wahala – Nikki May

Wahala is the captivating debut novel by Anglo-Nigerian author Nikki May, first published in 2022. The story centers on the intertwined lives of three Anglo-Nigerian women—Ronke, Simi, and Boo—who have been close friends since their university days in Bristol. Each navigates the complexities of their dual heritage while balancing personal and professional challenges in contemporary London.

• Ronke: A dentist yearning for lasting love, she seeks a Nigerian partner who embodies the qualities of her late father.

• Simi: A successful fashion marketer, she appears to have it all but secretly grapples with imposter syndrome and her husband’s desire to start a family.

• Boo: A research scientist turned stay-at-home mother, she feels confined by domesticity and longs for the excitement of her past.

Their harmonious friendship faces upheaval with the arrival of Isobel, a glamorous and affluent childhood friend of Simi. Isobel’s charm initially enchants the group, but her ulterior motives soon sow seeds of discord, unearthing buried secrets and testing the bonds of their sisterhood.

Nikki May masterfully explores themes of race, identity, and female friendship, drawing from her own experiences as a biracial woman navigating both Nigerian and British cultures. The novel’s title, Wahala, meaning “trouble” in Nigerian Pidgin, aptly encapsulates the turmoil introduced by Isobel’s presence.

Critically acclaimed for its sharp wit and insightful portrayal of modern womanhood, Wahala has been lauded as a “fascinating look at the dark side of female friendship” by Kirkus Reviews. NPR praised it as “both great fun and extremely smart in how it captures some of the central issues in modern city living.” The novel’s success led to the BBC optioning it for a television adaptation, with Theresa Ikoko, known for her work on “Rocks,” penning the screenplay.

Wahala is a must-read for those seeking a fresh perspective on contemporary life, offering a nuanced and engaging exploration of friendship, cultural identity, and the unforeseen challenges that can disrupt even the strongest bonds.