HONEY & SPICE

Weruche Opia’s self-confident narration sings with a heady mix of feminine power and vulnerability. Nigerian-British college sophomore Kiki Banjo hopes her radio show, “Brown Sugar,” will secure her a prestigious internship. Opia builds an elegant, charismatic persona for Kiki, who doles out feminist relationship advice to her fellow Afro-Caribbean students in a snappy, unapologetic style. Needing more listeners, Kiki starts a fake relationship with college filmmaker Malakai Korede, who has a deeper pitch and a softly swaying intonation. Opia weaves their interactions into an organic, magical connection that will leave listeners spellbound. Kiki’s friend Aminah and other students have distinct voices and personalities. Issues of racism, gender expectations, and social hierarchies emerge through expertly delivered dialogue. British slang and Yoruba phrases round out this stellar performance. C.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2022 Best Audiobook © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2022]