For the first time in human history, people aged over 65 now outnumber children under five. Yet one region in the world is bucking this trend: the world's top 20 youngest countries by population are all located in sub-Saharan Africa, and Africa's population under 35 now equals almost a billion people. Whilst there has been much research and reportage in the West around the lives of millennials and Gen Z, little has been written on the dreams and aspirations, the fears and hopes, the needs and desires of young Africans. The Yoruba expression Soro Soke, meaning “Speak Up”, has become a clarion call for young Nigerians seeking to make their voices heard, resonating across the African continent and around the world via social media. Trish Lorenz speaks to the bright new entrepreneurs, artists, and activists of Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria, to understand what it means to be young in an otherwise ageing world. This book is also available Open Access.

'Soro Soke is a commendable and bold study into youth identity and politics in Nigeria, full of insights on popular culture and creativity, passion and politics. Trish Lorenz’s sympathy aligns with the desire of Nigerian youth activists committed to positive transformation. The author’s voice successfully captures the aspirations of young men and women, as well as their imaginations, to live in a new world of their own making. To imbibe the ethos of this book is to join Lorenz in continually repeating the slogan: Speak up!'

Toyin Falola - author of Understanding Modern Nigeria

'I wish this book existed when I was writing Welcome to Lagos. Trish Lorenz has done an excellent job of collating the hopes, dreams and frustrations of the young people of Lagos. They’re savvy, ambitious and they won’t take no for an answer. Watch out world. The soro soke generation is coming.'

Chibundu Onuzo - author of Welcome to Lagos, Sankofa and The Spider King’s Daughter

‘Highly recommended.’

M. M. Heaton Source: Choice