Waking Up White in Lagos: A Review of Blackass by Igoni Barrett

Ever wondered what it would be like to wake up one morning in a completely different skin? Not just different clothes, but a whole new racial identity? That’s the chaotic, hilarious, and thought-provoking premise of Igoni Barrett’s novel Blackass. Imagine this: you’re Furo Wariboko, a young Nigerian graduate, ready for your first job interview—and then BOOM—you wake up white. Green eyes, fiery red hair… but your voice, your thoughts, and, yes, your behind, remain stubbornly Nigerian. Welcome to Lagos on a social experiment like no other.

Barrett’s novel isn’t just a comedic fantasy; it’s a razor-sharp commentary on race, privilege, and identity in contemporary Nigeria. And if you’re ready to laugh, cringe, and reflect all at once, Blackass is a ride worth taking.

👉 You can find Blackass on Amazon here.

A Glimpse Into Furo’s World

Furo’s transformation sets off a chain of absurd and eye-opening events. A young man from a low-income suburb in Lagos, Furo’s first day as a “white man” becomes a masterclass in social observation. Suddenly, people are nicer, more helpful, and more polite—at least to him. His usual “stranded car” trick works flawlessly, taxi drivers inflate fares, and even traffic officials try to capitalize on his supposed naivety.

At his job interview, Furo goes from candidate to golden ticket in minutes. His boss sees a white man with Nigerian street smarts as the perfect asset—a living example of Nigeria’s lingering colonial hangover. Along the way, Furo meets Syreeta, an ambitious woman whose motivations blur generosity and self-interest, and Igoni, a character whose journey touches lightly on gender identity with the poignant line: “It is easier to be than to become.”

The novel spins a delicate balance between comedy, social satire, and reflections on identity, showing Lagos in all its chaotic glory—from opportunistic interactions to the fascination and skepticism reserved for a “foreigner” who speaks fluent Pidgin.

What Makes Blackass Stand Out

Humor Meets Social Commentary

Barrett’s humor is audacious. The absurdity of Furo’s situation—white-skinned, green-eyed, Nigerian to the core—is both hilarious and unsettling. Through laughter, the novel exposes harsh truths about race, privilege, and perception in Nigeria. The book cleverly flips Kafka’s Metamorphosis, replacing a bug with a white man, and in doing so, examines the fragility and fluidity of identity.

Insight Into Race and Privilege

Even when Furo demonstrates his Nigerian identity, society’s perception often overrides reality. Barrett shows how privilege operates: doors open, help comes easier, and assumptions favor the outsider, no matter how Nigerian they truly are. It’s both comedic and disturbing—a mirror to societal biases we often ignore.

Bold Themes, Subtle Misses

The gender identity subplot with Igoni is intriguing but underexplored. The novel also stumbles in moments: Furo’s sudden coldness toward colleagues feels inconsistent, and his sister’s potential role fizzles out. Yet, these imperfections don’t overshadow Barrett’s audacity and the novel’s engaging commentary.

About the Author

Igoni Barrett is a Nigerian writer celebrated for his sharp wit and satirical lens on society. Published in 2015, Blackass is a bold exploration of race, identity, and Nigerian social dynamics. Barrett doesn’t just tell a story; he challenges norms, pokes fun at hypocrisy, and forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths—all while keeping them laughing.

👉 Explore more of Barrett’s work and get Blackass here.

Who Should Read This Book

You’ll love Blackass if you:

• Enjoy satirical, thought-provoking fiction.

• Like stories that mix humor with social critique.

• Are curious about race, identity, and privilege in modern Nigeria.

You might struggle with this book if you:

• Prefer fast-paced, plot-heavy narratives.

• Expect clear-cut heroes and villains.

• Dislike open-ended or loosely wrapped subplots.

Final Verdict

Blackass is bold, cheeky, and unforgettable. Barrett’s narrative makes you laugh while reflecting on uncomfortable truths about society, race, and identity. Furo’s journey is absurd, outrageous, and insightful—a Lagos adventure that blends comedy with critique.

If you’re ready for a story that’s funny, daring, and socially conscious, give Blackass a read. And just for fun—imagine waking up tomorrow in a completely different skin. What would you do?

👉 Grab your edition of Blackass here on Amazon and start the adventure.