This text examines the implications of new forms of ownership of African literature for the African writer. This form has led to individual ownership of literary works rather than the common or ‘folk’ ownership. This presents a source of tension in the minds of African writers. Appiah illustrates this by a profound analysis of Wole Soyinka, and suggests that Africans cannot escape this new form of ownership even if we want to, as such the only option we have is to celebrate it.