At just 20 years old, Amina Salisu Bello aka Amina SB author of Hating The Mafia King is making waves in Nigeria’s literary space, she’s rewriting the script for what young talent can achieve. The Abuja-born storyteller has a resume that includes graduating at 18, working with top writing companies as both a writer and Acquisition Editor, launching a café at 19, and developing interactive games. Now, she’s back with her latest creative project; a thrilling new book that dives into love, power, and revenge.
In this gripping story, we meet Rachel Green, a woman determined to destroy the man who killed her mother but things took an interesting turn. With secrets on both sides, the book promises twists, drama, and emotional depth. We caught up with Amina to talk about the inspiration behind the story, her journey so far, and what drives her creativity.
Interview Questions
Amina, congratulations on your new book Hating The Mafia King! Can you tell us how the idea for Rachel and Richard’s story came to you?
Thank you! Honestly, I wish I had some big, unique story behind how it all started but I don’t. The idea for Rachel and Richard just came to me out of nowhere, the same way most of my story ideas do. One minute I’m doing something random, and the next, I’m thinking about a whole story in my head.
The story is filled with drama, secrets, and unexpected romance. What themes were you most excited to explore through this plot?
Definitely the “hate to love” theme, I love slow-burn tension, especially when two characters are constantly clashing but can’t seem to stay away from each other. I was also really excited to explore “trust and betrayal”. With the mafia backdrop, nothing is ever black and white, and I wanted to show how hard it is to truly trust someone when your entire world is built on secrets.
Rachel’s journey is driven by revenge, but the story takes many emotional turns. Was it challenging writing a character with such layered motives?
Not really, I actually felt really connected to Rachel, not because of any personal experience, but because of my growth as a writer. Funny enough, she’s one of the easiest characters I’ve ever written.
Let’s talk about Richard. What made you create such a complex, enigmatic Mafia king?
Richard, my favorite character. What made me create such character has to be my past obsession with mafia kings. But as I wrote Richard, I realized that just because he’s dangerous and powerful doesn’t mean he can’t have a heart. I think it’s safe to say he turned out to have one of the softest hearts in the book.
You’ve achieved so much at such a young age, from graduating at 18 to running a café and writing games. What keeps you motivated? Also tell us a little about Ami’s Cafe.
I’ve always been driven by the urge to create and bring ideas to life. Whether it’s writing games or building something from scratch, I love watching a vision turn real. I’ve also always dreamed of owning my own restaurant one day, and starting with a cozy mini café just felt right. Ami’s Café is warm, creative, and personal, more than just coffee, it’s a space where people can slow down and feel at home.
Many young people look up to you. What advice do you have for those trying to juggle school, passion projects, and business?
Balancing everything isn’t easy, but if you believe in what you’re doing, you’ll find a way to make it work. Passion makes the hard days worth it.
Being an Acquisition Editor is a big role in publishing. How has that experience shaped the way you write your own stories?
Being an Acquisition Editor has definitely changed how I approach my writing. It’s given me a deeper understanding of what readers and publishers are looking for, so I’m more mindful about pacing, character development, and plot hooks. It’s like seeing the story from both sides as a creator and as someone who helps choose stories which makes me a better writer overall.
How do you balance writing fiction, working on interactive games, and running a café, all while staying creatively inspired?
For me, it’s all about passion and discipline. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work, and staying inspired becomes part of the journey even when juggling multiple things.
What has been the most surprising part of your journey as a young writer so far?
The most surprising part has been realizing how much I’m capable of when I just commit and keep pushing. Sometimes I doubted myself, but the journey showed me that with focus and persistence, I can accomplish way more than I expected.
Who are some authors or storytellers that have influenced your writing style or inspired you along the way?
I’m really inspired by Safina Bello, my sister, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Safina motivates me every day, and Chimamanda’s confidence and the power behind her words have had a huge impact on how I want to speak through my own writing.
You’ve clearly mastered multiple forms of storytelling, from novels to games. How do you decide which medium best fits the story you want to tell?
It really depends on the story itself. Some ideas work best as novels because they need that deep, emotional connection, while others are more interactive and fit games better. I think about how I want the audience to experience the story and choose the medium that brings it to life most effectively.
What sort of audience do you expect your book Hating The Mafia King to resonate with?
It’s for anyone who loves slow-burn romance, intense drama, and complex characters with a bit of danger.
What major challenges have you faced in your journey so far?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to slow down. I used to think I had to do everything at once to succeed, but I’ve realized that pacing myself and staying focused is what actually keeps me going long-term.
What would be your advice to youngsters who want to follow in your path?
Start small, stay consistent, and don’t wait for the perfect moment, it doesn’t exist. Believe in your ideas, even when no one else does.
Finally, what’s next for Amina Sb? More books, new games, maybe a second café?
There’s a lot coming, more books, rebranding my cafe and something I’m building for writers. I can’t say too much yet, but it’s a project that could really change how writers work behind the scenes.
Conclusion
With bold storytelling and an undeniable drive, Amina SB is carving a path entirely her own, making the most of her creative and entrepreneurial skills and at a really young age. Her new book Hating The Mafia King is a reminder that powerful stories can come from even the youngest of voices. It is more than a tale of revenge and romance. With Amina SB, the future of African storytelling is in very good hands.
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