Nonyelum is a Nigerian writer and visual artist. She grew up in the bustling city of Lagos and in small villages in southwestern and southeastern Nigeria. Her work is inspired by the African immigrant experience in America, the colors and vibrancy of various African cultures, and Jazz. In 2018, her short story "American Dream" was shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing. Nonyelum has a Doctor of Medicine degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, a master's degree from Georgetown University, and a bachelor's degree from George Mason University. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at George Washington University.