Top Ten Websites for African Literature and Writing
As we're sure you know, African literature is high on the list of things ZODML loves. From Naguib Mahfouz of Egypt to Nadine Gordimer of South Africa, we love nothing more than curling up with a great African title - or, more commonly these days, clicking through to our favourite websites to catch up on new stories, poetry, and more. Check out below a list of our current top 10 favourite African literature and writing sites:
NaijaStories
NaijaStories brings together Nigerian writers of all stripes, from poets to memorists, flash fiction writers to genre gurus. It emphasises the social dimensions of writing, with free memberships offering "a writing portfolio, numerous writing tips, and a community that will provide the chance to meet and bond with fresh creative minds."
Kwani?
This Kenyan literary network has been at the forefront of African literature and publishing for over a decade. Visit for poetry, essays, and fiction, as well as opportunities for budding writers.
Kinna Reads
Out of Ghana-based Kinna’s love for reading came this blog which hosts a good mix of reviews and commentary on novels, short stories, poems, and literary activities.
Kenyanpoet
As the name suggests, Kenyanpoet takes you through the east African country's art world, showcasing writing, music, and fine arts.
Saraba Magazine
Started by Emmanuel Iduma and Damilola Ajayi while they were students at Obafemi Awolowo University, Saraba is an online literary magazine and poetry chapbook publisher which has showcased writers from Nigeria and beyond, including Tolu Ogunlesi, Dominique Malaquais, and 2013 NLNG Prize-winner Tade Ipadeola. Saraba also awards an annual poetry prize in conjunction with PEN Nigeria.
Brittle Paper
US-based PhD student Ainehi Edoro's site is home to vibrant original fiction and poetry from across the African continent, as well as book reviews, commentaries, and essays on African writing and literary culture we especially love the historical tidbits, such as this one on Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe's war of words.
New Books Nigeria
Want to discover the newest creative writing coming out of Nigeria? New Books Nigeria features work by Nigerian authors, published in Nigeria, or set significantly in Nigeria across the major genres, as well as reviews.
bookshy: An African Book Lover
Visit this personal blog for great reviews of African fiction and non-fiction titles, interviews with African writers, bookstores with large African writing collections, and more.
The African Street Writer
Discover beautiful literary works by writers from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and other African countries, as well as writers in the diaspora, on this site.
Chimurenga
This pan-African literary powerhouse has been in existence since 2002 and is home to a number of projects, including the Chimurenga Library and the quarterly publication The Chronic.
What are your favourite African literature/writing websites? Share with us in the comments!
