These are the women you need to read. This list of writers we feel you should get to know is by no means exhaustive, but is made up of authors we feel represent best the diversity of some
of the women of African descent who have taken up their pens and given us fresh perspectives.
This time around, it’s woman-centred. The women on this list have written about diverse subjects, from polygamy in Nigeria to crime in a community in the American South. They include poets, fiction writers and memoirists. Most have published books and we eagerly await the published work of others. We look at this list as an introduction to some emerging
voices and also a post that simply serves to give a grateful and loving nod to those whose work is already established.
We admit there is a bias towards the Anglophone writers, so if you know of Lusophone and Francophone writers we have not included, but should, do let us know in the c-section!
May you find many a kindred spirit among these writers. Happy reading!
Makhosazana Xaba - South African poet!
Great list and well done to the 21 women, you are our beacon
Great list and well done to the ladies for the achievement- you are our beacon
Blaft Publications - to tell the truth, we want to know way more African-language writers and this suggestion is wonderful so thank you so much! There is a growing movement to have indigenous language texts, and preserve this heritage. One of the best-known proponents of this idea is Ngugi wa Thiong'o. From those I've spoken to just in Southern Africa, it's quite an uphill struggle so if that's what you're doing I salute you. There is such need for it, especially considering that mother tongue education gives an advantage to kids, from what I've heard.
Great list, just missing my favourite Sekai Nzenza - Shand. :)
Ah, "emerging voices". My bad.
I assume everybody already is familiar with Toni Morrison, which is why she is not on the list. Am I right?
Great list!
Great list, Luso. I look forward to more suggestions in the comments
You mention Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone... what about African-language writers? Check out Balaraba Ramat Yakubu, one of the best-selling writers in Hausa. Her 1990 novel Sin Is a Puppy That Follows You Home is now available in English translation. Also available as an eBook.
Mariam Ba form Senegal. Add her quick!! lol