Author Profiles
Tribute: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o bestrode Africa's literary scene like a colossus
Famous Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o passed away in the United States after a long illness. His writing career spanned about six decades.
Articles
Essays, reviews, author profiles and serialised fiction about books published in Africa today.
Articles, page 11 of 15
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The stories we overlook: dyslexic storytelling is powerful, but calls for a broader narrative
When dyslexia is neither understood nor embraced, the inherent storytelling abilities of dyslexic children are limited to coping mechanisms. Joining words and letters…
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Reading Kenyan begins here: a new home for stories at Kibanga Books
Bookstores like Kibanga offer an alternative to imported bestseller lists and one-dimensional narratives. They become more than just sellers of books — they are cultural…
Podcasts
Episode 4: Live with The Cikus at NYrobi Book Fest
In this episode, Tracy Ochieng is joined by Empress Ciku Kimani Mwaniki, author of NaiRobbery Cocktail, and Ciku Kimeria, author of Dance of the Monkeys, for a spirited…
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For kids and adults too, storytelling is a worthy bonus at book fests
Storytelling motivates children to read more, which in turn helps them to improve on their language skills.
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Soi: Like Maillu, I care about power dynamics: Exclusive strip clubs host politicians, CEOs, the movers and shakers…
In a collaboration with Mvua Press, one of Soi’s iconic women becomes the face of After 4.30, a timeless book that digs deep into the lived experiences of women…
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The Pope is Dead, Long Live Kenyan Popes, Prophets, Christs and Gods!
The sudden death of a pious Man of God saddened and worried me. What kind of man would the white smoke billowing out of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel unveil to replace…
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‘Kenyan publishers haven’t done enough: nobody’s making noise about our books’
"There's a market, and there's curiosity about African stories by Africans. We must find our way into that market," says Empress Ciku Kimani-Mwaniki.
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How NYrobi Book Fest rose from the ashes of literary gatekeepers
At the heart of Kenya’s literary scene lies a reverence for the past, especially for what Kwani? represented. Its legacy is undeniable, and its contribution to…
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Every child has a ‘Magic Door’ story AI wouldn’t know: tell it to the world
Story is an intrinsic part of being human. Whether recounting a challenging ordeal to our friends, explaining why something wasn’t our fault or closing a deal, the…
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From poets to critics, everyone’s putting their best foot forward for the NYrobi Book Fest
This year’s theme, “A Decade of Kenyan Stories – Past, Present & Beyond,” invites reflection not only on what Kenyan writers have accomplished, but where their stories…
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To focus on readers abroad or at home? The dilemma of African authors, publishers
If international success is the more viable route, what does that mean for the future of African literature and its relationship with homegrown audiences?