11 Rising African Literary Magazines Shaping Culture Now (2024)

Africa has a rich and vibrant literary tradition, and African literary magazines play an important role in showcasing this talent to the world. 

These magazines provide a platform for African writers to share their work, and they help to promote African literature to a wider audience.

There are many different African literary magazines, each with its own unique focus. 

Some magazines focus on fiction, while others focus on poetry, nonfiction, or drama. 

Some magazines are national in scope, while others are regional or international.

No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find an African literary magazine that is right for you. 

In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular and influential African literary magazines. 

We will also discuss the importance of these magazines in promoting African literature and culture.

1. Brittle Paper

Brittle Paper is an online literary magazine that publishes fiction, non-fiction, poetry, book reviews, and essays from African writers. The magazine was founded in 2010 by Ainehi Edoro, a Nigerian writer and editor.

Brittle Paper is one of the most popular African literary magazines, and it has been praised for its diverse selection of work, its high editorial standards, and its commitment to promoting African literature.

Brittle Paper is also known for its strong social media presence, and it has a large following on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

The magazine uses its social media platforms to promote African literature, to connect with readers, and to host conversations about African writing.

In addition to publishing work by established writers, Brittle Paper also seeks out new and emerging talent. 

The magazine receives over 220 monthly submissions, and it publishes a wide range of work, from short stories to long-form essays.

Brittle Paper is an important resource for anyone who is interested in African literature. 

The magazine’s website is a great place to find new work by African writers, and the magazine’s social media platforms are a great way to connect with other readers and to learn more about African literature.

Brittle Paper is a great way to discover new African writers.

If you are interested in African literature, I encourage you to check out Brittle Paper. 

The magazine is a great resource for finding new stories to read and for learning more about African culture.

Genres Covered

Brittle Paper seeks and publishes Poetry,Creative Nonfiction,Book Review,Essay, Literary Commentaries,Fiction.

Circulation

79,400 Visits.

2. AFREADA

AFREADA is an African literary magazine that publishes fiction, non-fiction, and poetry from writers across the continent and its diaspora. The name AFREADA is a fusion of the words “Africa” and “reader,” and the magazine’s mission is to “share stories from home.”

AFREADA was founded in 2015 by Nancy Adimora, a pan-African Londoner who is passionate about promoting African literature. The magazine has since published over 100 stories from writers in over 20 countries.

AFREADA is an online magazine, and its stories are available to read for free. The magazine also has a vibrant social media presence, with over 10,000 followers on Twitter and Instagram.

AFREADA is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in African literature. The magazine’s stories are well-written and engaging, and they offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences of Africans from all walks of life.

If you are interested in African literature, I encourage you to check out AFREADA. The magazine is a great resource for finding new stories to read and for learning more about African culture.

Circulation

5,200 Visits

3. Lolwe

Lolwe is an award-winning African literary magazine that publishes fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and photography from writers across the continent and its diaspora. The name Lolwe is taken from the Luo name for Lake Victoria, which means “endless.”

Lolwe was founded in 2020 by Troy Onyango, a Kenyan writer and editor. The magazine’s mission is to “give a voice to the Black imagination” and to “amplify the work of writers, poets, and visual artists from Africa, Caribbean, and the Black diaspora.”

Lolwe has been praised for its diverse selection of work, its high editorial standards, and its commitment to promoting African literature. The magazine has been nominated for the Caine Prize, the Pushcart Prize, and the O. Henry Prize.

In addition to publishing work by established writers, Lolwe also seeks out new and emerging talent. The magazine receives over 200 monthly submissions, and it publishes a wide range of work, from short stories to long-form essays.

Lolwe is an important resource for anyone who is interested in African literature. The magazine’s website is a great place to find new work by African writers, and the magazine’s social media platforms are a great way to connect with other readers and to learn more about African literature.

Here are some additional facts about Lolwe:

•   The magazine is published quarterly.
•   The submission guidelines are available on the Lolwe website.
•   The magazine’s editors are always looking for new work to publish.
•   Lolwe is a great way to discover new African writers.

If you are interested in African literature, I encourage you to check out Lolwe. The magazine is a great resource for finding new stories to read and for learning more about African culture.

These are just a few examples of the many great works that have been published in Lolwe. If you are looking for a magazine that publishes high-quality African literature, I highly recommend checking out Lolwe.

Genre

Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Photography

Submission is free.

Submission 1-31 August 2023. Issue 8.

Circulation

34,300 visits

4. Afritondo

Afritondo is an online magazine for African arts and politics.

 It was founded in 2020 by brothers Allwell and Confidence Uwazuruike, with input from Nigerian writer Munachim Amah.

 The aim of Afritondo is to

 “connect with and tell the stories of Africans and black minority populations across the globe.”

Afritondo publishes a wide range of content, including fiction, poetry, essays, and political commentary. 

The magazine also hosts a number of literary events, including readings, workshops, and conferences.

Afritondo is a platform for African writers to share their work with a global audience. It is also a space for readers to learn about African cultures and perspectives.

  Other features  

In addition to its regular content, Afritondo also publishes a number of special features, including:

•   The Afritondo Short Story Prize: an annual competition for short stories by African writers
•   The Afritondo Book Club: a monthly discussion group for readers of African literature
•   The Afritondo Podcast: a series of interviews with African writers and thinkers

  Why Afritondo is important  

• Afritondo is an important platform for African literature. It provides a space for African writers to share their work with a global audience, and it helps to promote African culture and perspectives.

•  Afritondo is also a valuable resource for readers who are interested in learning about African literature.

• Afritondo is a vibrant and growing platform for African arts and politics.

 It is a valuable resource for readers and writers alike, and it is an important part of the African literary landscape.

Genres

Afritondo publishes work in the following genres:

  Fiction: short stories, novellas, and novels

  Poetry: free verse, traditional forms, and experimental poetry

  Essays: on a variety of topics, including politics, culture, history, and the arts

  Politics: analysis of current events, commentary on political issues, and interviews with political figures

Circulation

11,800 visits

5. Kalahari Review

The Kalahari Review is a weekly African literary journal that publishes fiction, essays, and poetry. It is a platform for new and established African writers to share their work with the world.

There are no deadlines.

The Kalahari Review does not have any deadlines for submissions. This means that you can submit your work at any time, and it will be considered for publication.

Genre

The Kalahari Review publishes work in the following genres:

• Fiction: Short stories, novellas, and novels
• Essays: Personal essays, creative nonfiction, and critical essays
• Poetry: Free verse, traditional forms, and experimental poetry

Submission guidelines

To submit your work to the Kalahari Review, Visit the website.

 The submission guidelines are as follows:

• Your work must be original and unpublished.
• Your work must be in English.
• Your work must be between 1,000 and 10,000 words for fiction and essays, and 30 to 100 lines for poetry.
• You must include a brief bio and a list of your publications.

What to expect

If your work is accepted for publication, you will be notified by the editors. The Kalahari Review does not pay for submissions, but they will provide you with a link to your published work on their website.

The Kalahari Review is a great opportunity for African writers to share their work with the world. If you have a story to tell, I encourage you to submit your work to the Kalahari Review today.

Circulation

43,900 visits

6. Isele Magazine

Isele is an African literary magazine that was founded in July 2020 by a group of writers and editors who are passionate about promoting African writing to a global audience.

Isele is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in African literature. The magazine’s staff and contributors are a diverse group of people from all over the world.

 Isele is a supporter of the African literary community. The magazine hosts a number of events that promote African writing, and it also works with other organizations to support the development of African literature.

Isele publishes a wide range of writing, including fiction, poetry, essays, interviews, and book reviews. The magazine’s contributors come from all over Africa, as well as from the African diaspora. Isele is committed to publishing high-quality writing that reflects the diversity of African experiences.

In addition to its online magazine, Isele also hosts a number of events, including readings, workshops, and conferences. The magazine is also a member of the African Literary Marketplace, a pan-African organization that promotes African literature.

Isele is a valuable resource for readers and writers alike. It is a platform for African writers to share their work with the world, and it is a source of inspiration for readers who are interested in learning more about Africa.

Here are some additional details about Isele:

•   The submission guidelines can be found on the Isele website.
•   The magazine is available for free online.
•  It has a range of writing from writers in the Africa Continent and around the World.

Genre 

Fiction,Poetry,Essays,Interviews, Book Reviews

Circulation

15,300 Visits

7. Omenana Magazine

Omenana is a trimonthly magazine that publishes speculative fiction from Africa and Africans in Diaspora.

The magazine was founded to counter the believe that Africans don’t do Speculative Fiction.

Founded in 2014 

It seeks to curate the diversity and richness of African Speculative Fiction .

The magazine took its name Omenana from an Igbo word for “divinity”. A loose word for culture.

Genre

African Futurism

Urban Legend

Science Fiction

Magic Realism

Fantasy

Horror.

They pay $20 for story published

Circulation

9,000 visits

8. Akuko Magazine

Akuko is a newer literary magazine in the African scene, but it is quickly making a name for itself with its focus on African stories from the continent and its diaspora.

Akuko publishes a wide range of writing, including fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. The magazine’s contributors come from all over Africa, as well as from the African diaspora. Akuko is committed to publishing high-quality writing that reflects the diversity of African experiences.

 The magazine’s mission is to “tell stories of the continent and its people worldwide.” 

Akuko is a space for African writers to share their stories with the world, and it is a source of inspiration for readers who are interested in learning more about Africa.

    Akuko is a platform for emerging and established writers alike. The magazine has published work by both award-winning authors and first-time writers.

  Akuko is a supporter of the African literary community. The magazine hosts a number of events that promote African writing, and it also works with other organizations to support the development of African literature.

I hope this gives you a more complete picture of Akuko. If you are interested in African writing, I encourage you to check out the magazine.

Circulation

1,700 Visits

9. Agbowo Magazine

Agbowo Literary Magazine is an African Literary Magazine. An African art company providing platforms for African Writers.

Agobowo magazine is an offshoot of UITES WRITE started Jan 2015

Agbowo Literary Magazine is an African literary magazine that publishes poetry, fiction, essays, drama, and visual art. The magazine was founded in July 2017.

Agbowo is committed to publishing high-quality writing that reflects the diversity of African experiences. 

Agbowo is a platform for emerging and established writers alike. The magazine has published work by both award-winning authors and first-time writers

The magazine’s contributors come from all over Africa, as well as from the African diaspora. Agbowo is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in African literature. 

The magazine’s staff and contributors are a diverse group of people from all over the world.

In addition to its online magazine, Agbowo also hosts a number of events, including readings, workshops, and conferences. The magazine is also a member of the African Literary Marketplace, a pan-African organization that promotes African literature.

Agbowo is a valuable resource for readers and writers alike. It is a platform for African writers to share their work with the world, and it is a source of inspiration for readers who are interested in learning more about Africa.

Here are some additional details about Agbowo Literary Magazine:

•   The magazine is published twice a year, in July and December.
•   The submissions guidelines can be found on the Agbowo website.
•   The magazine is available for free online.
•   Agbowo has a growing social media presence, with over 10,000 followers on Twitter and Facebook

I hope this gives you a more complete picture of Agbowo Literary Magazine. If you are interested in African writing, I encourage you to check it out.

Genre 

Poetry, Essay, Fiction,Drama,Visual Art.

They publish two issues in a month.

Circulation

10,200 visits.

10. Olongo Africa Magazine

Olongo Africa is a literary magazine from The Brick House Cooperation. It is published twice weekly and is seeking for new writing from or about Africa.

 The magazine is interested in a wide range of genres, including poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

Olongo Africa was founded in 2019 by a group of writers and editors who are passionate about promoting African literature to a global audience. The magazine’s name is derived from the name of an orange-cheeked waxbill, a bird that is found in many parts of Africa.

The magazine’s mission is to “provide a platform for new and emerging African writers to share their work with the world.” Olongo Africa is committed to publishing high-quality writing that reflects the diversity of African experiences.

Here are some additional details about Olongo Africa:

  The magazine is available for free online.

  Olongo Africa has a growing social media presence, with over 10,000 followers on Twitter and Facebook.

If you are interested in submitting your work to the magazine, please visit the Olongo Africa website for more information.

I hope this gives you a more complete picture of Olongo Africa. If you are interested in African writing, I encourage you to check out the magazine.

Circulation

10,100 visits

11. Efiko Magazine

Efiko Literary Magazine is a younger player in the literary Magazines scene, but it is quickly making a name for itself with its focus on Africa as both place and perspective. 

The magazine was founded by Ladi Opaluwa and Oris Aigbokhaevbolo, two Nigerian writers who were passionate about bringing the best writing from and about the continent to a wider audience.

Efiko publishes a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry, essays, and interviews. The magazine also features a blog with news and commentary on African literature and culture. Efiko is committed to publishing high-quality writing that reflects the diversity of the African continent.

Efiko Literary Magazine is published online, and it is free to read. 

Here are some of the things that make Efiko Literary Magazine unique:

• Its focus on Africa as both place and perspective.
• Its commitment to publishing high-quality writing.
• Its diverse range of contributors.
• Its online format, which makes it accessible to readers all over the world.

If you are interested in African literature, I encourage you to check out Efiko Literary Magazine. It is a great resource for finding new and exciting writing from the continent.

Here are some additional details about the magazine:

• The magazine is published biannually.
• The submission guidelines are available on the magazine’s website.
• The magazine has a readership of over 10,000 people.
• Efiko Literary Magazine has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Africa Report.

Circulation

20,900

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have explored the importance of African literary magazines.

 We have seen how these magazines provide a platform for African writers to share their work, promote African literature to a wider audience, and foster a sense of community among African writers.

African literary magazines are an essential part of the African literary landscape. They help to ensure that African literature is not forgotten, and they help to promote the rich and vibrant literary tradition of the African continent.

If you are interested in African literature, I encourage you to check out some of the many African literary magazines that are available. You are sure to find something that you will enjoy.

Here are some additional thoughts on the importance of African literary magazines:

•   They help to preserve African languages and cultures.
•   They provide a space for African writers to experiment with new forms and genres.
•   They can help to raise awareness of social and political issues in Africa.
•   They can inspire other African writers to pursue their dreams.

If you are an African writer, I encourage you to submit your work to an African literary magazine. These magazines are a great way to get your work published and to connect with other African writers.

Thank you for reading!