Here is information on the latest issues of 8 literary magazines that offer some of the best writing by Africans on the continent and in the diaspora. They are listed in alphabetical order.
Arablit Quarterly
Recent Issue: March 2020
ArabLit Quarterly is a literary magazine that brings together Arabic literature, essays, wordplay, art, music, and food in translation, founded in 2018 by Arablit.org’s M Lynx Qualey.
The latest issue themed around “Song”, guest-edited by Karim Zidan, was published on March 15. It brings together essays and art about music from the 9th century through the 21st. It features songbooks, short stories, poetry, essays, reflections, a dictionary feature, photographs, a playlist, a recipe, and a graphic novel by Zahra Marwan that goes on a song-filled journey between New Mexico, Mecca, and Kuwait.
Doek!
Recent Issue: March 2020
Issue 5: Start/Continue
Doek! is a free, independent, and pan-African online literary magazine produced in Windhoek, Namibia. Founded by Mutaleni Nadimi and Rémy Ngamije, it publishes short fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art from Namibia and the African diaspora.
The latest issue features work by Ndawedwa Denga Hanghuwo, Foday Mannah, Ange Mucyo, Frowin Becker, Sindi-Leigh McBride, Ndakolute Ndilula, Lamelle Shaw, Alacia Armstrong, Ondjaki, Jeni Andriamiseza, Summer Du Plessis, Immanuel Natangwe Hafeni, and Shawn Van Eeden, and many others.
Fiyah Lit Mag
Recent Issue: December 2020
Fiyah is a quarterly speculative fiction magazine that features stories by and about Black people of the African Diaspora based in the USA founded in 2016.
The latest edition of the magazine features among others Martins Deep, Ernest O. Ògúnyẹmí, K. Ceres Wright, M.K. Ahinde, Kalynn Baron, Kel Coleman, and Jade Stewart.
Jahazi Journal
Recent Issue: February 2021
Jahazi is an arts and culture journal whose vision is harnessing the wealth of artistic and cultural synergies in East Africa and how they are influenced by communities, even as they contribute to social change.
Its current edition which was launched on February 24 has Caroline Mose as editor and features the talents of Austin Bukenya, Mercy Wambui, Mwenda Ntarangwi, Florence Sipalla, Wandia Njoya, Suzanne Mieko, George Gachara, Nanjira Sambuli, Joyce Nyairo, Kevin Mwachiro, George Kegoro, and many others.
Johannesburg Review of Books
Recent Issue: February 2020
The Johannesburg Review of Books is a publication giving a view of world literature through African eyes.
The newest offering published on February 18 features the contributions of among others Wamuwi Mbao, Lidudumalingani, Efemia Chela, Stephen Langtry, Lebohang Mojapelo, Kopano Maroga, Simon van Schalkwyk, Sanya Osha, Louisa Uchum Egbunike, Tymon Smith, Ijeoma Oluo, Lindiwe Nkutha, Brandon Taylor, William Dicey, and Victor Dlamini.
Mosi Oa Tunya Review
Recent Issue: January 2021
The Mosi Oa Tunya Review, founded by Tendai Machingaidze and Ellen Machingaidze, is the first multi-lingual, pan-African, online literary magazine from Zimbabwe. The editorial team aims to promote and publish writing in all of Zimbabwe’s 16 official languages.
The publication’s first issue, unveiled to the public in January 2021, includes poetry and fiction in English and Shona from Jennifer Mariani, Katy Lanas, Hosea Tokwe, Kudzai Mhangwa, Memory Munenura, Masimba Musodza, Sophia Wekwete, and featured author Bryony Rheam.
Open Country Mag
Recent Issue: January 2021
Open Country Mag is a multiplatform space for African literature that was founded by Otosirieze Obi-Young and launched on December 26, 2020. The magazine offers journalism and in-depth stories about the institutions and people shaping the African literary scene.
It started with a bang with the two Booker Prize 2020 shortlisted on its launch issue in December with Tsitsi Dangarembga and its most current issue with Maaza Mengiste.
PREE LIT
Latest edition: November 2020
PREE is an online magazine for new contemporary writing from and about the Caribbean founded by Annie Paul. They publish original works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays, interviews, and experimental writing, giving their authors international visibility far beyond the islands.
Issue 6: RUB-A-DUB-DUB features fiction, essays, poetry, and more from contributors like Sherese Francis, Lelawatttee Manoo-Rahming, Ide Amari Thompson, Chike Pilgrim, Amanda T. McIntyre, Maelynn Seymour-Major, Kay-Ann Henry, Celia Sorhaindo, Kevanté a.c. cash, Melissa A. K. McKenzie, Jason Henry, Randy Baker, Njelle Hamilton, Lafleur Cockburn, Sharma Taylor, Richard Georges, Gervais Marsh, and Tamara Belinfanti.
