Richard Ali and Marziya Mohammedali have been appointed the new Managing Editor and Deputy Editor; respectively, of pan-African writers’ collective, Jalada Africa.
Jalada is a pan-African writers’ collective that was born when writers from across the continent converged in Nairobi for a literary event in 2013. That collective went on to publish the critically acclaimed anthologies Sketch of a Bald Woman In The Semi-Nude And Other Stories (our review), Sext Me Poems and Stories (our review), My Maths Teacher Hates Me and other Stories, Afrofuture (2), and The Language Issue.
The Jalada collective has had a change of leadership with Moses Kilolo being the second Managing Editor before he was replaced in 2019 by Wanjeri Gakuru deputized by Kate Hampton. This new leadership produced the anthologies Jalada 07: After+Life (our launch reporting), Jalada 08: Bodies (our launch reporting); and Jalada 09: Nostalgia (our launch reporting). The two-year term could only be considered a success with so much output.
Outgoing Managing Editor, Wanjeri Gakuru said, “This role has given me great joy and purpose these last two years. Jalada has experienced tremendous growth both internally and externally and I appreciate the Collective’s trust, support, and the ability to endure my many, many lengthy emails. Richard and Marziya are fantastic. They will bring passion and fresh energy to their new roles to ensure Jalada’s continued evolution.”
Jalada’s Board of Trustees Ellah Wakatama Allfrey OBE (Hon) FRSL, Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, Jekwu Ozoemene, Leila Aboulela, and Stephen Partington congratulated the outgoing team and warmly welcomed Richard Ali and Marziya Mohammedali to their present posts.
Richard Ali is a Nigerian writer, lawyer, and co-founder of Lagos-based Afri-centric publishing house Parrésia Publishers. He wrote the novel City of Memories in 2012.
Incoming Managing Editor, Richard Ali stated, “I am excited to lead the Jalada Africa Trust at this time. From the humble origins of our Collective, we have time and time again framed the African zeitgeist in exciting ways. As a servant of the Collective, I intend to lead it into even more partnerships and collaborations while boldly situating Jalada within the strategic and policy levels of Arts + Literature administration on the continent, while being open to infusing fresh talent and ideas. I thank the Collective for this gift of trust and I look forward to upholding this over the next two years.”
Marziya Mohammedali is a photographer, designer, artist, educator, and researcher based in Perth, Australia.
