Tracking 100 African Writers of SFF
Geoff Ryman takes on the momentous task of tracking down and interviewing 100 African Writers of SFF in an eyeopening series on TOR.com.
The initial instalment focuses on the diversity of talent in Nairobi and surrounds, setting the stage for the world to wake up to the talent already prospering on this beautiful continent.
It reveals an exciting time in speculative and science fiction fantasy literature, never mind traditional fiction, as writers deal with their own languages and culture in the local and global context. Testing their boundaries, screwing with the norms and dictates of english "rules" to hone their own voices and speak for themselves. A particularly difficult task in traditional publishing with its own "guidelines" (aka rules). This has lead to many self publishing or starting their own mags, anthologies and books - with great success and following locally.
"No audience" for this content? It's already there, as Omenana, Kwani? and their compatriots have proved. There is now an outpouring to feed the appetite of the readers.
It's high time the world started to take notice of the ideas, philosophical and cultural impact, and magic emanating from here.
I'm trying to catch up with all the reading as it is!
