Poetry Platform

Published writers list

V Abioye-image

Vwerosuoghene Abioye

Nigeria

Vwerosuoghene Abioye.  A creative writer passionate about life and the arts especially poetry.

She draws heavily on her own experiences and thoughts to present snapshots through her work.  Passionate about writing she says it allows her to efficiently express her thoughts and share her experiences with people.

Vwerosuoghene has been writing since middle school but only recently started publishing some of her work.  She is based in Nigeria.

Published: Aug 2019
Title: Unattended

Phindu Zaie Banda

Malawi

Phindu Zaie Banda is a 21 year old Malawian feminist who is passionate about using poetry to advocate for social justice. Since starting writing in 2014, she has headlined many spoken word events and released an album titled “Bodies are (not) Homes.”

Phindu is inspired by everyday life and writes honestly about her own fears, joys and sorrows. She currently resides in Lilongwe, Malawi and is working on her first book, “Sticks, Stones and Broken Poems.”

Published: Sept 2019
Title: Amarantha

Sawaira Malik

kenya

Sawaira Malik is 28 years old and lives in Kenya.  She started writing poetry in 2011 after finishing high school. She believes that English literature, her favorite subject in high school, sparked the interest of poetry in her.  Her writings are personal and embody her experiences based on people she has met, her beliefs, inspirations, and lessons learnt in life together with what she observes daily be it social issues or relationships. Fortunately her poetry does click with those who have read it and it helps them find perspective as they connect with it. Touchwood!

She graduated in 2015 from the University of Nairobi after completing an LLB degree.  She then studied the Advocates Training Program in 2017 from Kenya School of Law.  She is currently studying Air Travel and enjoying her time learning about the travel and tourism industry. Writing is her passion and her growing collection encourages her to keep writing for the opportunities that could arise along the way.  She intends to get her work published through mediums that are looking for content and a message in poetry to reach out/ motivate and find a connection with readers.

Published: Oct 2019
Title: A Boy I Know

Theophilus Nana Arhin aka Abeiku Arhin Tsiwah

ghana

Born, Theophilus Nana Arhin Tsiwah and writing professionally under his creative pseudonym, Abeiku Arhin Tsiwah. He is a Ghanaian Smartphone Enthusiast & Content Critic. He’s the Poetry Editor at Lunaris Review (a Journal of Arts & the Literary, Nigeria) & the Creative Director/Founder at The Village Thinkers (a Creative Writing & Arts Society, Ghana). The 2018 Shortlisted Poet for both African Writers Awards /&/ West Africa Citizens Awards has had his works published in Afridiaspora, Peeking Cat Poetry, EXPOUND, Whispers, Novel Masters, African Writer, Agbówó, Tuck Magazine, Africa Redemption Magazine, The Liberian Literary Magazine & elsewhere. Tsiwah is an offspring of the University of Cape Coast where he majored in Geography

“In My Mother’s House”, © copyrighted on June 10, 2019. This poem was written out of a simple reality and feeling that belonging to an extended maternal family brings into one’s life. It paints every bit of events ‘metamorphosed’ as they do occur during family gatherings of kinsmen.

Published: Nov 2019
Title: In My Mother’s House

Ekene John Adigom

nigeria

Ekene John Adigom was born in Anambra State, Nigeria. He studied Applied Biochemistry at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in Anambra State – Nigeria.
 
He is a passionate writer/poet who has the desire to grow limitlessly. He has a number of published literary works to his name. Writing is an avenue through which he expresses himself, his background, culture and imagination.

Published: Dec 2019
Title: Growing Older

Muchira Gachenge

kenya

Muchira Gachenge is a writer from Kenya. He has been a three-time Editor in Chief of Moi University Press Club.  The largest students’ publishing house at Moi University, Kenya. His short stories have appeared in East African Magazine. He has published numerous literary commentaries on Saturday Nation Newspaper, a publication of Nation Media Group in Kenya. His essays have also appeared on independent literary websites. He has experience in radio production and show hosting, having hosted “The Discourse Literary Show” for two years on Moi University Radio. 

His poems which have received great acclaim, have been pencilled in for publication in a forthcoming anthology. He studied English and Literature at Moi University, and has been teaching since 2015.  When he is free, he likes to design ways by which to impact the world positively. He has a keen interest in Gikuyu Popular Culture and has a number of published literary works to his name. Writing is an avenue through which he expresses himself, his background, culture and imagination.

Published: Jan 2020
Title: People

Kenny Ozojie

nigeria

Kenny Ozojie is a young aspiring poet from Nigeria. He is a novice in the field of writing but has a unique style. Most times he goes by the pen name “Ozkar”. A name he formed from the depths of his imagination which according to him means “Freedom”.
 
Kenny works as a professional Microbiologist but has an artistic side to him. A side he likes to showcase through music and poetry. His writing springs from an imaginative and free thinking mindset.
 
To him, writing takes care of the unexpressed thoughts, the guilt-demon that haunts, and the urge to create art.

Published: Feb 2020
Title: Every Girl Wants a Moon

Esther Andaye​

kenya

Esther Andaye is a young upcoming poetess interested in art, specifically poetry, drawing and music. However, poetry is the backbone. She was born in the late 90’s in Nairobi, Kenya and is currently studying for a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry at the University of Eldoret. She started writing poetry in her first year at high-school. Support from friends has been the motivating factor behind her writing. From her first poem, she learnt she could bring out something impactful out of words from her mind.

She chose to venture along the journey of poetry so that she can use words to add light and hope to the world and also to help people see things differently.  In 2018 she started participating in several competitions. In 2019 she made her first presentation at Kistrech Poetry Festival in Nairobi. On her poetry journey so far, Esther has featured on different platforms such as; Writers space Africa, Writers hub, Arthut and The giant pen.

Published: Mar 2020
Title: Fallen Heroes

Ezekanne Paschal Fechukwu

Nigeria

Ezekanne Paschal Fechukwu known widely as Paschal-Regal is a Nigerian poet and writer who is currently a Law student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. He is an avid reader who also values deep silence and music.  

He constantly draws inspiration from the genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as he straddles the two worlds – Poetry and Law – the best he can. You can follow him on Twitter 
@Thesyncret

Published: Apr 2020
Title: Fatia

Nathaniel Ziphoezinhle Mpofu

ZIMBABWE

Nathaniel Ziphoezinhle Mpofu was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He studied Library and Information Science at Bulawayo Polytechnic College.

Currently he is a librarian at the largest castle full of books in his city: the Bulawayo Public Library.

Therein he is always surrounded by writers and books; stories and atoms of diction. In 2015 Nathaniel published his first novel for young adults, The Parallel World. In a curious turn of literary events it became the inspiration for his ROIL BAA Outstanding fiction award winning novel, Inkless Quills. Which would be published later in 2018.

In between these opuses, Nathaniel published five (5) books. Another novel for young adults in 2015, The Unreader; 2 short story anthologies in 2016, Maktub, I.The 1st edition, and Maktub, I.The 2nd edition. In 2017, he then published a memoir, No.44 Andrea Drive and a poetry anthology, Poetic Potions. His latest book, The Colour of Alchemy is another poetry anthology. It was published in 2019. His works can be purchased on Amazon here; works

Published: May 2020
Title: Neuroscience

Mugabi Byenkya

uganda

Mugabi Byenkya is an award-winning writer, poet and occasional rapper. Mugabi’s writing is used to teach international high school English reading comprehension.

His debut experimental epistolary speculative novel, ‘Dear Philomena,’ was published in 2017 and he recently concluded a 42 city, 4 country North America/East Africa tour in support of this.

In 2018, Mugabi was named one of 56 writers who has contributed to his native Uganda’s literary heritage in the 56 years since independence by Writivism. Dear Philomena, was named a Ugandan bestseller in the same year. Mugabi wants to be Jaden Smith when he grows up.

Published: Jun 2020
Title: Naphtalie

Antonio Doe Akoko

Kenya

Antonio Doe Akoko is a Kenyan national and a graduate of Laikipia University, Kenya. He graduated with a B.A.in Communication and Media and has been writing for the better part of his life. He believes writing is a great way to share.

Pen and paper have always been two of his best friends. Capturing anecdotes, secrets, wishes and experiences on paper is something he finds immensely liberating. Antonio has written articles, poems and official documents for clubs, media outlets and websites. He believes in the magic of the written word and is hopeful he can make a life out of writing.

Published: Jul 2020
Title: Breaking

Henrietta Enam Quarshie

Ghana

Henrietta Enam Quarshie is currently a medical student at the University of Health and Allied Science. She comes from the Volta region of Ghana where she lives in its capital, Ho. She has been published by Praxis magazine, Tampered Press and in anthologies: To grow in two bodies and The Big Yellow Post. She writes micro poetry on Instagram under the pseudonym Poetbyimpulse.Twitter handle @HenriettaEnam

Published: Aug 2020
Title: Stay

Mercy Geno Apachi

Uganda

Mercy Agenorwot is a Ugandan writer who writes under the pseudonym Mercy Geno Apachi.  She started writing in primary school where she would pen short stories in her class-work books and make them available to classmates for a low fee.  She blossomed into a young journalist at university where she won a Media Challenge award in 2015 for business reporting. 

Mercy later attended residential fellowships at Media Challenge  2018, Tebere Emerging  artists Lab 2019 and was subsequently introduced to theatre and African Writers Trust Publishing Fellowship 2020. She has staged two poetry shows and featured on several platforms as a spoken word artist. Her poems have featured in the US Anthology, Home: Millennial Voices, a Kenyan Anthology: Writers Space Africa and One Voice Global which is
an Italian magazine.

Published: Sept 2020
Title: Yet Another Black Man

Sinead Mwale

zambia

Sinead Mwale is a Zambian national and is currently in her third year pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with Development Studies at the University of Zambia.

She is an emerging writer who is passionate about poetry and believes this is one of the best ways to express herself. To her, poetry provides an opportunity to communicate and express ideas in ways that are immediate, accessible and transcendental. For her, it’s all about the power of the word!

Sinead loves to read novels as well as poems and one of her dreams is to publish both poems and books.

Published: Oct 2020
Title: Give up already!

Muwanwu Sikhitha

South Africa

Muwanwu is a South African writer. A journalism graduate and currently a law student curious about human rights law. She loves traveling the African continent and hiking to beautiful mountain tops.

Her poems are influenced by love, betrayal, family history, dreams, migration, cultural history, female reproductive illnesses and childhood memories. Apart from law school she is working on her debut collection. Her work has appeared in ‘The Single Story Foundation Journal’ and is forthcoming in other publications.

Published: Nov 2020
Title: Nostalgia

Lily Banda

Malawi

Since childhood Lily showed a passion for performance.  Juggling work as a voice actor, television host and DJ on Radio, she used her pay cheques to finance the launch of her music career.

The album title spoken word piece black kiss had Banda dubbed poet and she went on to release 3 studio projects,the Ep odd hours in 2015, and a double album Original thought poetry compilation & Just Go which earned her 2 Afrima Nominations in the ‘Best female in Southern Africa’ and ‘Most promising artist in Africa’ in 2018. As an actress she starred in the feature film ‘The boy who harnessed the wind ‘ as Annie Kamkwamba and in Deep State season 2 as Malian translator Aicha Konate on Fox.

The singer, songwriter, actor, poet and dancer was awarded The Youth Hero Award by the African Union in 2015, and in 2020 was awarded The Africa 35:35 Changemakers in AfricaAwards by the Africa 35:35 Awards. She has performed at Lake Of Stars & Tumaini music festival, Seagal Family Foundation annual conferences in New York, and Philanthropy New York.

Published: Dec 2020
Title: black kiss

Sawaira Malik

Kenya

Sawaira Malik lives in Kenya. She is a LLB graduate from University of Nairobi and has also studied Air Travel and Tourism. Sawaira loves poetry. She started writing poetry in 2011 after finishing high school and believes it is the best form of expression when it comes to writing. Her poetry is based on her experiences as well as those she knows. Sawaira enjoys exploring themes such as culture, war, relationships, societal issues, spirituality and emotions in her poetry.

Sawaira enjoys writing and her growing collection encourages her to keep going for the opportunities that could arise along the way.  She intends to get her work published through mediums that are looking for meaningful content on a global scale.

Published: Jan 2021
Title: Cake

Balogun Emmanuel Sejiro Tolulope

Nigeria

Balogun Emmanuel Sejiro Tolulope (hence BEST is his pen name) is a Materials Science and Engineering graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and an indigene of Badagry, Lagos state, Nigeria.

He has always loved languages and his fascination for words drove him into stringing them together into poems.  A hobby coaxed out by a friend and which has come to be a safe haven. He has written quite a few on a variety of topics but love has always tickled his fancy most.

 

Published: Feb 2021
Title: Taken

Racheal Chie

Zimbabwe

Doreen Rachael Chitondwe is a 23 year old writer, poet, singer, and rapper from Mutare Zimbabwe. In poetry she goes by the pen name ‘’Racheal Chie’’. She has self published three books to her name, Sweet Deceit, The Indians Child and Book Of Poetry under the name Doreen R Chitondwe.

Her work has appeared in The Blue Marble Review, Poetry Soup.com, and Eureka Street. Five of her unpublished poems are set to appear in an upcoming anthology called ‘’Poetry is Life’’ and short story in another upcoming English anthology. She is the receiver of the 2019 Certificate Petal Star Award from Inked with Magic and the 2nd runner up of the Kuchanaya Poetry Contest and one of the first winners of the Fortnight Poetry Competition.

Published: Mar 2021
Title: With your photo

Aliker P’Ocitti

Uganda

Aliker P’Ocitti is a poet, published author (My Mayor. The Political Campaign Story of a Poor Elite and Rich Illiterate), Blogger (www.lagulu.wordpress.com), Editor in Chief of Northern Era News-NEN (www.nen.co.ug) and Motivational Speaker.

Aliker is also a T.V Host at Wan Luo T.V (Wangoo P’Kaka) program and a regular local radio and T.V commentator.  He is the founder of Gulu Writers Club (GWC) and contributes opinion pieces on The Daily Monitor, The New Vision, The Weekly Observer, Chimpreports (Online) and Nile Post (Online) in Uganda.

He holds a B.A. in Education and a Master’s in Peace and Justice Studies from Makerere University (Uganda) and University of San Diego (USA) respectively.

Published: Apr 2021
Title: Why I Speak

Benikranus Sedudzi Appaw

Ghana

Benikranus is a Ghanaian born writer, health advocate and Nursing Officer by profession.

Her works were featured in the 2020 Ghana Writes Christmas/New Year Haiku and Senryū series & Voices of African Women Journal – First Edition.

Growing up in a household full of boys, she kept a daily journal where she would let her mind run wild and free. She believes that everyone has a story to tell, and that it is simply a matter of finding the right audiences.

Benikranus holds a BSc in Nursing from the University of Health and Allied Sciences – Ho. She currently resides and works in Accra, Ghana and in her free time writes poetry on Instagram under the pseudonym @pen.cells

Published: May 2021
Title: Reality Check

Lazola Pambo

South Africa

Lazola Pambo is a jolly, free spirited South African poet, novelist and essayist, holding a BA in Creative Writing from the University of South Africa. Most of his work has been published in “BlazeVOX,” “Sentinel Literary Quarterly,” “Gemini Magazine,” “Trinity Review,” “The Criterion,” and “STORGY Magazine.”  One of his intriguing hobbies is attending art exhibitions and food stalls; to get a taste of a variety of delicacies. Twitter handle @LPambo and Linkedin: Lazola Pambo.

Published: Jun 2021
Title: Compassion

Temwani Mgunda

Malawi

Temwani Mgunda is a Malawian writer. He has published many short stories and poems in a number of local publications. His short story, A Dance in the Dark, was shortlisted for the 2018 African Writers Awards.

Temwani is also a trained journalist who previously worked for some prominent media houses in Malawi, namely Times Media Group (as Sub-editor), Nation Publications Limited (as Rewrite Editor) and Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (as News Editor). He also once taught English and History in Malawian secondary schools. Apart from writing, Temwani also likes travelling and watching documentaries.

Published: Jul 2021
Title: In Memoriam

Okunola Peace

NIGERIA

Okunola Peace is a Nigerian born and based writer. He enjoys writing as a profession as well as doing so as a hobby. He also loves music, reading and traveling.

His favorite pet is a cat. He has a great respect for humanity and loves to write about life and her beauties. When he is not reading or writing, he can be seen sketching in his favorite sketchbook.

Published: Aug 2021
Title: Someday

Bokang Moshoeshoe

lesotho

Hailing from Lesotho, Bokang Moshoeshoe is a fervent poet, debater, law student and a former best achiever in literature at Sefika High School. Most of his work constitutes a collection he is currently working on

He is a good analyst and interpreter of poetic and literature material in general. His hobby is playing chess. He loves art and researching mythology and history.

Published: Sept 2021
Title: The Stranger
Within

Blojay PS Doe

Liberia

Blojay PS Doe was born in Grand Bassa County, Republic of Liberia, and started writing from a very early age. He has published a short story, “Father, My Father” available on Amazon, along with the first of a trilogy of expressionistic essays entitled “I am Me: The Memoirs of Johnnie Gardour”. He is currently working on a project called “My Culture, My Identity”, a proposal to develop, promote and preserve Liberian literary culture.

He is an avid analyst and interpreter of literature in general. His hobby is playing chess and he loves art and researching mythology and history.

Published: Oct 2021
Title: My love, not the princess’ hand

Gabriel Awuah Mainoo

GHANA

Gabriel Awuah Mainoo: special prize winner of Soka Matsubara international Haiku contest, winner of Forty Under 40 Awards for Authorship and Creative writing, LFP/RML/ Library of Africa & the African Diaspora chapbook winner & semifinalist of the Jack Grape International Poetry Prize.

He’s the author of Travellers Gather Dust and Lust, We are Moulting Birds, Chicken Wings at the Altar & 60 Aces of Haiku. Project manager for Ghana Writes Literary Group, creative editor for WGM Magazine & African Poetry Editor for Better Than Starbucks Poetry & Fiction Journal.

Mainoo’s writing has appeared in The Cicada’s cry, Writers Space Africa, Fireflies’ Light (Missouri Baptist University), aAH! Magazine (Manchester Metropolitan University), Kalahari ReviewWales Haiku JournalEVENTThe MambaGhana Writes Journal, Prairie Fire, The Haiku Foundation, Nthanda Review, Best New African Poets Anthologies (2018, 2019, 2020), Bodies & ScarsBlack Bamboo, among others. Mainoo is a tennis professional in the morning, a student in the afternoon, and writer in the evening.

Published: Nov 2021
Title: Shadows of a passing river

Onoruoiza Mark Onuchi

Nigeria

Onoruoiza Mark Onuchi is a creative wingman and wordsmith with offerings across a wide array of anthologies. He is a Corporate Communications Consultant. He wrote the foreword to the highly acclaimed collection of poems titled ‘Oracle’ (AuthorHouse) by Dayo Ibitayo Phillips. He has his offerings in ‘Crossroads’ (an anthology of poems in honour of Christopher Okigbo – 1932 – 1967); Echoes and Voices from the Midland, an anthology of poems.

He has his elegies in ‘Wreaths for a Wayfarer’ an anthology of Poems (Daraja Press) in Honour of the late Pius Adesanmi amongst others. He’s also been featured in the Guardian and Thisday newspapers in Nigeria.

He is a Nigerian based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Published: Dec 2021
Title: Grab The Show

Vuyokazi Ngemntu

SOUTH AFRICA

Vuyokazi Ngemntu is a South African writer-performer whose latest achievements include having her poetry incorporated in a production called Okwe Bokwe, which featured at the National Arts Festival’s main stage in 2019 and was nominated for a Fleur de Cap Award under the ‘Best New Script’ category last year.

The recent selection of her stage play script ‘Blood Bonds’ for the 2021 Teksmark Festival saw the work receive raving reviews and officially marked her directorial debut in theatre.

The same script received honorable mention in this year’s Art Of Unity Creative Awards, an initiative administered by the International Human Rights Art Festival.

Published: Jan 2022
Title: The Art Of Madness

Stanslaus Kikuvi Kyenze

KENYA

Stanslaus Kikuvi Kyenze is a Kenyan writer based at Kibwezi, Makueni County, Kenya.

His poetry speaks of his, joy, sorrow, inspiration and all that he holds dear. It colours his dreams and is reflected in his aspirations. He also writes stories and social commentary.

Published: Feb 2022
Title: I Shall Tell

Rethabile Manong

LESOTHO

Rethabile Manong is a teacher by profession; a graduate of The National University of Lesotho holding a Bachelor of Education degree with majors in English Language and Literature in English.

His writing began in 2009 (his 2nd year of study) and since then it has blossomed to greater heights. Rethabile’s short story ‘Our Little Mystery’ found a new home in the ‘Likheleke tsa puo’ anthology in 2016. This was soon followed by contribution of a poem in the ‘Why do we write?’ anthology. The most recent anthology featuring three poems from him is entitled ‘Echoes of the Kingdom’ published in 2021.

Rethabile is a curator and lover of other art genres such as music, comics and movies. In his spare time he travels/hikes, likes meeting new people, making new friends and enjoying exquisite cuisine, history and tales of the places he visits.

Published: Mar 2022
Title: Times Long Gone

Henrietta Enam Quarshie

Ghana

Henrietta Enam Quarshie is a medical doctor. She likes to think life is poetry. She comes from the Volta region of Ghana where she lives in its capital, Ho. Her works have been published by Wildpine poetry,  Icefloe Press, kalahari Review magazine, African Global Networks, Praxis magazine, Tampered Press and CWGS.

Enam is a fish and plant mom and passionate menstrual health activist. Find her bookstagram and micro poetry on Instagram @poetbyimpulse / Twitter handle @HenriettaEnam

Published: Apr 2022
Title: What You Can Call Us

Omphile Pearl Mhure

Botswana

Omphile Pearl Mhure is a student at university of Botswana. She is studying for a BSc and is academically gifted with a phenomenal academic background of countless awards. She hails from a small village in Botswana. Omphile studied English Literature at St Joseph’s college where her love for creative writing was refined. She has participated and won school essays e.g June 16 and SADC essays. To her, writing is a way to telegraph her imagination, to express herself and seek refuge from the harsh realities of life, making it more of a worthwhile journey. This is her first time getting published.

Published: May 2022
Title: Poverty

Chidimma Obiwulu

NIGERIA

Chidimma Obiwulu was born in Anambra State, Nigeria . She is currently studying Sinology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

Chidimma is an ardent lover of the arts, she views writing as a magical process through which one is allowed to roam free in the ethereal world of their imaginations. She thoroughly enjoys the ability to share her thoughts and experiences through poems and short stories. This is her first time getting published.

Published: Jun 2022
Title: Darling

Shahir Chundra

SOUTH AFRICA

Shahir Chundra, whose first name means poet in Persian is a South African writer and production media specialist of Indian descent. He is 6th generation South African and speaks English. He has written for television shows in the sitcom and structured reality folds for over 10 years now. He was recently the showrunner of Netflix’ Original Reality show, Young, Famous & African which had a global release.

Between 2006 and 2012 Shahir was the songwriter for the South African rock band MadLove. Shahir is currently completing his first novel, Quarry Boys based on his childhood in Pietermaritzburg, KZN which he is also hoping to adapt into a script once completed.

Published: Jul 2022
Title: My Son and my Stars

Tawonga Gausi

MALAWI

Tawonga is in her early twenties and is a Malawian poet and spoken word artist. Her interest in writing poetry was birthed in high school when she heard a spoken word performance for the first time. In 2021, her poem titled “Let Peace” won the United Nations, in collaboration with Poetry Association of Malawi, Poetry for Peace contest. She also wrote a spoken word poem addressing ending rape culture, which was later used to spark relevant discussions among a group of African religious & community leaders working with UNICEF.

She likes to think of writing poetry as painting a portrait – a poet as the artist, a pen as the paintbrush, and words as the colors. She draws her inspiration from personal experiences, thoughts and quite often a little nudge outside her comfort zone. She has a passion for art, mental health and social justice and spends time watching documentaries that educate her on matters affecting society.

Published: Aug 2022
Title: Curtain

Sawaira Malik

KENYA

Sawaira Malik lives in Kenya. She is drawn to poetry as that is the best form of expression for her. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Nairobi. Her work experience has also helped her with her writing interests.

Sawaira likes travelling, reading and connecting with people for a purpose. She is working in the sales industry with hospitality and commercial establishments.

Published: Sept 2022
Title: I Will Survive

Francis Chilolo

ZAMBIA

Francis Kasalwe Chilolo was born during the earlier part of this century in Zambia, Northern Province. He started writing poetry in January 2020 while at Kafushi High School. Most of his high school poems were just a written to pass time and for presentation in class.

Francis has written several short stories and poems. He began to post his poems in 2021 and his first poem to be published was ‘Dad My Best Friend’; for him, this is the beginning of great things.

Published: Oct 2022
Title: Drown me

Alshaad Kara

MAURITIUS

Alshaad Kara is a Mauritian poet who writes from his heart. His latest poems were published in one Magazine, “parABnormal Magazine September 2022”, three anthologies, “Les gardeurs de Rêves”, “Love Letters to Poe, Volume 2: Houses of Usher” and “20.35 Africa: An Anthology of Contemporary Poetry Vol. V” and one periodical, “Région Centrale #5”. 
 
His poem, ” Soil of Africa” was written in one go, paying tribute to the African continent. It celebrates the majestic beauty of this land. 

Published: Nov 2022
Title: Soil of Africa

Chidiebere Udeokechukwu

NIGERIA

Chidiebere Udeokechukwu is an Igbo Nigerian lawyer. He is a recipient of the 3rd prize for poetry in the 2022 CREATORS OF JUSTICE LITERARY AWARDS (IHRAF); and he was longlisted in the 2022 BRIEFLY WRITE POETRY PRIZE. He is a review writer for Writers Space Africa (WSA), and a poetry mentor for the WSA Academy. Chidiebere is also a poetry submission reader for Carve Magazine, a poetry editor for The Crusaders Magazine and Flare Journal.

His poems appear in Adanna, Irawo Poetry Anthology, Writers Space Africa Magazine, Small Leaf Press (Jaden) Magazine, Poetic Africa, and Pride Magazine Nigeria.

Published: Dec 2022
Title: Billows in the Breeze

Racheal Chie

ZIMBABWE

Doreen Racheal Chitondwe is a writer, poet, book reviewer, from Zimbabwe. She has three self-published books to her name, Sweet Deceit, The Indians Child, and Book of Poetry.

Her work has appeared in The Blue Marble Review, Eureka Street, Wet Dreamz Journal, East Wave Magazine, Sage Ciggarettes Stick Figure Journal, CloutBase Magazine, Poetry Soup.com, and African Global Networks’ Poetry Platform.

She is the receiver of the 2019 Certificate Petal Star Award from Inked with Magic, and Certificate of Appreciation from The Writers Manger Network, 2nd Runner up of the Kuchanaya Poetry Contest and the first winner of the Fortnight Poetry Competition and the 3rd runner up of the Black History Poetry Slam.

Published: Jan 2023
Title: It is I

Harry Wilson Kapatika

SOUTH AFRICA

Harry Wilson Kapatika is an African born scribe, researcher, poet and aspiring cultural worker whose free time is spent occupied in realms of the sonic and artefactual archives of ancient and modern Africa. Kapatika has been writing and sharing his poetry since 2016. His essays have been featured in various blogs and he has also recently contributed to a digital e-book which published an international collection of cultural workers and scholars compositions entitled; ‘Creativity under Confinement’ (2021).

His first book was a self-published stream-of-consciousness text which can be described as an anthological and philosophical work, comprising of both prose and poetry entitled; ‘Ruminations before the Five Seasons’ (2019).

Kapatika holds a MA degree in Philosophy which he obtained at the University of the Western Cape (2022). He completed his BA undergraduate degree (2019) with the highest honours in his faculty in History, Philosophy and English Literature at the same institution.

Published: Feb 2023
Title: The Black University in Mzansi

Allan Kimutai

KENYA

Allan Kimutai is a Kenyan writer. His works appear in or are forthcoming in the Ake Review, The Active Muse, The Writer’s Space Africa, the Kalahari Review, the Nalubaale Review, Writers Resist and Havik’s 2020 Anthology (Homeward).

He is currently working on a collection of poems.

Published: Mar 2023
Title: To Brave the Demons

Temwani Mgunda

MALAWI

Temwani Mgunda is a Malawian writer. He has published many short stories and poems in a number of local publications. His short story, A Dance in the Dark, was shortlisted for the 2018 African Writers Awards.

Temwani is also a trained journalist who previously worked for some prominent media houses in Malawi, namely Times Media Group (as Sub-editor), Nation Publications Limited (as Rewrite Editor) and Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (as News Editor). He also once taught English and History in Malawian secondary schools. Apart from writing, Temwani also likes travelling and watching documentaries.

Published: Apr 2023
Title: Why brother, why?

Ephraim Ayomide Omotosho

NIGERIA

Ephraim Ayomide Omotosho is a Criminologist, poet, writer and author of self-published short story Untold Stories of Eden. His writings are constant attempts in understanding the interplay between love, life and people; with deep-rooted beliefs of the existence of a story in every moment.

Serving as Communications and Content Lead at Upsurge Global, an NGO centered on youth development and empowerment; when he isn’t writing, he is either reading, making music or hopelessly supporting his football club every weekend.

Ephraim writes from Ibadan, Nigeria.

Published: May 2023
Title: Make love a culture

Lazola Pambo

SOUTH AFRICA

A poet and novelist at heart, Lazola Pambo hails from South Africa and has published many of his works in vast literary journals such as “Better Than Starbucks,” “Native Skin Online,” and “The Sol Plaatje European Union Anthology.”

Lazola also has a critically acclaimed young adult fiction novel titled “The Path Which Shapes Us,” published by Lingua Franca Publishers, Pretoria. The novel among his poetry collections are also available on Amazon.

Published: Jun 2023
Title: Without Boundaries

Faith Gathoni

KENYA

Faith Wanjiru Gathoni is a traveller, writer, yogi and lawyer. She predominantly writes poetry and short stories and draws inspiration from writers such as Khalil Gibran, Li Young Li and Jorge Luis Borges.

Published: Jul 2023
Title: Raven to the Crow

Gabriel Awuah Mainoo

GHANA

Gabriel Awuah Mainoo is a Ghanaian creative practitioner, & an author of poetry books; raised as a sportsman by his father in football, tennis & other racket-sport disciplines. His awards include the 2021 Africa Haiku Prize, 2022 Singapore Poetry Prize, 2022 Samira Bawumia Literature Prize (poetry), 2021 LFP/ RML/ Library of Africa and the African Diaspora chapbook prize, 6th Ghana Association of Writers Literary Awards (poetry), prize winner in the 2022 Stephen. A. Dibiase Poetry Prize among others.

He’s a recipient of the 2022 West Africa Writers Residency. He edits poetry for Goat Shed Press, UK. His craft can be found in The London Reader, Wales Haiku Journal, FIYAH, SUSPECT, other side of hope, EVENT, Africa Haiku Journal, Prairie Fire, The Woodward Review, Best New African Poets Anthologies (2018, 2019, 2020), Old Love Skin anthology among others. Mainoo is a tennis fool in the morning, a student in the afternoon, & a writer in the evening. He’s represented by Chandler Crawford, New York, USA.

Published: Aug 2023
Title: The makings of us

Rodrick Kasuzumira

MALAWI

Rodrick Kasuzumira is a budding Malawian creative writer who has had a passion for writing since his secondary school days.

He feels like writing is the best platform through which he can empty his heart and freely expresses his thoughts, feelings, emotions and ideas on day to day issues in society. He draws inspiration from the bible, nature, social interactions and reading other authors literary works. He holds a Bachelor of Education (secondary) degree, majoring in English.

Published: Sept 2023
Title: Time

Precious Nwosu

NIGERIA

Precious Nwosu is a culture, content, and creative Nigerian writer. She specializes in topics relevant to women and covers other thought-provoking and intriguing stories that matter.

Precious started writing professionally in 2020 and has written for reputable magazines such as AMAKA Studio, Resonate, Voice Box, Culture Custodian, Adventures From, Document Women, and Gay. UK, etc. and also a book reviewer.

She is an undergraduate studying English at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba, Ondo State. When she is not writing, she buries herself in a good book.

Published: Oct 2023
Title: Intense Imprint

Given Kolomu

ZAMBIA

Given Kolomu is a passionate poet. Born in Lusaka, Zambia, he discovered his passion for writing poetry in 2018. He uses it as a vehicle to express his innermost thoughts and emotions.

Observing what other poets are doing has really helped to influence his writing style. He has honed his writing skills to captivate readers with evocative words and to retain their attention by succinctly conveying complex ideas about human emotions.

He has had work featured during ‘Black History Month’ and on Multicultural Wattpad earning acclaim for his creativity and insight. Given is currently a student nurse pursuing a ‘Diploma in Registered Nursing’ at Lusaka University College Of Nursing (LUCON). He continues to explore the boundless world of words, sharing his unique poems with the world.

Published: Nov 2023
Title: Melanin Queen

Alex Nderitu

KENYA

Alexander Nderitu is a Kenyan poet, novelist, playwright and critic. Some of his work has been translated into Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Kiswahili, French, Swedish, Dholuo, Gikũyũ, and Czech.

His poems have appeared in The East African Standard (Kenya), Ars Artium (India), My Africa, My City: An Afridiaspora Anthology (Nigeria), World Poetry Almanac (Mongolia) and the World Poetry Yearbook (China), among other publications.

During the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, his narrative poem ‘Someone in Africa Loves You’ represented Kenyan literature on Common via Commonwealth Postcard. It has since been translated into five languages. In 2017, Business Daily newspaper named Nderitu one of Kenya’s ‘Top 40 Under 40 Men’.

In 2020, he was a finalist for the Collins Elesiro Literature Prize. In 2022, he took third place in the Share Africa Climate Fiction Awards. In 2023, he was conferred a ‘Jury Award’ in the Sahitto International Awards for Literature.

Nderitu is the Deputy Secretary-General of Kenyan PEN and a Regional Managing Editor for TheTheatreTimes.com.

Published: Dec 2023
Title: Toothbrushes for Crocodiles

Alshaad Kara

mauritius

Alshaad Kara is a Mauritian poet who writes from his heart.

He won the 2023 “Zheng Nian Cup” Literary Award Third Prize. His latest poems were published in “The Social Rhyme”, “Spered Gouez”, “Caractère” and “Coin-Operated Press” and “Slamming Bricks Anthology 3rd Edition”.

Published: Jan 2024
Title: Lion’s Pride

Henrietta Enam Quarshie

GHANA

Henrietta Enam Quarshie is a medical doctor, a published poet, book influencer, passionate menstrual health activist, plant and dog mom.

Published: Feb 2024
Title: In Room 101

Shahir Chundra

SOUTH AFRICA

Shahir Chundra, whose first name means poet in Persian is a South African writer and production media specialist of Indian descent. He is 6th generation South African and speaks English. He has written for television shows in the sitcom and structured reality folds for over 10 years now. He was recently the showrunner of Netflix’ Original Reality show, Young, Famous & African which had a global release.

Between 2006 and 2012 Shahir was the songwriter for the South African rock band MadLove. Shahir is currently completing his first novel, Quarry Boys based on his childhood in Pietermaritzburg, KZN which he is also hoping to adapt into a script once completed.

Published: Mar 2024
Title: Watermelon Fields Forever