Fear: Jalada’s collaboration issue with Transition Magazine.

Jalada Africa has announced a new leadership. The Nairobi-based pan-African writers’ collective has been led by Moses Kilolo since 2014, and has now appointed Wanjeri Gakuru as its new managing editor until 2020. Other new officials of the collective include Kate Hampton as Deputy Managing Editor, Marziya Mohammedali as Arts Editor, Richard Ali as Board Secretary, and Mwas Mahugu as Treasurer.

Jalada Africa was formed in 2013 by writers from Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Uganda and South Africa, and currently comprises writers and artists of African origin, both from the continent and the diaspora. It was registered as a Trust in Kenya in 2016. The Collective seeks to push boundaries by publishing works that stretch the reach of creative writing, expand the range of reading experiences, and diversify audiences for literature.

A scene from a performance organized by Jalada—a pan-African writers’ collective—in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo credit: Jerry Riley/Pacific Standard.

Other outgoing officials are Novuyo Rosa Tshuma as Deputy Editor, Richard Oduor Oduku as Program Manager, incoming Arts Editor Marziya Mohammedali as Creative Director, and incoming Managing Editor Wanjeri Gakuru as Treasurer and Events Manager.

“I am proud to have overseen Jalada in its formative years,” Moses Kilolo said. “The Collective has grown from an informal gathering of writers sharing their work, editing and critiquing each other to a globally reputable publication and a warm, welcoming space for radical, creative thinkers.”

Wanjeri Gakuru stated the new officials’ top agenda: “We shall explore new frontiers as publishers, forge bold partnerships and continue Jalada’s tradition of progressive thinking regarding what literature by African writers can be.”

We wish our colleagues at Jalada Africa the best going forward.