As part of the ongoing Decade Project, launched in commemoration of our 10-year anniversary, we are publishing an anthology of stories inspired by one of the most captivating literary concepts of the decade.  Africanfuturism was coined by Nigerian-American author Nnedi Okorafor. The term refers to science fiction rooted in the African world and, thus, not oriented to the west. This anthology is an exploration of this concept through fiction and, more broadly, a celebration of the many ways in which African worlds are inspiring innovation in storytelling.

Okorafor first used the term to describe her body of work as distinct from Afrofuturism. But over the years, other African writers have noted its usefulness for making space, within the global form of science fiction, for stories that represent African life in its diversity, unique histories, and traditions.

This is the first time that an anthology of stories titled Africanfuturism is being published. For that, we thank Wole Talabi, who edited the collection. Read his introduction to the series here. It’s been a joy to work with him. Talabi is an established figure in the African literary community. He is the author of Incomplete Solutions, a highly praised collection of science fiction stories. He is also a parliament member of the African Speculative Fiction Society and the curator of the groundbreaking database of over 600 works of African speculative fiction.

It is also an honor to feature stories by Nnedi Okorafor, TL Huchu, Dilman Dila, Rafeeat Aliyu, Tlotlo Tsamaase, Mame Bougouma Diene, Mazi Nwonwu, and Derek Lubangakene. These writers have inspired us with their work over the years. It’s great to collaborate with them on such a culture-defining project.

We hope our readers enjoy the stories. All through next week we will publish the stories individually right here on Brittle Paper. See the publication schedule below. The anthology will be available for free download on October 19th, 2020.

(October 12)

Egoli by T.L. Huchu
Sunrise by Nnedi Okorafor

(October 14)

Yat Madit by Dilman Dila
Rainmaker by Mazi Nwonwu

(October 16)

Behind Our Irises by Tlotlo Tsamaase
Fort Kwame by Derek Lubangakene

(October 18)

Fruit of the Calabash by Rafeeat Aliyu
Lekki Lekki by Mame Bougouma Diene

Read the Editor’s description of the collection

Here are 8 original visions of Africanfuturism: science fiction stories by both emerging and seasoned African writers staking a claim to Africa’s place in the future. These are powerful visions focused on the African experience and hopes and fears, exploring African sciences, philosophies, adaptations to technology and visions of the future both centred on and spiralling out of Africa. You will find stories of the near and almost-present future, tales set on strange and wonderful new planets, stories of a changed Earth, stories that dazzle the imagination and stimulate the mind. Stories that capture the essence of what we talk about when we talk about Africanfuturism.

Follow this link to download complete anthology: Africanfuturism-An Anthology edited by Wole Talabi