Tea House is a new literary magazine founded by writer and editor Alain Jules Hirwa. It launched in September 2020 with the mission of showcasing the finest literary work from Rwanda.

In an email to Brittle Paper, Hirwa explains the idea behind the name:

“In the eighteenth century, the tea house would be a forum for intellectual encounters. They would read books and circulate magazines, talk about ideas, discoveries, and science while they are drinking their tea. In the same idea of a tea house, this magazine is a space where Rwandan young artists and writers meet to produce, discuss, and exhibit creative works.”

Tea House is currently open to submissions of essays/short stories (2,000 – 5,000 words) and poems from Rwandan writers. Submissions can be on any theme and must be previously unpublished, unless otherwise solicited. Simultaneous submissions are welcome as long as Tea House is notified should the piece be accepted elsewhere. Each submission should be accompanied with a brief bio.

Tea House will put out a call for submissions for their first issue soon.

This is a welcome addition for the African literary landscape, especially coming from Rwanda which has continued to show great promise in the African literary scene. We are excited to see what Tea House will bring.

You can find out more about how to submit your work here.