Omenana Magazine Releases 23rd Issue on Embodying the Future

November 11, 2022

Africa’s leading speculative fiction magazine Omenana has released its 23^rd issue on the topic of “Embodying the Future.”

The new issue collects work from nine writers from both Francophone and Anglophone countries across the African continent. The contributors include Hannu Afere, Nick Wood, Ishola Abdulwasiu Ayodele, Temitayo Olofinlua, Oyedotun Damilola Muees, Daniel Dan-Asisah, de Makan Fofana, par Welid Labidi, and Moussa Ould Ebnou.

Founded in 2014 by Mazi Nwonwu, Omenana Magazine derives its name from the Igbo word which means “tradition.” The magazine is dedicated to publishing excellent works of speculative fiction by writers from Africa and the African diaspora. Since its founding, it has published stories written by Tochi Onyebuchi, Nneoma Ike-Njoku, Tendai Huchu, and Chikaodili Emelummadu.

The latest issue is edited by Mazi Nwonwu, Iquo DianaAbasi, and Mame Bougouma Diene.

From the Editorial Note:

In our last outing, the Democracy Issue, we had 15 stories and 15 illustrations, each capturing different iterations of democracy as perceived by writers and artists across several countries. That was a fun issue, but away from the thrill and theme of the last issue, we bring you stories that are diverse and spicy, by writers whose storytelling skills are as engaging as they are deliberate.

Can science replace nature as we know her? And is this sustainable? Barren land is not fun, not when it hosts a lone tree, said to have the antidote for severe fevers, one that weeps when she is axed. You should read Fever Tree, but be careful while you do. She just could tear you out of your comfortable skin or make you advocate for her survival. From saving wonder trees, we swing to preserving heritage. The future is one or two #s away from losing our past and identity, find out how not one, but two women fight for the future of all by holding tight to their ancestry–what future do we have if we cut off our roots? The Last Brown Roof is the tale to read for this exposé.

And then we present you with a post-apocalyptic story—a bit of African futurism doused with science fiction and fantasy. The Dogz of War packs a punch and you’ll find out how, when you read it. We also have a piece that attempts to convince us that where humans can’t be trusted, AI is the future, even in crime and in matters of the heart.

Don’t say I said so, but when a woman has a heart in the right place and is punished unjustly for her defiance, hell might just freeze over, or a sacred cross could bleed and flood humanity. Find out more in The Bleeding Cross of Igbadenedo.

Read the full editorial content below:

French Stories