Lolwe Magazine released its 9th issue in June, and the editors remark that the issue “is a call to reclaim and remember our shared humanity.”

This issue features fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. The collection of stories is an exploration in genres that span “fantasy, horror, speculative fiction and magical realism fantasy.”  Featuring writers and photographs from 9 countries across the world, this issue certainly offers a diverse range of inspiration.

The issue is guest-edited by Gambian writer Ya Mallen Jagne, Beninese writer Nadu Ologoudou and Malawian writer Tamanda Kanjaye. In their note, the editors remarked on the power of writing to open readers to experiences, thus, fostering empathy and understanding.

No other medium on earth has as much power to induce empathy as the written word. When we read, we become the characters we read about, whether real or imagined. We know their pain, we know their joy, we love what they love and fear what they fear, no matter how far away in time or place or how different a culture they belong to. It affirms our sameness, our shared humanity. It makes more room for the subtleties of the human condition and less room for prejudice. Amidst the turmoil and uncertainty of current times, and the risk of desensitisation from our constant exposure to extreme human suffering, this issue of Lolwe is a call to reclaim and remember our shared humanity. Read more.

This issue’s cover image is by Ivorian photographer Nadaud Aïcha Fall, who certainly did not disappoint. Covers designed around striking photographs has become a long standing tradition at Lolwe. This issue’s cover certainly has an emotional resonance that captures the themes of empathy and connection at the heart of the issue. Lolwe has become known for the evocative illustrations that accompany each piece, and this issue’s illustrations are by Mòje Ikpeme.

Lolwe is a Pan-African literary magazine that publishes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, photography, and literary criticism. Founded in January 2020 by Troy Onyango, the magazine focuses on amplifying the work by writers, poets and visual artists from Africa, Caribbean and the Black diaspora. Lolwe aims to ensure greater visibility for stories by Black people and to provide a platform for the “Black imagination.”

In his note on the issue, Lolwe’s Founder, Troy Onyango, reflects on the importance of making spaces where new, diverse voices can be heard, reminding readers that Lolwe is a place where “stories could come together in one big chorus that would make the world listen.”

This issue includes:

  • Fiction by Davina Philomena Kawuma (Uganda), iman adam (Kenya), Chioniso Tsikisayi (Zimbabwe), B. T. Karuma (Zimbabwe), Fatima Abdullahi (Nigeria)
  • Poetry by Alvin Kathembe (Kenya), Sulayman Saye (The Gambia), Olowo Qudus Opeyemi (Nigeria), Tawiah Mensah (Ghana), Fadairo Tesleem (Nigeria)
  • Nonfiction by Mugabi Byenkya (Uganda), Mariam Tijani (Nigeria), Mark Ato Kwamena Mensah (Ghana), Nicole Adabunu (Nigeria/Ghana/USA), Chinaza James-Ibe (Nigeria)
  • Photography by Bongani Khumalo (South Africa) and Aaliyah André (Guadeloupe)

Go here to read the full issue