The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) has released its 7th issue, edited by Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim, an award-winning Nigerian writer based in the UK. The new issue features works from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. In keeping with JAY Lit’s multilingual approach, this issue also will feature a poem written entirely in Yorùbà.

The new issue is the first offering since major rebrand, as the magazine explores regular literary posting in the form of news and opportunities, a monthly spotlight series, and a bi-monthly interview series. The editors state:

Luckily, when change visited us, the only chaos we felt was that of beautiful things transforming to even more beautiful forms. Some of the things birthed have included a general rebrand, as well as a brand new website loaded with lots of features designed to further drive our goal from inception: “inspire, motivate, and uplift African youths in the area of literature, while showcasing their awesome talents to the world”.

This new issue features poetry, short stories, personal essays, and a blend of photography and visual art, from both award-winning authors and newer names who have all inspired wonder with their works. The editors say the issue “Collectively explore[s] a wide range of African experiences through various genres and forms.” The cover art is from Sheg Aranmolate’s “Obirin” series, which has been on display since February 2023 at The Kimpton Angler’s Hotel in South Beach Miami.

JAY Lit was founded in 2019 by Bronwyn Bowles-King. It publishes literature from and for born-in-Africa youths (ages 15-35). Their primary goal is to promote Pan-Africanism among the younger generations of African peoples who want to make a conscious break from the often-painful histories of Africa. They wish to mourn and learn from the mistakes of the past and move together to create a better future for the future of Africa.

This issue includes:

Poetry by Taofeek Ayeyemi, Ajise Vincent, Annah Atane, Timi Sanni, Arikewusola Abdul Awal, Aman Bibi Gray, Leah Ojúọlápé Adéyẹyè.

Short Stories by Mustapha Enesi, Dismas Okombo, Enit’ayanfe Ayosojumi Akinsanya, Súnmisọ́lá Olúdé, Adédoyin Àjàyí, Demilade Oladapo, Olamide Shobowale, Arjun Aggarwal, Thabo Clive Mathonsi, Ekemini Pius, Chinaza James-Ibe 

Personal Essays  by Evidence Egwuono Adjarho, MaryAnn Ifeanacho

Photography by Nnebuifé Kwubeï, Tajudeen Alaya.

Art by Sheg Aranmolate

Go here to read the full issue!