Editor’s Note

 

Dear Brittle Paperians,

The unknown is scary, but the terrifying is found in the shadows we have named. These names are either from our day-to-day encounters, or passed down to us from a long line of people who have, out of love and obligation, warned us to avoid it at all costs. What you are about to read is not unknown, and therein lies the terrifying.

This anthology, African Horror, is intentionally named in a broad way. It is to encompass any tales from our African and diasporic writers. From the northern tip of Africa, to the very last bit of land in the south, we as children of the soil carry within us the names and stories that we have been told, be it in the form of warnings, or to scare us to behave. It is rare to find someone who has not heard of Bouberrak, Kishi, Popobawa, Adze, Ninki Nanka, Tokoloshe, Eloko, or Mama Wata. There are plenty more, rooted in the stories of our culture and history. But campfire horror stories are not just about mythical creatures or urban legends.

There is something to be said for the fearful encounters we have in this world. Sometimes the frightful can be found through friends, neighbours, and ourselves. And this anthology houses it all.

From Nigeria, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe, our writers have each taken a turn at the campfire, sharing tales. We have futuristic pieces, like Yvonne Aore and Akem’s stories, the eerie stillness of Amani Mosi’s work, Ebuka Prince Okoroafor’s uncanny story, and cultural and urban legends from Bongiwe Maphosa and Mazwemzini.

And this collection has tried to contain the evils lurking within. So, if you dare, keep going and see what our writers have in store for you…

Haunted Reading!
– Tahzeeb Akram

 

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