List of African writers by country

This is a list of prominent and notable writers from Africa. It includes poets, novelists, children's writers, essayists, and scholars, listed by country.

Algeria

See: List of Algerian writers

Angola

See: List of Angolan writers

Benin

See: List of Beninese writers

Botswana

Burkina Faso

See: List of Burkinabé writers

Burundi

  • Esther Kamatari (1951–)
  • Ketty Nivyabandi (1978–)[1]
  • Gaël Faye (1982–)

Cameroon

See: List of Cameroonian writers

Cape Verde

Central African Republic

  • Pierre Makombo Bamboté (1932–), novelist and poet[Gikandi]
  • Etienne Goyémidé (1942–1997), novelist, poet and short story writer: Le Silence de la Foret[Gikandi]
  • Blaise N'Djehoya (1953–), novelist[Killam & Rowe]
  • Cyriaque Robert Yavoucko (1953–), novelist[Gikandi]
  • Adrienne Yabouza (1965–), novelist

Chad

  • Salma Khalil Alio (1982–), poet, short story writer and artist.
  • Khayar Oumar Deffalah (c. 1944–), politician and autobiographical writer[2]
  • Ali Abdel-Rhamane Haggar (1960–), economist and writer[3]
  • Marie-Christine Koundja (1957–), novelist and diplomat
  • Koulsy Lamko (1959–), playwright, poet, novelist and university lecturer
  • Joseph Brahim Seid (1927–1980), writer and politician[Jahn]
  • Ahmat Taboye, literary critic

Congo (Brazzaville)

See: List of Republic of the Congo writers

Congo (Democratic Republic) – formerly Zaïre

See: List of Democratic Republic of the Congo writers

Côte d'Ivoire

See: List of Ivorian writers

Djibouti

  • Waberi Abdourahman (1965–), novelist, poet and academic[Gikandi]
  • Mouna-Hodan Ahmed (1972–), French-language novelist[4]

Egypt

See: List of Egyptian writers

Equatorial Guinea

  • María Nsué Angüe (1945–2017), novelist and writer
  • Justo Bolekia Boleká (1954–), professor and Bubi writer
  • Juan Balboa Boneke (1938–2014), politician and writer[Gikandi]
  • Raquel Ilombé (1938–1992), Spanish-language writer
  • Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel (1966–), Annobonese writer[Gikandi]
  • Donato Ndongo-Bidyogo (1950–), writer and journalist[Gikandi]

Eritrea

  • Hamid Barole Abdu (1953–), non-fiction
  • Reesom Haile (2003–), Tigrinya-language poet[5]
  • Saba Kidane (1978–), Tigrinya poet
  • Hannah Pool (1974–), journalist
  • Alemseged Tesfai (1944–), English-language playwright[6]

Ethiopia

  • Sahle Selassie (c. 1795–1847)
  • Haddis Alemayehu (1910–2003)
  • Michael Daniel Ambatchew (1967–2012)
  • Āfawarq Gabra Iyasus (1868–1947)
  • Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin (1936–2006)
  • Moges Kebede
  • Tāddasa Lībān
  • Tsehay Melaku
  • Dinaw Mengestu (1978–)
  • Maaza Mengiste (1974–)
  • Nega Mezlekia (1958–)
  • Martha Nasibù (1931–2020)[7]
  • Lemn Sissay (1967–)
  • Hama Tuma (1949–)
  • Mammo Wudneh (1931–2012)
  • Birhānu Zarīhun (1933/4–1987)
  • Nega Mezlekia (1958–)

Gabon

  • Jean-Baptiste Abessolo (1932–), educator and short story writer
  • Peggy Lucie Auleley, French-language poet and novelist[8]
  • Bessora (1968–, in Belgium), novelist and short story writer[Gikandi]
  • Charline Effah (1977–), French-language novelist and educator[9]
  • Rene Maran, born near Martinique (1887–1960), poet and novelist
  • Chantal Magalie Mbazoo-Kassa, French-language poet and novelist[10]
  • Justine Mintsa (1967–), French-language novelist[11]
  • Nadège Noëlle Ango Obiang (1973–), French-language short story writer[12]
  • Nadia Origo (1977–), novelist and publisher
  • Honorine Ngou (1957–), novelist and academic
  • Vincent de Paul Nyonda (1918–1995), playwright
  • Maurice Okoumba-Nkoghe (1954–), poet and teacher[Gikandi]
  • Laurent Owondo (1948–2019), playwright[Gikandi]
  • Angèle Ntyugwetondo Rawiri (1954–2010), novelist[Gikandi]

The Gambia

Ghana

See: List of Ghanaian writers

Guinea

See: List of Guinean writers

Guinea-Bissau

  • Amílcar Cabral (1924–1973), agronomist, writer and politician
  • Vasco Cabral (1926–2005)
  • José Carlos Schwarz (1949–1977), poet and musician
  • Fausto Duarte (1903–1953), from Cape Verde
  • Carlos Lopes (1960–)
  • Hélder Proença (died 2009)
  • Carlos Semedo, poet[13]
  • Abdulai Silla (1958–)

Kenya

See: List of Kenyan writers

Lesotho

  • David Cranmer Theko Bereng (1900–1974), Sotho poet[Jahn]
  • Caroline Ntseliseng Khaketla (1918–2012)[14] [Jahn]
  • Simon Majara (1924–), Sotho novelist[Jahn]
  • Zakea D. Mangoaela (1883–1963), folklorist[Jahn]
  • Thomas Mofolo (1876–1948), novelist[Jahn]
  • A. S. Mopeli-Paulus (1913–1960), novelist
  • Edward Motsamai (1870–1959), politician and writer[Jahn]
  • Kem Edward Ntsane (1920–?), Sotho poet and novelist[Jahn]
  • Basildon Peta (1972–), journalist
  • Everitt Lechesa Segoete (1858–1923), religious and social writer[Jahn]
  • Azariele M. Sekese (1849–1930), Basotho author and historian[Jahn]
  • Joseph I. F. Tjokosela (c. 1911–?), Catholic writer and teacher[Jahn]

Liberia

  • Edwin Barclay (1882–1955), politician and writer
  • Thomas E. Besolow (c.1867–?), autobiographical writer[Jahn]
  • Edward Wilmot Blyden (1832–1912), born in the Virgin Islands (see also Sierra Leone), educator, writer, diplomat and politician
  • Roland Tombekai Dempster (1910–1965), poet[Jahn]
  • Hawa Jande Golakai (1979–)
  • Bai T. Moore (1916–1988), poet, novelist, folklorist and essayist[Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]
  • Wilton G. S. Sankawulo (1937–2009), politician and author
  • Vamba Sherif (1973–)

Libya

  • Wafa Albueise (1973–), lawyer and writer
  • Sadiq Al-Nayhum (1937–1994), Islamic writer, critic and journalist[15]
  • Khalifa al-Fakhri, short story writer[16]
  • Ahmed Fagih (1942–2019), novelist[Gikandi]
  • Muammar al-Gaddafi (1942–2011), politician and occasional novelist
  • Ibrahiem El-kouni (1948–), novelist[Gikandi]
  • Latifa al-Zayyat (1923–1996), activist and novelist

Madagascar

See: List of Malagasy writers

Malawi

  • Tito Banda (1950–2014), novelist, academic[17]
  • Ezra Jofiya Chadza (1923–1985), poet and novelist
  • William Chafulumira (1908–1981), writer on social issues[18][19]
  • Lula Pensulo (b. 1991) author, translator, and poet [20]
  • Yesaya Chibambo, author of A Short History of the Ngoni (1933), translated into English by Rev. Charles Stuart.[21]
  • Shadreck Chikoti (b. 1979), writer and social activist
  • Steve Chimombo (1945–2015), writer, poet, editor and teacher[22]
  • Frank Chipasula (b. 1949), poet, writer, editor, publisher and academic[22]
  • Reuben Chirambo (d. 2011), scholar of African literature[23]
  • Robert Chiwamba, poet[24]
  • Tobias Dossi, author of a novel (1958) and humorous short stories (1965) in Chichewa.[25]
  • Aloysius Dziko, author of a novel in Chichewa (1965).[25]
  • Walije Gondwe (b. 1936), Malawi's first female novelist[26]
  • John Gwengwe, author of novels in Chichewa (1965, 1968).[25]
  • Aubrey Kachingwe (b. 1926), novelist and short story writer[22][19]
  • Lawrence Kadzitche, short story writer[27]
  • Samson Kambalu (b. 1975), artist and autobiographer
  • William Kamkwamba (b. 1987), inventor and author
  • Gertrude Webster Kamkwatira (1966–2006), playwright
  • Whyghtone Kamthunzi (1956–2000), novelist in Chichewa
  • Legson Kayira (1942–2012), novelist and autobiographer[22][19]
  • Stanley Onjezani Kenani (b. 1976), writer and poet
  • Ken Lipenga (b. 1954), politician, journalist and writer[22]
  • John Lwanda (b. 1949), biographer, poet, doctor, publisher
  • Qabaniso Malewezi (b. 1979), spoken-word poet[28]
  • Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga (b. 1962), poet and broadcaster[29]
  • Jack Mapanje (b. 1944), writer and poet[22]
  • Emily Mkamanga (1949–2021), novelist and social commentator
  • Felix Mnthali (b. 1933), poet, novelist and playwright[22]
  • Francis Moto (b. 1952), writer, academic, and diplomat
  • Sam Mpasu (1945–2018), novelist and politician; author of prison memoirs
  • Edison Mpina (1946–2001), poet[22]
  • Ndongolera Mwangupili (b. 1977), poet and short story writer
  • George Mwase (c.1885–1962), author of a historical account of the 1915 rebellion, published 1967 (2nd ed. 1970).[30]
  • Anthony Nazombe (1955–2004), poet and academic[22]
  • Innocent Masina Nkhonyo (b. 1987), short story writer and poet
  • Jolly Max Ntaba (1946–1993), novelist in Chichewa and English[31]
  • Samuel Josia Ntara or Nthara (1905–1979), novelist and historian[19][32][33]
  • D.D. Phiri (Desmond Dudwa Phiri), economist, historian and playwright[19]
  • Bonwell Kadyankena Rodgers (b. 1991), author, translator and editor[34]
  • David Rubadiri (1930–2018), diplomat, academic and poet[22][19]
  • Paul Tiyambe Zeleza (b. 1955), historian, critic and writer
  • Barnaba Zingani (b. 1958), novelist in Chichewa and English, teacher.
  • Willie Zingani (1954–2024), novelist in English and Chichewa, journalist, poet, playwright[35]
  • Tendai M. Shaba (b. 1989), author, writer and poet[36]

See: List of Malawian writers

Mali

See: List of Malian writers

Mauritania

* Ahmad ibn al-Amin al-Shinqiti (1872–1913), Arabic-language writer

[a]* Ibn Razqa (died 1144 AH/1731 AD), poet and scholar

  • Moussa Diagana (1946–2018), French-language writer
  • Moussa Ould Ebnou (1956–), French-language novelist
  • Abderrahmane Sissako (1961–), filmmaker

Mauritius

Morocco

Mozambique

See: List of Mozambican writers

Namibia

Niger

See: List of Nigerien writers

Nigeria

See: List of Nigerian writers

Rwanda

See: List of Rwandan writers

São Tomé and Príncipe

  • Olinda Beja (1946–), novelist[37]
  • Sara Pinto Coelho (1913–1990), fiction writer and playwright
  • Caetano da Costa Alegre (1864–1890), Portuguese-language poet[Jahn]
  • Mário Domingues (1899–1977), novelist[38]
  • Conceição Lima (1962–), Portuguese-language poet
  • Manuela Margarido (1925–2007), Portuguese-language poet[39]
  • Alda do Espírito Santo (1926–2010), Portuguese-language poet[Gikandi] [Jahn]
  • José Francisco Tenreiro (1921–1963), literary critic and poet[Gikandi] [Jahn] [40]

Senegal

See: List of Senegalese writers

Seychelles

  • Antoine Abel (1934–2004), poet and fable writer[Gikandi]

Sierra Leone

See: List of Sierra Leonean writers

Somalia

  • Abdi Sheik Abdi (1942–), U.S.-based writer
  • Mohamed Diriye Abdullahi, linguist and translator
  • Maxamed Daahir Afrax, novelist, playwright and critic
  • Elmi Boodhari (1908–1940), poet
  • Ayaan Hirsi Ali (1969–), feminist and anti-Islam activist
  • Ahmed Ibrahim Artan, diplomat, author and politician
  • Jaamac Cumar Ciise (c.1922–2014), historian of Somali oral literature
  • Waris Dirie (1965–), model and autobiographical writer
  • Salaan Carrabey (1864–1943), poet
  • Cristina Ali Farah (1973–), poet and novelist
  • Farah Nur (1862–1932), poet and warrior
  • Hussein Hasan (d. 1910s), warrior and poet
  • Nuruddin Farah (1945–), novelist[Killam & Rowe]
  • Hadrawi (1943–2022), poet
  • Yaasiin Cismaan Keenadiid (1919–1988), literary scholar
  • Abdi Kusow, scholar and writer
  • Abdillahi Suldaan Mohammed Timacade (1920–1973), poet
  • Nadifa Mohamed (1981–), novelist
  • Gaariye (d. 2012), poet
  • Mohamed Haji Mukhtar (1947–), historian and scholar
  • Rageh Omaar (1967–), journalist
  • Abdi Ismail Samatar (1950–), geographer
  • Ahmed Ismail Samatar (1950–), writer and academic
  • Dada Masiti, Ashraf poet, mystic and Islamic scholar
  • Said S. Samatar (1943–2015), scholar and writer
  • Cali Xuseen Xirsi (1946–2005), poet
  • Shadya Yasin (1983/4–), poet

South Africa

See: List of South African writers

Sudan

See: List of Sudanese writers

Swaziland

  • Modison Salayedvwa Magagula (1958–), playwright[Gikandi]
  • Stanley Musa N. Matsebula (1958–), economist and writer[Gikandi]
  • Elias Adam Bateng Mkhonta (1954–2001), novelist[Gikandi]
  • Sarah Mkhonza (1957–), novelist, short story writer and journalist[Gikandi]
  • Gladys Lomafu Pato (1930–), short story writer[Gikandi]

Tanzania

See: List of Tanzanian writers

Togo

See: List of Togolese writers

Tunisia

See: List of Tunisian writers

Uganda

See: List of Ugandan writers

Western Sahara

  • Mohamed Fadel Ismail Ould Es-Sweyih (1958–2002), journalist and politician
  • Ahmed Baba Miské (1935–2016), writer, diplomat and politician

Zambia

  • Ellen Banda-Aaku (1965–), fiction, children's books
  • Jack Avon (1967–), non-fiction, business books
  • Kenneth Kaunda (1924–2021), nationalist and writer[Gikandi]
  • Chibamba Kanyama (1965–), journalist and business writer[41]
  • Andreya Sylvester Masiye (1922–?), diplomat and novelist[42]
  • Dominic Mulaisho (1933–2014), novelist[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]
  • Charles Mwewa, poet and non-fiction writer[43]
  • Princess Zindaba Nyirenda, novelist[44]
  • Field Ruwe (1955–), educator, historian, media practitioner, author (fiction and non-fiction)
  • Namwali Serpell (1980–), fiction
  • Monde Sifuniso (1944–), editor, publisher, author (fiction and non-fiction)
  • Binwell Sinyangwe (1956–)

Zimbabwe

See: List of Zimbabwean writers

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "Ketty Nivyabandi", World Literature Today, March 2014.
  2. ^ Acheikh ibn Oumar, Fiche de lecture de: "Fils de nomade, les mémoires du dromadaire" – Khayar Oumar Defallah Archived 2014-01-11 at the Wayback Machine, 11 February 2010.
  3. ^ "1ère ÉDITION DES JOURNÉES TCHADIENNES AU SÉNÉGAL: Pour vivifier un héritage culturel". Lematindafrique.com. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
  4. ^ "Mouna-Hodan Ahmed: An author from Djibouti writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
  5. ^ Charles Cantalupo, Reesom Haile's poetry Archived 2011-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ Jane Plastow, "Alemseged Tesfai: a playwright in the service of Eritrean liberation", in Banham et al, African theatre in development, 1999, pp. 54–60.
  7. ^ Bouchard, N; Ferme, V (2013). Italy and the Mediterranean: Words, Sounds, and Images of the Post-Cold War Era. Springer. ISBN 978-1137343468.
  8. ^ "Peggy Lucie Auleley: lauréate du concours ACCT". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. 1999-06-03. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
  9. ^ Toman, Cheryl (2016). Women Writers of Gabon: Literature and Herstory. Lexington Books. p. xxviii. ISBN 978-1498537216.
  10. ^ "Chantal Magalie Mbazoo-Kassa". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
  11. ^ "Justine Mintsa: An author from Gabon writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
  12. ^ "Nadège Noëlle Ango Obiang: An author from Gabon writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. 2003-09-19. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
  13. ^ Albert S. Gérard, European-Language Writing in Sub-Saharan Africa: Volume 1, p. 286.
  14. ^ Margaret Busby (ed.), Daughters of Africa: An International Anthology of Words and Writings by Women of African Descent from the Ancient Egyptian to the Present, London: Jonathan Cape, 1992; Vintage, 1993; pp. 275–276.
  15. ^ Suha Taji-Farouki, 'Sadiq Nayhum: An Introduction to the Life and Works of a Contemporary Libyan Intellectual', The Maghreb Review, 25:3–4 (2000), pp. 242 ff.
  16. ^ Benghazi-Born Poet Mattawa Reflects on Growing up Under Gadhafi, PBS Newshour, 2 March 2011.
  17. ^ Nyasa Times obituary "Malawi writer, media trainer dies: Tito Banda | Malawi Nyasa Times – Malawi breaking news in Malawi". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 8 Sep 2024.
  18. ^ Dictionary of African Christian Biography.
  19. ^ a b c d e f Janheinz Jahn; Ulla Schild; Almut Nordmann Seiler (1972). Who's who in African Literature: Biographies, Works, Commentaries. Horst Erdmann Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7711-0153-4.
  20. ^ "Lula Pensulo Uploads at the Internet Archive". archive.org. Retrieved 8 Sep 2024.
  21. ^ B. Pachai, "Samuel Josiah Ntara: Writer and Historian" The Society of Malawi Journal Vol. 21, No. 2 (July, 1968), pp. 60-66; page 60.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Killam, Douglas & Ruth Rowe, eds., The Companion to African Literatures. James Currey & Indiana University Press; 2000. ISBN 0-253-33633-3
  23. ^ Univ. of South Africa obituary
  24. ^ Malawi 24 news 6 Nov 2015
  25. ^ a b c Chimombo, Steve, (1987) "Creative Writing in Malawi: A Bibliography" Research in African Literatures, Vol. 18, No. 3, Special Issue on the Concept of National Literature (Autumn, 1987), pp. 336-339
  26. ^ Lars Eckstein, ed., English Literatures Across the Globe: A Companion, p. 122-3.
  27. ^ "News story about Kadzitche's publications". Archived from the original on 2021-07-25. Retrieved 2021-07-24.
  28. ^ Precious Kalolo, "Qabaniso ‘Q’ Malewezi reflects with ‘The Road Taken’" "Timve Magazine » Qabaniso 'Q' Malewezi reflects with 'The Road Taken'". Archived from the original on 10 November 2011. Retrieved 8 September 2014., Timeve Magazine.
  29. ^ Alfred Msadala, "A look at Bededicto Wokomaatani Malunga", Destined for great things: papers, 1999, pp. 27–8.
  30. ^ Albert S. Gérard (1986), European-Language writing in Sub-Southern Africa, p. 962.
  31. ^ Profile in the Daily Nation April 4, 2014
  32. ^ WorldCat identities
  33. ^ B. Pachai, "Samuel Josiah Ntara: Writer and Historian" The Society of Malawi Journal Vol. 21, No. 2 (July, 1968), pp. 60-66
  34. ^ Author of Miyambi ya Patsokwe (Chichewa proverbs) (2015) and Mpandamachokero (Malawian tales) (2015); editor of Chisimba cha Alakatuli (anthology of Chichewa poems) (2015).
  35. ^ "Willie Zingani: A Writer of All Ages" (Profile in the Daily Nation newspaper, April 18, 2014).
  36. ^ "Shaba revives poetry". 17 July 2020.
  37. ^ "Palimage: Olinda Beja". Palimage.pt. Archived from the original on 2011-07-25. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
  38. ^ Cavaleiro da Torre (2004-02-27). "Torre da História Ibérica: Admirável Mário Domingues". Torredahistoriaiberica.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
  39. ^ Morreu a poetisa são-tomense Manuela Margarido Archived 2012-09-05 at the Wayback Machine, Publico, 11 March 2007.
  40. ^ Hans M. Zell, Carol Bundy, Virginia Coulon, A New Reader's Guide to African Literature, 1983, p. 498.
  41. ^ Elias Munshya wa Munshya, Zambia: Chibamba Kanyama’s Controversy: A Review of “Business Values for our Time”, Lusaka Times 31 October 2010.
  42. ^ Albert S. Gérard, African Language Literatures: an introduction to the literary history of Sub-Saharan Africa, 1981, p. 227.
  43. ^ Eric Gondwe, Charles Mwewa, Zambian.com.
  44. ^ Zambian Economist review.

References

  1. [Gikandi] Simon Gikandi, ed., Encyclopedia of African Literature. Routledge; 2002. ISBN 978-0-415-23019-3
  2. [Gikandi & Mwangi] Simon Gikandi & Evan Mwangi, ed., The Columbia Guide to East African Literature in English Since 1945. Columbia University Press; 2007. ISBN 978-0-231-12520-8
  3. [Killam & Rowe] Douglas Killam & Ruth Rowe, eds., The Companion to African Literatures. James Currey & Indiana University Press; 2000. ISBN 0-253-33633-3
  4. [Jahn] Janheinz Jahn, Ulla Schild & Almut Nordmann Seiler, eds., Who's who in African Literature: Biographies, Works, Commentaries. Horst Erdmann Verlag, 1972. ISBN 978-3-7711-0153-4
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