Aaron Bady, who compiled this list for The Literary Hub, is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Texas, teaching African literature. Aaron’s list should serve as a great introduction to contemporary African writers. Some of the writers, like Nigerian writer Chris Abani, have already earned a great deal of acclaim in the United States, while others remain relatively obscure here. In any event, we’re confident you’ll discover a book you will really enjoy.
Also check out our list of 25 African women writers, and our list of 25 African male writers you should read.
Help readers discover more great writers by casting your vote for “Your Favorite Black Author of the 21st Century.”
And After Many Days: A Novel
by Jowhor Ile
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Born on a Tuesday: A Novel
by Elnathan John
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Fuchsia (African Poetry Book)
by Mahtem Shiferraw
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Gabriel Okara: Collected Poems
by Gabriel Okara
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Kaveena (Global African Voices)
by Boubacar Boris Diop
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New-Generation African Poets (TATU): A Chapbook Box Set
by Kwame Dawes and Chris Abani
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Rachel’s Blue (The Africa List)
by Zakes Mda
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Tales of the Metric System: A Novel
by Imraan Coovadia
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The Book of Memory: A Novel
by Petina Gappah
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The Curious Case of Dassoukine’s Trousers
by Fouad Laroui
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The Face: Cartography of the Void
by Chris Abani
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The Happy Marriage
by Tahar Ben Jelloun
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The Kindness of Enemies: A Novel
by Leila Aboulela
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The Lights of Pointe-Noire: A Memoir
by Alain Mabanckou
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The Maestro, the Magistrate & the Mathematician
by Tendai Huchu
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Water: New Short Story Fiction from Africa: An Anthology from Short Story Day Africa
by Rachel Zadok
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What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours
by Helen Oyeyemi
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Whitefly: A Novel
by Abdelilah Hamdouchi
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