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It's been a tough couple of weeks for us all, but stories have always been the best form of escape, so we're pleased to share that we are starting a new reading series for anyone and everyone who needs a break from depressing news articles and worrying statistics.
It’s a simple idea. We've collated a selection of fictional stories by African writers, and we'll start each day with a link. That’s it. New day, new link, new opportunity to temporarily escape. We'll keep it going for as long as we need to & our DMs are open for recommendations!
Day 1: She Is Our Stupid | by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
“When Nnakimuli said her name was Flower, the disconnect was complete. Their rural tongues called her Fulawa. When she helped them, Fl, Fl, Flo-w-e-r, they said Fluew-eh…” https://lithub.com/she-is-our-stupid/
“When Nnakimuli said her name was Flower, the disconnect was complete. Their rural tongues called her Fulawa. When she helped them, Fl, Fl, Flo-w-e-r, they said Fluew-eh…” https://lithub.com/she-is-our-stupid/
Day 2: Birdsong | by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"The woman, a stranger, was looking at me. In the glare of the hot afternoon, in the swirl of motorcycles and hawkers, she was looking down at me from the back seat of her jeep..." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/09/20/birdsong-2
"The woman, a stranger, was looking at me. In the glare of the hot afternoon, in the swirl of motorcycles and hawkers, she was looking down at me from the back seat of her jeep..." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/09/20/birdsong-2
Day 3: Changing Times | by Temo Buliro
"When it came time for Jordan to identify his bride, he carefully examined our hands and feet and confidently chose. “Are you sure?” he was asked. “I’m sure” Jordan stood firm and waited for his bride to be unveiled" https://afreada.com/2020/03/27/changing-times-by-temo-buliro-2/
"When it came time for Jordan to identify his bride, he carefully examined our hands and feet and confidently chose. “Are you sure?” he was asked. “I’m sure” Jordan stood firm and waited for his bride to be unveiled" https://afreada.com/2020/03/27/changing-times-by-temo-buliro-2/
Day 4: The Last Tattoo | by @OyinBraithwaite
"He looks at her, and she wonders what he sees. She knows he once thought her beautiful—he would praise her sloping eyes, her lips, which he said reminded him of kpomo, her long neck." https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the-last-tattoo
"He looks at her, and she wonders what he sees. She knows he once thought her beautiful—he would praise her sloping eyes, her lips, which he said reminded him of kpomo, her long neck." https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the-last-tattoo
Day 5: The Strange Story of the World | by Chigozie Obioma
"The story of how my father became rich starts in 2002, shortly after Savannah bank, where he worked for nearly twenty years, closed down..." https://granta.com/the-strange-story-of-the-world/
"The story of how my father became rich starts in 2002, shortly after Savannah bank, where he worked for nearly twenty years, closed down..." https://granta.com/the-strange-story-of-the-world/
Day 6: Who Will Greet You At Home | by Lesley Nneka Arimah ( @larimah)
“Greetings.”
“I am greeted,” Mama said. “What is it you want?”
Mama was usually more welcoming to her customers, but this woman owed Mama money... https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/10/26/who-will-greet-you-at-home
“Greetings.”
“I am greeted,” Mama said. “What is it you want?”
Mama was usually more welcoming to her customers, but this woman owed Mama money... https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/10/26/who-will-greet-you-at-home
Day 7: We Need New Names | by NoViolet Bulawayo
"If I’m lucky, like today, I get to be the USA, which is a country-country. I feel like it’s my country now because my aunt Fostalina lives there, in Destroyedmichygen." https://granta.com/new-voices-noviolet-bulawayo/
"If I’m lucky, like today, I get to be the USA, which is a country-country. I feel like it’s my country now because my aunt Fostalina lives there, in Destroyedmichygen." https://granta.com/new-voices-noviolet-bulawayo/
Day 8: Missing Out | by Leila Aboulela
"Refreshed from her siesta and the cup of tea she always had at sunset, she gathered the family and launched a new campaign: ‘my Poor son All Alone in London needs A Wife’. That was how Majdy came to marry Samra." https://granta.com/missing-out/
"Refreshed from her siesta and the cup of tea she always had at sunset, she gathered the family and launched a new campaign: ‘my Poor son All Alone in London needs A Wife’. That was how Majdy came to marry Samra." https://granta.com/missing-out/
Day 9: Tea with Bereket | by Marta Naigzy Woodward
"That night, love found Almas while she was sleeping, exactly as her mother had always predicted it would." https://www.wasafiri.org/article/tea-with-bereket-by-marta-naigzy-woodward/
"That night, love found Almas while she was sleeping, exactly as her mother had always predicted it would." https://www.wasafiri.org/article/tea-with-bereket-by-marta-naigzy-woodward/
Day 10: Who We Are Not | by Christine Mwai
"All the food here is shwara shwara,” she clicks as she noisily drops the menu on the table. I want to joke about the acquired twang on her English and the coastal Swahili but I can’t trust my voice to work." https://afreada.com/2020/04/03/who-we-are-not-by-christine-mwai/
"All the food here is shwara shwara,” she clicks as she noisily drops the menu on the table. I want to joke about the acquired twang on her English and the coastal Swahili but I can’t trust my voice to work." https://afreada.com/2020/04/03/who-we-are-not-by-christine-mwai/
Day 11: The Sex Lives of African Girls | by Taiye Selasi
“Their bright bubas adorn the large garden like odd brilliant bulbs that bloom only at night. From the dark of the study you watch with the interest of a scientist observing a species.” https://granta.com/the-sex-lives-of-african-girls/
“Their bright bubas adorn the large garden like odd brilliant bulbs that bloom only at night. From the dark of the study you watch with the interest of a scientist observing a species.” https://granta.com/the-sex-lives-of-african-girls/
Day 12: The smell of home | by @ChikaUnigwe
“His dislike of winters was one of the reasons he moved back to Nigeria. That and a homesickness that could no longer be assuaged by the parcels of food he bought at the African store every Saturday morning” https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/my-nigeria/2015/11/short-story-smell-home-151102052637661.html
“His dislike of winters was one of the reasons he moved back to Nigeria. That and a homesickness that could no longer be assuaged by the parcels of food he bought at the African store every Saturday morning” https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/my-nigeria/2015/11/short-story-smell-home-151102052637661.html
Day 13: Madam’s Sister | by Mbozi Haimbe
"Madam’s huge four-by-four rumbles through hardly waiting for me to get the gate all the way open. I swallow down the swear word burning in my throat, forcing my face into an expression of neutral acceptance." https://granta.com/madams-sister/
"Madam’s huge four-by-four rumbles through hardly waiting for me to get the gate all the way open. I swallow down the swear word burning in my throat, forcing my face into an expression of neutral acceptance." https://granta.com/madams-sister/
Day 14: The Opening of Her Eyes | by @LindaYohannes
"The early rise meant that she needed a serving of Chat with the morning coffee to open her eyes, which meant that we were going to be late..." https://afreada.com/2015/12/06/the-opening-of-her-eyes-by-linda-yohannes/
"The early rise meant that she needed a serving of Chat with the morning coffee to open her eyes, which meant that we were going to be late..." https://afreada.com/2015/12/06/the-opening-of-her-eyes-by-linda-yohannes/
Day 15: Grandma | by Ifedolapo Apampa
"Grandpa lives alone with us now. He moved here when Grandma died, but I never did meet Grandma. She lived in Nigeria for the whole of her life, in a bungalow with a big orange courtyard..." https://afreada.com/2019/03/08/grandma-by-ifedolapo-apampa/
"Grandpa lives alone with us now. He moved here when Grandma died, but I never did meet Grandma. She lived in Nigeria for the whole of her life, in a bungalow with a big orange courtyard..." https://afreada.com/2019/03/08/grandma-by-ifedolapo-apampa/
Day 16: Inscape | by Yaa Gyasi
"She was already in the kitchen when I finally got out of bed. The kettle was on, and the smell of koko, one of the many Ghanaian dishes I had never learned to cook for myself, filled the air..." https://www.guernicamag.com/inscape/
"She was already in the kitchen when I finally got out of bed. The kettle was on, and the smell of koko, one of the many Ghanaian dishes I had never learned to cook for myself, filled the air..." https://www.guernicamag.com/inscape/
Day 17: Car Trouble | by Mukandi Siame
"Love was a stare, an excessive laugh at a bad joke or simply standing next to Uchi and letting the tiny hairs on their arms touch. Love made the simple things enough." https://afreada.com/2020/04/10/car-trouble-by-mukandi-siame/
"Love was a stare, an excessive laugh at a bad joke or simply standing next to Uchi and letting the tiny hairs on their arms touch. Love made the simple things enough." https://afreada.com/2020/04/10/car-trouble-by-mukandi-siame/
Day 18: Apollo | by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"Nothing changed when Raphael came to live with us, not at first. He seemed like all the others, an ordinary-looking teen from a nearby village. The houseboy before him was sent home for insulting my mother." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/04/13/apollo
"Nothing changed when Raphael came to live with us, not at first. He seemed like all the others, an ordinary-looking teen from a nearby village. The houseboy before him was sent home for insulting my mother." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/04/13/apollo
Day 19: You Can’t Eat Beauty | by Panashe Chigumadzi ( @PanasheChig)
"“Mama, what is ‘NO LYE’?”
Mama ignored Tsitsi. She prepared the relaxer for her client, an older girl from their street who was about to start as a trainee nurse in the new year." https://www.nybooks.com/daily/2019/02/17/you-cant-eat-beauty/
"“Mama, what is ‘NO LYE’?”
Mama ignored Tsitsi. She prepared the relaxer for her client, an older girl from their street who was about to start as a trainee nurse in the new year." https://www.nybooks.com/daily/2019/02/17/you-cant-eat-beauty/
Day 20: http://ohtakemehomelord.com | by @BernardineEvari
"The avenues have been swept smooth of yesterday’s sandstorm, and the hawkers selling takeaways - grilled corn on the cob, roasted chestnuts and fried plantain - have been sent packing."
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2005/jun/25/originalwriting.fiction2
"The avenues have been swept smooth of yesterday’s sandstorm, and the hawkers selling takeaways - grilled corn on the cob, roasted chestnuts and fried plantain - have been sent packing."
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2005/jun/25/originalwriting.fiction2
Day 21: The Sacrificial Egg | by Chinua Achebe
"Not everyone who came to the great market was a real person. "Some of the beautiful young women you see squeezing through the crowds are not real people but mammy-wota from the river," she said." https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1959/04/the-sacrificial-egg/306021/
"Not everyone who came to the great market was a real person. "Some of the beautiful young women you see squeezing through the crowds are not real people but mammy-wota from the river," she said." https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1959/04/the-sacrificial-egg/306021/
Day 22: Manifest | by ’Pemi Aguda
"Tonight, your mother calls you Agnes for the first time.
Agnes is not your name." https://granta.com/manifest/
"Tonight, your mother calls you Agnes for the first time.
Agnes is not your name." https://granta.com/manifest/
Day 23: The Strain | by Yewande Omotoso
"Jumoke, a friend of Femi’s, collected me from the airport.
‘Porpous Estate,’ she said when I told her where I was headed. ‘You know am abi?’ she said to her driver.
He nodded." https://www.wasafiri.org/article/the-strain-by-yewande-omotoso/
"Jumoke, a friend of Femi’s, collected me from the airport.
‘Porpous Estate,’ she said when I told her where I was headed. ‘You know am abi?’ she said to her driver.
He nodded." https://www.wasafiri.org/article/the-strain-by-yewande-omotoso/
Day 24: Our Father | by Alice Yaa Fosuah
"He had changed his name. From Kofi Ansah to William Elliot. He changed it when he left home for Monrovia. He was trying to be a Liberian; they liked English names." https://afreada.com/2020/04/17/our-father-by-alice-yaa-fosuah/
"He had changed his name. From Kofi Ansah to William Elliot. He changed it when he left home for Monrovia. He was trying to be a Liberian; they liked English names." https://afreada.com/2020/04/17/our-father-by-alice-yaa-fosuah/
Day 25: A Short History of Zaka the Zulu | by Petina Gappah ( @VascoDaGappah)
"We called him Zaka, after the district in Masvingo Province. We could have just called him Masvingo, but that name had already been allocated." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/09/26/a-short-history-of-zaka-the-zulu
"We called him Zaka, after the district in Masvingo Province. We could have just called him Masvingo, but that name had already been allocated." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/09/26/a-short-history-of-zaka-the-zulu
Day 26: The Start of the Affair | by Nuruddin Farah
"At a fire sale a few years ago, James MacPherson, a retired professor of politics at Wits, Johannesburg, bought a restaurant in Pretoria specializing in North African cuisine." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/12/22/start-affair
"At a fire sale a few years ago, James MacPherson, a retired professor of politics at Wits, Johannesburg, bought a restaurant in Pretoria specializing in North African cuisine." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/12/22/start-affair
Day 27: Light | by Lesley Nneka Arimah
"When Enebeli Okwara sent his girl out in the world, he did not know what the world did to daughters. He did not know how quickly it would wick the dew off her, how she would be returned to him hollowed out..." https://granta.com/light/
"When Enebeli Okwara sent his girl out in the world, he did not know what the world did to daughters. He did not know how quickly it would wick the dew off her, how she would be returned to him hollowed out..." https://granta.com/light/
Day 28: Chez Janette | by Alain Mabanckou
"I wonder what our country would have been like if there'd been no oil. A peaceful country? A country with no history? I don't know. We'll never know." https://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/apr/21/chez-janette-alain-mabanckou-story
"I wonder what our country would have been like if there'd been no oil. A peaceful country? A country with no history? I don't know. We'll never know." https://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/apr/21/chez-janette-alain-mabanckou-story
Day 29: Naming The Hunger | by Temo Buliro
"After the initial excitement of being husband and wife died down, they settled into an undemanding lifestyle. Both taking their traditional roles, it was a while before she realised that something had changed." https://afreada.com/2019/01/18/naming-the-hunger-temo-buliro/
"After the initial excitement of being husband and wife died down, they settled into an undemanding lifestyle. Both taking their traditional roles, it was a while before she realised that something had changed." https://afreada.com/2019/01/18/naming-the-hunger-temo-buliro/
Day 30: His Middle Name Was Not Jesus | by NoViolet Bulawayo
"His reflection looked back at him from the opposite window and he was pleased with what he saw. He took pride in his appearance and it showed." https://granta.com/middle-name-not-jesus/
"His reflection looked back at him from the opposite window and he was pleased with what he saw. He took pride in his appearance and it showed." https://granta.com/middle-name-not-jesus/
Day 31: Self-Centred | by Rukia Hatibu
"I have run out of avocados. The diet must be working because I used the toilet twice this morning. Walking should fasten the weight loss and get my face even slimmer by the time I have to Skype with Malcolm..." https://afreada.com/2020/04/24/self-centred-by-rukia-hatibu/
"I have run out of avocados. The diet must be working because I used the toilet twice this morning. Walking should fasten the weight loss and get my face even slimmer by the time I have to Skype with Malcolm..." https://afreada.com/2020/04/24/self-centred-by-rukia-hatibu/
Day 32: Mother of Invention | by @Nnedi Okorafor
"Music and Obi 3. Those were all she and her unborn baby had had for nine months. Since she’d learned she was pregnant and stupidly told her fiancé, who a minute later blurted to her that he was married" https://slate.com/technology/2018/02/mother-of-invention-a-new-short-story-by-nnedi-okorafor.html
"Music and Obi 3. Those were all she and her unborn baby had had for nine months. Since she’d learned she was pregnant and stupidly told her fiancé, who a minute later blurted to her that he was married" https://slate.com/technology/2018/02/mother-of-invention-a-new-short-story-by-nnedi-okorafor.html
Day 33: Hooyo’s Gone | by Salma Ibrahim
"I asked him why we had never danced together, ever. He said he didn’t dance. I said he didn’t have to do much, just hold my waist and let me wrap my arms around him so we could move in time to a slow melody." https://afreada.com/2017/12/22/hooyos-gone-by-salma-ibrahim/
"I asked him why we had never danced together, ever. He said he didn’t dance. I said he didn’t have to do much, just hold my waist and let me wrap my arms around him so we could move in time to a slow melody." https://afreada.com/2017/12/22/hooyos-gone-by-salma-ibrahim/
Day 34: Let’s Tell This Story Properly | by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
"In Britain grief is private – you know how women throw themselves about howling this, screaming that back home? None of that. You can’t force your grief on other people." https://granta.com/lets-tell-this-story-properly/
"In Britain grief is private – you know how women throw themselves about howling this, screaming that back home? None of that. You can’t force your grief on other people." https://granta.com/lets-tell-this-story-properly/
Day 35: Miracle | by Tope Folarin
"We know that he is an instrument of God’s will, and we have come because we need miracles [...] We need our parents to understand that we are Americans. We need our children to understand they are Nigerians."
https://www.magunga.com/miracle-by-tope-folarin/
![Day 35: Miracle | by Tope Folarin"We know that he is an instrument of God’s will, and we have come because we need miracles [...] We need our parents to understand that we are Americans. We need our children to understand they are Nigerians." https://www.magunga.com/miracle-by-tope-folarin/](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EWryXbaWAAYHEpK.jpg "Day 35: Miracle | by Tope Folarin\"We know that he is an instrument of God’s will, and we have come because we need miracles [...] We need our parents to understand that we are Americans. We need our children to understand they are Nigerians.\" https://www.magunga.com/miracle-by-tope-folarin/")
"We know that he is an instrument of God’s will, and we have come because we need miracles [...] We need our parents to understand that we are Americans. We need our children to understand they are Nigerians."
https://www.magunga.com/miracle-by-tope-folarin/
Day 36: Arese | by Aishat Abiri
"Elkan was the one she fell in love with. He was the one she married. It was his laughter, how she saw it before it poured through his mouth, how it was always a little too loud, how it echoed in her chest." https://afreada.com/2017/05/10/arese-by-aishat-abiri/
"Elkan was the one she fell in love with. He was the one she married. It was his laughter, how she saw it before it poured through his mouth, how it was always a little too loud, how it echoed in her chest." https://afreada.com/2017/05/10/arese-by-aishat-abiri/
Day 37: Little Family | by Ishmael Beah (An Excerpt)
"“Hello,” you say. The boy does not respond, only narrows his eyelids against the wind. You stare back at his face, in which youth is steeped in something serious and old, in stories you want to know." https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/books/review/little-family-by-ishmael-beah-an-excerpt.html
"“Hello,” you say. The boy does not respond, only narrows his eyelids against the wind. You stare back at his face, in which youth is steeped in something serious and old, in stories you want to know." https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/books/review/little-family-by-ishmael-beah-an-excerpt.html
Day 38: We Want a Divorce | by Dami Ajayi
"It was their first time at the hotel room and it would be their last. They needed to stay out of the news, out of the prying eyes of those who made the pleasure of others their business." https://afreada.com/2020/05/01/we-want-a-divorce-by-dami-ajayi/
"It was their first time at the hotel room and it would be their last. They needed to stay out of the news, out of the prying eyes of those who made the pleasure of others their business." https://afreada.com/2020/05/01/we-want-a-divorce-by-dami-ajayi/
Day 39: The Walkers | by Ayibu Makolo
"“Why don’t we open a window? This heat is killing me.” My mother is lying very still on the floor, lethargic. She is sweating but she does not answer me." https://afreada.com/2017/11/24/the-walkers-by-ayibu-makolo/
"“Why don’t we open a window? This heat is killing me.” My mother is lying very still on the floor, lethargic. She is sweating but she does not answer me." https://afreada.com/2017/11/24/the-walkers-by-ayibu-makolo/
Day 40: The Confession | by Leïla Slimani
"I can’t tell you my name. Or the name of the rural village where this story took place. My father is a feared and respected man there, and I do not want to bring shame upon him." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/02/18/the-confession
"I can’t tell you my name. Or the name of the rural village where this story took place. My father is a feared and respected man there, and I do not want to bring shame upon him." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/02/18/the-confession
Day 41: Benji | by Chinelo Okparanta
"Alare had not married a wealthy man. In fact, the lowliness of his job was a sore subject for the marriage, which was the reason that Alare made it a point, in general, never to discuss her husband’s work in public." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/11/11/benji
"Alare had not married a wealthy man. In fact, the lowliness of his job was a sore subject for the marriage, which was the reason that Alare made it a point, in general, never to discuss her husband’s work in public." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/11/11/benji
Day 42: Musa | by Kamel Daoud
"Our father had disappeared long ago and existed now in fragments in the rumors we heard from people who claimed to have run into him in France. Only Musa could hear his voice. He’d give Musa commands in his dreams..." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/04/06/musa
"Our father had disappeared long ago and existed now in fragments in the rumors we heard from people who claimed to have run into him in France. Only Musa could hear his voice. He’d give Musa commands in his dreams..." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/04/06/musa
Day 43: Vashti Refused to Dance | by Makena Onjerika ( @Onjerika)
"She underwent the procedure because she could, because she wanted to, because it was her right to do as she pleased with her life and body..." https://jaladaafrica.org/2019/12/14/vashti-refused-to-dance-by-makena-onjerika/
"She underwent the procedure because she could, because she wanted to, because it was her right to do as she pleased with her life and body..." https://jaladaafrica.org/2019/12/14/vashti-refused-to-dance-by-makena-onjerika/
Day 44: Hosea | by Mwendwa Kiko
"The big tray of chicken went in the middle of the table, the potatoes next to it, the pilau and stew after them. It was a completely democratic meal. Everyone served as much as they wanted, everyone ate at their own pace" https://afreada.com/2017/11/10/hosea-by-mwendwa-kiko/
"The big tray of chicken went in the middle of the table, the potatoes next to it, the pilau and stew after them. It was a completely democratic meal. Everyone served as much as they wanted, everyone ate at their own pace" https://afreada.com/2017/11/10/hosea-by-mwendwa-kiko/
Day 45: The Machodugo | by @InnocentAcan
"At the bottom of every well, there dwells a mystical little creature with large bat-like ears and big round eyes the colour of charcoal. The Luo people of old called it the machodugo..." https://afreada.com/2020/05/08/the-machodugo-by-innocent-acan/
"At the bottom of every well, there dwells a mystical little creature with large bat-like ears and big round eyes the colour of charcoal. The Luo people of old called it the machodugo..." https://afreada.com/2020/05/08/the-machodugo-by-innocent-acan/
Day 46: Youngthing | by Nuruddin Farah
““They call me YoungThing,” he says. Then, with a slight stutter, he asks her to tell him “the way to the Qiblah.”” https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/12/13/youngthing
““They call me YoungThing,” he says. Then, with a slight stutter, he asks her to tell him “the way to the Qiblah.”” https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/12/13/youngthing
Day 47: Cattle Praise Song | by Scholastique Mukasonga
"Stealing cows was a serious sport in Rwanda. People feared these bandits and also admired them. They were very cunning. They had medicines that would put all the inhabitants of a kraal to sleep..." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/11/12/cattle-praise-song
"Stealing cows was a serious sport in Rwanda. People feared these bandits and also admired them. They were very cunning. They had medicines that would put all the inhabitants of a kraal to sleep..." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/11/12/cattle-praise-song
Day 48: Checking Out | by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"“I’ve never been to Africa. I’d love to go.” She said “Africa” wistfully, like an admiring foreigner, loading the word with exotic excitement." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/03/18/checking-out
"“I’ve never been to Africa. I’d love to go.” She said “Africa” wistfully, like an admiring foreigner, loading the word with exotic excitement." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/03/18/checking-out
Day 49: Baptizing the Gun | by Uwem Akpan
"A female passenger starts to scream in the molue, or you-beat-me-I-beat-you bus, in front of my battered red Volkswagen Beetle, introducing another ripple of confusion into the midmorning Lagos traffic..." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/01/04/baptizing-the-gun
"A female passenger starts to scream in the molue, or you-beat-me-I-beat-you bus, in front of my battered red Volkswagen Beetle, introducing another ripple of confusion into the midmorning Lagos traffic..." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/01/04/baptizing-the-gun
Day 50: Vernacular | by Uzoamaka Doris Aniunoh
"Vernacular was not allowed. If I spoke in Igbo I would be forced to kneel down in the corner with both hands raised up, suspended, until the teacher was satisfied, which was usually after about an hour." https://afreada.com/2017/08/16/vernacular-by-uzoamaka-doris-aniunoh/
"Vernacular was not allowed. If I spoke in Igbo I would be forced to kneel down in the corner with both hands raised up, suspended, until the teacher was satisfied, which was usually after about an hour." https://afreada.com/2017/08/16/vernacular-by-uzoamaka-doris-aniunoh/
Day 51: Kentish Town | by Chibundu Onuzo
"At 11.59pm, the music went off and I counted down into the New Year with Aramide’s hip pressed into mine, the flesh of her arm and thigh warm against my side." https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/books/749541/Short-story-by-Chibundu-Onuzo
"At 11.59pm, the music went off and I counted down into the New Year with Aramide’s hip pressed into mine, the flesh of her arm and thigh warm against my side." https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/books/749541/Short-story-by-Chibundu-Onuzo
Day 52: Gerezani Cake | by Ally A. Baharoon
"Ammar first noticed Mama’s sporadic wrathful bursts two weeks ago when Baba came home after a good game to see her still mourning Lady Diana’s death." https://afreada.com/2020/05/15/gerezani-cake-by-ally-baharoon/
"Ammar first noticed Mama’s sporadic wrathful bursts two weeks ago when Baba came home after a good game to see her still mourning Lady Diana’s death." https://afreada.com/2020/05/15/gerezani-cake-by-ally-baharoon/
Day 53: How To Survive A Heat Wave | by @ChikaUnigwe
"Outside, the weather is changing. Autumn is coloring leaves red and purple and gold. It is cold but not yet cold enough for the heaters to come on..." https://lithub.com/how-to-survive-a-heat-wave/
"Outside, the weather is changing. Autumn is coloring leaves red and purple and gold. It is cold but not yet cold enough for the heaters to come on..." https://lithub.com/how-to-survive-a-heat-wave/
Day 54: Neighbors | by E. C. Osondu
"I’m happy Vinny is my neighbor. My other neighbor, a tubby attorney, has only spoken to me once. He wanted my signature on some paper because he was running for a county office." https://brittlepaper.com/2020/03/neighbours-a-quarantine-themed-fiction-e-c-osondu-fiction/
"I’m happy Vinny is my neighbor. My other neighbor, a tubby attorney, has only spoken to me once. He wanted my signature on some paper because he was running for a county office." https://brittlepaper.com/2020/03/neighbours-a-quarantine-themed-fiction-e-c-osondu-fiction/
Day 55: Bow to Enter Heaven: by Esther Mwema
"That night, we docked by a fisherman village. There was no fish for us. Encamped around a blazing brazier in a shallow mud hut, my mother fried plantains on a flattened cola tin..."
https://afsee.atlanticfellows.org/blog/2020/esther-mwema-bow-to-enter-heaven
"That night, we docked by a fisherman village. There was no fish for us. Encamped around a blazing brazier in a shallow mud hut, my mother fried plantains on a flattened cola tin..."
https://afsee.atlanticfellows.org/blog/2020/esther-mwema-bow-to-enter-heaven
Day 56: Figures of Preach | by @remythequill (who was just shortlisted for the 2020 AKO @CainePrize! Woop!)
“Now that our service has come to an end, brothers and sisters, let me remind you that the sum we need to raise is five-hundred thousand..." https://afreada.com/2019/02/08/figures-of-preach-by-remy-ngamije/
“Now that our service has come to an end, brothers and sisters, let me remind you that the sum we need to raise is five-hundred thousand..." https://afreada.com/2019/02/08/figures-of-preach-by-remy-ngamije/
Day 57: How to Marry an African President | by @SugoErica
"When you are interviewed for BBC documentaries, they will want to know how you met. Cast your eyes downward and tell them how you were a shy and hardworking secretary..."
#CainePrizeShortlist https://www.addastories.org/marry-african-president/
"When you are interviewed for BBC documentaries, they will want to know how you met. Cast your eyes downward and tell them how you were a shy and hardworking secretary..."
#CainePrizeShortlist https://www.addastories.org/marry-african-president/
Day 58: Fisherman's Stew | by Jowhor Ile
"Her plan was to visit the market, and then make stew. She knew that if you love a person and they love you back, you can cook something that ensures they find their way to you."
#CainePrizeShortlist
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/565c3d39e4b027c789ba5b70/t/5ec2d5106ee9e97d9d589a7a/1589826834762/Jowhor+Ile+-+Fishermans+Stew.pdf
"Her plan was to visit the market, and then make stew. She knew that if you love a person and they love you back, you can cook something that ensures they find their way to you."
#CainePrizeShortlist
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/565c3d39e4b027c789ba5b70/t/5ec2d5106ee9e97d9d589a7a/1589826834762/Jowhor+Ile+-+Fishermans+Stew.pdf
Day 59: Dandruff | by @Mukandii Siame
"She walks over and whispers something in your ear but you don’t hear it because all you can sense is her. She smells like a laundry basket and onions. For the first time you note that dandruff has a smell." https://afreada.com/2020/05/22/dandruff-by-mukandi-siame/
"She walks over and whispers something in your ear but you don’t hear it because all you can sense is her. She smells like a laundry basket and onions. For the first time you note that dandruff has a smell." https://afreada.com/2020/05/22/dandruff-by-mukandi-siame/
Day 60: What to do When Your Child Brings Home a Mami Wata | by Chikodili Emelumadu ( @chemelumadu)
"There are two main ways of checking the Mami Wata status of your child’s current relationship..."
#CainePrizeShortlist
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/565c3d39e4b027c789ba5b70/t/5ec2d4e4e8c1a930d26ea3c6/1589826794511/Chikodili+Emelumadu+-+What+to+do+when+your+child+brings+home+a+Mami+Wata.pdf
"There are two main ways of checking the Mami Wata status of your child’s current relationship..."
#CainePrizeShortlist
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/565c3d39e4b027c789ba5b70/t/5ec2d4e4e8c1a930d26ea3c6/1589826794511/Chikodili+Emelumadu+-+What+to+do+when+your+child+brings+home+a+Mami+Wata.pdf
Day 61: The Neighbourhood Watch | by Rémy Ngamije ( @remythequill)
"When Elias and Lazarus were just starting out they used to flick through every bin they could find in every suburb they could reach..."
#CainePrizeShortlist
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/565c3d39e4b027c789ba5b70/t/5ec2d52ee8c1a930d26eb5c5/1589826865874/Re%CC%81my+Ngamije+-+The+Neighbourhood+Watch.pdf
"When Elias and Lazarus were just starting out they used to flick through every bin they could find in every suburb they could reach..."
#CainePrizeShortlist
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/565c3d39e4b027c789ba5b70/t/5ec2d52ee8c1a930d26eb5c5/1589826865874/Re%CC%81my+Ngamije+-+The+Neighbourhood+Watch.pdf
Day 62: Grace Jones | by @IrenosenOkojie
“She’d never asked what a French Algerian man was doing running a lookalike agency. He’d never asked what a girl from Martinique was doing moonlighting as a Grace Jones impersonator...”
#CainePrizeShortlist
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/565c3d39e4b027c789ba5b70/t/5ec2d561c2f5a77eb9425042/1589826916866/Irenosen+Okijie+-+Grace+Jones.pdf
“She’d never asked what a French Algerian man was doing running a lookalike agency. He’d never asked what a girl from Martinique was doing moonlighting as a Grace Jones impersonator...”
#CainePrizeShortlist
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/565c3d39e4b027c789ba5b70/t/5ec2d561c2f5a77eb9425042/1589826916866/Irenosen+Okijie+-+Grace+Jones.pdf
Day 63: The New Maji | by Ivana @_Akotowaa Ofori
“There are only two options,” she said. “One is to keep living the way we live, constantly fearful, always apprehensive [...] The other is to drink the new maji and test the potential for true liberation." https://afreada.com/2019/02/01/the-new-maji-by-ivana-akotowaa-ofori/
“There are only two options,” she said. “One is to keep living the way we live, constantly fearful, always apprehensive [...] The other is to drink the new maji and test the potential for true liberation." https://afreada.com/2019/02/01/the-new-maji-by-ivana-akotowaa-ofori/
Day 64: Cell One | by By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"The first time our house was robbed, it was our neighbor Osita who climbed in through the dining-room window and stole our TV and VCR, and the “Purple Rain” and “Thriller” videotapes..." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2007/01/29/cell-one
"The first time our house was robbed, it was our neighbor Osita who climbed in through the dining-room window and stole our TV and VCR, and the “Purple Rain” and “Thriller” videotapes..." https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2007/01/29/cell-one
Day 65: Midnight Sun | by Chigozie Obioma
"Agnes drew a smile from a well that was now almost dry, but which, before the many adversities that had befallen her, used to overflow with laughter..." https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/fiction/2016/08/midnight-sun-short-story-chigozie-obioma
"Agnes drew a smile from a well that was now almost dry, but which, before the many adversities that had befallen her, used to overflow with laughter..." https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/fiction/2016/08/midnight-sun-short-story-chigozie-obioma
Day 66: An Old Man Walks Into A Market | by @afadjato
"This isn’t a story about me, or of the traders who tried to cheat me during my brief visit to Kotokuraba. This is a story about a man who entered a marketplace carrying a load on his back..." https://afreada.com/2020/05/29/an-old-man-walks-into-a-market-by-fui-can-tamakloe/
"This isn’t a story about me, or of the traders who tried to cheat me during my brief visit to Kotokuraba. This is a story about a man who entered a marketplace carrying a load on his back..." https://afreada.com/2020/05/29/an-old-man-walks-into-a-market-by-fui-can-tamakloe/
Day 67: Beautiful | by Helon Habila
"His death, a month ago, sparked a huge riot in Ajegunle. A legend like Buzuzu, killed so randomly on the streets, over a football argument. Chelsea versus Arsenal, or was it Manchester United versus Manchester City?" https://www.addastories.org/beautiful/
"His death, a month ago, sparked a huge riot in Ajegunle. A legend like Buzuzu, killed so randomly on the streets, over a football argument. Chelsea versus Arsenal, or was it Manchester United versus Manchester City?" https://www.addastories.org/beautiful/
Day 68: Sisters’ Fight | by Kevin Eze
"A story circulated among the Nigerian community in Dakar. Somewhere in the city, a long-forgotten pimp returned alive. No one knew with certainty her name, the name of her street or neighbourhood..." https://www.addastories.org/sisters-fight/
"A story circulated among the Nigerian community in Dakar. Somewhere in the city, a long-forgotten pimp returned alive. No one knew with certainty her name, the name of her street or neighbourhood..." https://www.addastories.org/sisters-fight/
Day 69: By Way of a Life Plot | by Kelechi Njoku
"Hyacinth Ike planned to die on a Friday because it felt right that he complete his life on a day when other people tidied up their office desks for the week..." https://www.addastories.org/by-way-of-a-life-plot/
"Hyacinth Ike planned to die on a Friday because it felt right that he complete his life on a day when other people tidied up their office desks for the week..." https://www.addastories.org/by-way-of-a-life-plot/
On Day 70, we interrupted the schedule to share the shortest and most important story on the internet... #BlackLivesMatter 
https://twitter.com/AFREADA/status/1267764127474298880?s=20
https://twitter.com/AFREADA/status/1267764127474298880?s=20
Day 71: The Bride | by Adorah Nworah
"Your name is Somadina, Adina for short.
Sometimes, your name is baby, or Din Din, or the black girl, or the quiet girl, or her, or the chubby one, or bitch, depending on the mouth, or the mood..." https://www.addastories.org/the-bride/
"Your name is Somadina, Adina for short.
Sometimes, your name is baby, or Din Din, or the black girl, or the quiet girl, or her, or the chubby one, or bitch, depending on the mouth, or the mood..." https://www.addastories.org/the-bride/
Day 72: Juju | by Obi Umeozor
"Then, a couple of days later, Nkechi just up and left me. Said I was ‘holding her back’. Five years tossed down the stinker, and she didn’t even look back at me as she dragged her Samsonite bag out the door..." https://www.addastories.org/juju/
"Then, a couple of days later, Nkechi just up and left me. Said I was ‘holding her back’. Five years tossed down the stinker, and she didn’t even look back at me as she dragged her Samsonite bag out the door..." https://www.addastories.org/juju/
Day 73: Drinking Garri | by Arinzechukwu Patrick
“So you don’t want jollof rice and chicken, what you want is to drink garri?” Njideka scoffed. She knew that when her children held a meeting and decided what they wanted, there was no room for negotiation. https://afreada.com/2017/09/29/drinking-garri-by-arinzechukwu-patrick/
“So you don’t want jollof rice and chicken, what you want is to drink garri?” Njideka scoffed. She knew that when her children held a meeting and decided what they wanted, there was no room for negotiation. https://afreada.com/2017/09/29/drinking-garri-by-arinzechukwu-patrick/
Day 74: True Happiness | by Efua Traoré
"Pastor Justice always vexes me small-small, but I forgive him because he be man of God. For example, yesterday I went to church again after a very long time because Mama say God is the only way out..." https://www.addastories.org/true-happiness/
"Pastor Justice always vexes me small-small, but I forgive him because he be man of God. For example, yesterday I went to church again after a very long time because Mama say God is the only way out..." https://www.addastories.org/true-happiness/
Day 75: Who Is Like God | by Akwaeke Emezi ( @azemezi)
"She assigned us Bible verses to read, and my favorites were the ones which said that God, whether in Spirit or Son, was also in me. It made complete sense." https://granta.com/who-is-like-god/
"She assigned us Bible verses to read, and my favorites were the ones which said that God, whether in Spirit or Son, was also in me. It made complete sense." https://granta.com/who-is-like-god/
We've decided to end this series on Day 75. We started this back in March, and so much has happened in the world since then, but we hope these stories have given you the opportunity to escape, and has reminded you all of the beauty and power of our stories.
Thanks all.
Thanks all.
