OlongoAfrica Multilingual Anthology

OlongoAfrica Multilingual Anthology

How different would the African continent be if its peoples and cultures could speak to each other with perfect intelligibility? Our stories explore this question.

Volume 1 Introduction

Start with the introduction to Volume 1 before exploring the stories.

Read the Introduction

Volume 2 Introduction

Begin with the Volume 2 introduction to frame the anthology’s second arc.

Read the Introduction
Umakhulu noTatomkhulu
Translated to isiXhosa
Umakhulu noTatomkhulu

First published as "The Grandparents" by Musu Bangura. Translated to iziXhosa by Vuyokazi Ngemntu

الأخت ابنة الخالة
Translated to Arabic
الأخت ابنة الخالة

Originally published as "Cousin Sister" by Emelda Gwitimah. Translated as الأخت ابنة الخالة by Ibrahim Fawzy.

Bisado
Translated to Somali
Bisado

First published as "3 Reasons Why I’ll Be a Cat in My Next Life" by Kawira Koome. Translated to Somali by Abdihakin Ubahle.

Kũririkana Baba
Translated to Gikuyu
Kũririkana Baba

First published as "A Mention of My Father" by Leila Aboulela. Translated to Gikuyu by Peter Mburu Kuria.

Na u ke ke Ua Ja Hape?
Translated to Sesotho
Na u ke ke Ua Ja Hape?

First published as "Won’t You Eat Again?" by Akorfa Dawson. Translated to Sesotho by Cece Celestina.

Ukuhlangana noYewa
Translated to Zulu
Ukuhlangana noYewa

First published as "Meeting Yewa" by Rachel Barduhn. Translated to Zulu by Mamodiehi Gwala

Dɔyɔla la
Translated to Ewe
Dɔyɔla la

First published as "The Healer" by Noel Cheruto. Translated to Ewe by Fred Hayibor.

Inunu
Translated to Ndebele
Inunu

First published as "The Jini" by Wangari Wamae. Translated to Ndebele by Thompson Ndlovu.

የፀሀይ ግርዶሽ
Translated to Amharic
የፀሀይ ግርዶሽ

Originally "Eclipse" by Ifeoluwa Adeniyi. Translated by Tesfaye Kirubel.

Amatacho
Translated to Ekegusii
Amatacho

First published as "Footsteps" by Victor Unwuchola. Translated to Ekegusii by Jane Obuchi.

Wọtá
Translated to Nigerian Pidgin
Wọtá

Originally "Water" by Chika Unigwe. Translated by Jerry Chiemeke. Narrated by Yvonne Chioma Mbanefo.

Moráyọ̀
Translated to Shona
Moráyọ̀

Originally published in English by Sarah Ladipo Manyika. Translated & Narrated by Zukiswa Wanner.

Utiembet
Translated to Ibibio
Utiembet

Originally "Waiting" by E. C. Osondu. Translated & Narrated by Iquo DianaAbasi.

Mhide
Translated to Tiv
Mhide

Originally "Homecoming" by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀. Translated by Carl Terver

Kwat Mai Duhun Shuɗi
Translated to Hausa
Kwat Mai Duhun Shuɗi

Originally "The Dark-Blue Suit" by João Melo. Translated by Sada & Habiba Malumfashi.

Bàtà Ìwọ̀seré Aláwọ̀ Èsúrú
Translated to Yorùbá
Bàtà Ìwọ̀seré Aláwọ̀ Èsúrú

Originally "Yellow Slipper" by Iquo DianaAbasi. Translated & Narrated by Rasaq Malik.

Arraw lli Ur Illin
Translated to Tamazight
Arraw lli Ur Illin

Originally "To Have a Ghost Baby" by N. Jane Kalu. Translated & Narrated by El Housseine Abouazza.

Ahoẹmwonma Na Ye Ẹmu Tee
Translated into Edo by Omoyemwen Toni Anne Uwaifo
Ahoẹmwonma Na Ye Ẹmu Tee

Originally "Painted Love" by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim. Translated & Narrated by Omoyemwen Toni Anne Uwaifo.

Ụtụ Ojii
Translated to Igbo
Ụtụ Ojii

Originally "Black Tax" by Masimba Musodza. Translated & Narrated by Yvone Chioma Mbanefo.

Bichiboi
Translated to Swahili
Bichiboi

Originally "Beach Boy" by Troy Onyango. Translated & Narrated by Mary Mukami.

"African languages must talk to each other. This project adds to a much needed and necessary conversation among African languages."

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o