Nairobi Book Love

Fantasy, Kenyan mythology and the power of representation: Shiko's debut novel takes young (and older!) readers on an incredible ride, celebrating and giving life to our stories. The Intasimi Warriors series is set to disrupt the literally scene like never before. Shiko takes us on her writing, research and publishing journey with her signature bubbly self. Happy listening!

Part 2 of the conversation, exploring our favourite African reads.

You can't really talk about the literature space in Nairobi and not talk about Soma Nami...more than a bookstore, Wendy Njoroge and Muthoni Muiruri have managed to create a movement that champions African literature in all ways. This episode explores their incredible journey from idea to sensational realization of a dream...with a lot of laughs along the way.

Ciku loves a good whodunnit, and her latest novel, Dance of the Monkeys, is a testament to her love of all things Agatha Christie. This conversation is a master class for writers, based on her own experiences over the past few years. Listen in and learn how this Senagal-based MIT business graduate has truly found her calling.

When Joan started writing over five years ago, publishers told her they didn't think she had anything worthwhile to say, so she self published. Book stores then told her they had already reached their quota for Kenyan books and would not be able to carry her titles, so she went to the street vendors. 5 years and 5 books later, Joan is one of the most popular authors in the country, has won a writing prize and managed to snag a publisher. Her incredible story is definitely one for the books, and this conversation explores her passions, her struggles and her wins, as well as her commitment to write a book a year for as long as she can.

Kinyanjui's debut novel The Last Villains of Molo was so raw that when he first wrote it, no publisher was willing to touch it, feeling that Kenyans were not ready to confront the horrors of Molo in 1992. The book is based on his experiences growing up in Molo and coming of age in Ngando. We discuss writing about pain, the struggle of getting published locally and the joy of finally getting recognition.

The Soweto Uprising of 1976 was a turning point for the fight against apartheid in South Africa, and the events of that tumultuous time set the background for Hum If You Don't Know the Words, Bianca Marais' gripping debut novel. I spoke to Bianca about the ugly history of racism, finding a true voice for your characters and what it takes to write an enduring novel.

Part 2 of this episode explores the local publishing journey, as well as the inspiration for the novel's title.

Author, publisher and library restorer Wanjiru Koinange discusses her debut novel, The Havoc of Choice, set before, during and immediately after Kenya's historic 2007 national election. Love, hate, family, politics and what it takes to write a book that lays bare our deepest, darkest secrets

This inaugural episode details the journey to creating the podcast and offers snippets of upcoming episodes in Season 1.

Song credits: 'Nairobi' by Mayonde

Produced by: Brian 'Ace' Kamau