African Literature in 2025: 7 Must-Read Books from Emerging and Established Authors

Our curated list of 7 must-read books showcases the depth and diversity of African literature, offering readers a glimpse into the vibrant storytelling traditions and contemporary issues shaping the continent.

These works, ranging from thought-provoking novels to powerful poetry collections, and from speculative fiction to intimate personal narratives, reflect the multifaceted nature of African experiences and imaginations. Whether you're a long-time follower of African literature or new to its wonders, these books are set to captivate, challenge, and inspire. Join us as we explore the most anticipated African literary works of 2025, each promising to leave an indelible mark on the global literary scene.
 

Here's a look at some of the most anticipated African books to watch for in the coming year:

Established Authors Making Waves

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - "Dream Count"

Adichie's highly anticipated novel "Dream Count" marks her return to fiction after a 12-year hiatus. Set against the backdrop of a pandemic, the story follows four Nigerian women: Chiamaka, Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou. Adichie explores themes of love, loneliness, motherhood, and the weight of choices, both personal and systemic. Her signature style of blending poignant storytelling with cultural commentary is expected to shine through, offering a nuanced examination of the human heart in isolation.

Chigozie Obioma - "Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow"

Obioma, twice shortlisted for the Booker Prize, is set to release his third novel. While details are scarce, the intriguing title suggests a blend of humor and social commentary that fans of Obioma's work have come to expect. His previous novels have been praised for their exploration of Nigerian folklore and contemporary issues, indicating that this new work will likely continue to showcase his unique storytelling style.

Emerging Voices to Watch

Arinze Ifeakandu - "God's Children Are Little Broken Things"

Ifeakandu's debut collection of short stories, set in a Nigerian megacity, explores faith, family, and the power of secrets. The book has already garnered significant acclaim, winning the Dylan Thomas Prize and the Republic of Consciousness Prize for the US and Canada. Ifeakandu's work has been praised for its depth and sensitivity in examining the human condition, particularly in the context of queer relationships in Nigeria.

Nzube Nlebedim - Untitled Debut Novel

Nlebedim's first book follows two characters, Kanani and Faisi, on a bus journey from Plateau, Nigeria. The novel promises to explore their complex relationship against a backdrop of spiritual conflict and societal expectations. Nlebedim's writing focuses on the amplification of memory as an instrument to address the present, tackling themes of nostalgia, African diasporic cultural contacts, and the dynamics of 21st-century diasporic works of literature.

Poetry Collections to Anticipate

Yalie Saweda Kamara - "Besaydoo"

Drawing from her Sierra Leonean and Oakland roots, Kamara's collection "Besaydoo" is a powerful celebration of memory, kinship, and Black identity. The book, described as "an elegantly wrought love song to home," explores themes of cultural heritage, language, and identity. Kamara's work as a griot, a living repository of communal legacies, shines through in this collection.

Siphokazi Jonas - "Weeping Becomes a River"

Jonas blends poetry with intsomi, a Xhosa narrative form, to explore cultural alienation experienced as a Black student in Afrikaans spaces during South Africa's transition to democracy. The collection navigates the waters of tradition, religion, and intergenerational experiences of rural and urban spaces. Jonas' work grapples with the past, present, and possible futures, offering a unique perspective on identity and belonging in post-apartheid South Africa.

Speculative Fiction on the Rise

Tochi Onyebuchi - "Harmattan Season"

Set for release in March 2025, Onyebuchi's "Harmattan Season" explores fantasy noir. Given the author's track record of award-winning speculative fiction, this novel is highly anticipated by fans of the genre. Onyebuchi is known for incorporating civil rights themes and Afrofuturism into his stories, suggesting that "Harmattan Season" will likely continue this trend while venturing into new territory with its noir elements.

As African literature continues to gain global recognition, these releases represent just a fraction of the diverse and powerful voices emerging from the continent. From established authors pushing boundaries to debut writers bringing fresh perspectives, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for African literature.