ZamaShort Volume One

ZamaShort Volume One is the debut multi-genre annual anthology of the first twelve stories from the ongoing ZamaShort singles series. Boldly African with no compromise, these excellent stories range from satire to science fiction, fantasy, horror, literary, and more, showcasing the incredible depth and range of contemporary African authors at work today.

"The calibre of talent, wit, narrative skill, imagination, and fearlessness, showcased in this genre-defying anthology is out of this world. Every story invites the reader to experience an entirely different, always breathtakingly original and compelling world, and all stayed with me long after I'd finished reading the collection (some are still haunting me now!)"

— Sarah Lotz, author of The Impossible Us.

"An eclectic mix of stories as multifaceted and diverse as the continent they represent. The vision is ambitious, the stories no less so. Topped off with a fitting foreword by genre-bending maven Eugen Bacon, this collection unabashedly celebrates short-form literature and the power of African storytelling."

— Cheryl S. Ntumy, author of They Made us Blood & Fury.

"The vivid depth and breadth of the ZamaShort project is on full show in this inventive, innovative and surprising anthology. Start here to get to grips with some of the freshest fiction—speculative or otherwise—being written today."

— Dan Hartland, Senior Reviews Editor, Strange Horizons.

"This stellar showcase features a wide variety of genres, themes, and settings, quality stories from authors you may know, and electrifying new writing from rising stars."

— Jacqueline Nyathi, Harare Review of Books.

"Across the continent, short genre fiction is alive and kicking—just check out these brave new African worlds of gods, monsters, aliens, sorcerers, spirits, replicants, amateur detectives, biotech astronauts, charismatic pastors, single mothers, culinary droids, lost loves and voluntouring azungus. You'll not regret it."

— Mark Bould author of The Anthropocene Unconscious: Climate Catastrophe Culture.

"If you want to cross into the future of the African continent, ZamaShort Volume One is the perfect anthology to guide you through augmented bodies, AIs, climate crisis, mythologies, and new identities. Highly recommended!"

— Francesco Verso, Science Fiction Author and Editor of Future Fiction.

"Dances through diverse narratives, displaying the world class storytelling African authors and anthologists have come to be known for."

— Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, author of Birth of Orisha.

"The exciting variety of styles and perspectives in this anthology promise a bright future for ZamaShort."

— Rachel Cordasco, SFinTranslation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD - EUGEN BACON

INTRODUCTION - IVOR W. HARTMANN

'PISS CORPSE' - MUTHI NHLEMA

'SUMMER' - NERINE DORMAN

'THE LAST AND FINAL BATTLE' - ZAINAB OMAKI

'THE CLARITY OF ICE' - CARMELO RAFALÀ

'THE SMELL OF RAIN' - LIBBY YOUNG

'SINDI FAIR' - DARE SEGUN FALOWO

'WHEN TWO SORCERERS COLLIDE' - T.L. HUCHU

'THE OFFERTORY' - TABITHA WANJA MWANGI

'EVERYONE IS A ROBOT UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE' - BONGANI SIBANDA

'VIBRATING PARTICLES' - DANIEL JOE

'GOLD-PLATED BOY' - HUSSANI ABDULRAHIM

'DID YOU GET MARRIED TO HER WHEN I WAS IN THE MENTAL HOSPITAL' - ABIGAIL GEORGE

The ZamaShort imprint is solely focused on the amazing powerhouse that is the short story. As per the parent StoryTime Publishing mandate initialised in 2007, ZamaShort continues to champion and add to the ever-growing canon of African literature excellence and diversity.