The 11th issue of The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is slated for release later in June 2026. Here is announcing the covers and contributors.
JAY Lit Issue 11, which is nature/climate-themed, explores a wide spectrum of the nature and climate discourse, creatively articulating African experiences in these areas. The works featured in this issue span poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, plays, visual arts, and photography. Contributions are by African writers from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia. There are contributions from relatively new names as well as seasoned veterans, with a shared creative excellence being the common denominator.
The cover and aesthetic theme are inspired by visual art contributed by the hugely talented Natasha Devalia, who previously contributed to JAY Lit Issue 9. Among other names, there are contributions from 2025 Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize winner, Majekodunmi O. Ebhohon, and 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup player, H.K. Yahaya Jawula.
As always, this issue has been made possible, particularly by the efforts of our editorial staff (editors and peer reviewers), and generally by the wider efforts of everyone else at JAY Lit––most of whom are volunteers contributing their time and skills to the growth and positioning of the journal in pursuit of its mission of empowering African youths through literature and the arts.
The full list of contributors is as follows:
POETRY – Victor Obukata, Scott Frost, Chidera Echedom, Emmanuel Sanusi, Victoria Kerubo, Majekodunmi O. Ebhohon, Opeyemi Ajewole
FICTION – Douglas Hajanika, Inimfon Inyang-Kpanantia, Súnmisọ́lá Olúdé, Adebayo Ibraheem, H.K. Yahaya Jawula, Emmanuel Oluwatobi Shoyebo, Janet Olobadola
CREATIVE NONFICTION – Obaditan Oluwakorede Oluwatosin, Chidera Udochukwu-Nduka
PLAY – Olaseni Kehinde Precious
VISUAL ARTS – Natasha Devalia (cover), Ogo Onyeji, Ojo Olaniyi
PHOTOGRAPHY – Seyram Klu De-Souza
Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry contributors will be considered for The 2026 JAY Lit Awards, with longlist announcements expected in December 2026 with the release of JAY Lit Issue 12.
JAY Lit publishes literature written by, about, and/or for born-in-Africa youths. The journal’s definition of ‘African’ is not related to colour, race or ethnicity, but rather place of origin and heritage. The youth age category is from 15 to 35 years. JAY Lit publishes literature written by Africans in this age category and by other older individuals who are writing with African youths in mind, whether the writers are resident on the continent or in the diaspora.
JAY Lit has a multilingual approach, publishing work written in any of the countless traditional tongues or in the colonial English, French, or Portuguese. The journal is proud to be at the forefront of championing the young ones who are staking their claims at literary superstardom, as well as celebrating an older generation that has inspired today’s youth.
As readers await the release of JAY Lit Issue 11, the JAY Lit editorial staff is already preparing to receive submission for the journal’s 12th issue. The submission window will be open all through July 2026.
