2022 – wow, what a year!
Firstly we would like to wish you and yours a peaceful, happy, and safe holiday season. We appreciate your subscribing to our newsletter and your interest in what we are up to here.
Every year has a different pace and new priorities. The highlight of this year was the August exhibition of our book covers at 6 Spin Street Gallery organised by Leanne Johansson. It was a celebration of Modjaji turning 15. We were blown away by what Leanne did and curated. It was also a moment of reflection and appreciation of the work we’ve done at Modjaji, of all the books, the authors we’ve worked with, and everyone who has worked with us along the way, in particular here, the book designers and cover artists. We were proud of the impact that we as a small publisher have had.
Look out for what is to come as the next titles in this series in 2023.
We’ve had several books coming out in the last two months, which has been intense.
Here are the Modjaji titles that we’ve published this year
2022 Hands-On Books titles
Selina Zigomo interviews Modjaji authors
Selina Zigomo, a Zimbabwean literary vlogger, runs an online space called the ThandoChannel, which produces various video projects that provide a platform for African women thought-leaders. She recently interviewed three Modjaji authors for her project The Book Club. Check them out here:
Shanice Ndlovu – The Pride of Noonlay and Other Stories
Malika Ndlovu – Invisible Earthquake
Phumzile Simelani Kalumba – Jabulani Means Rejoice
Women Out of Water shortlisted for SALA
A huge congratulations to Sally Cranswick whose collection of short stories Women Out of Water was shortlisted for a Nadine Gordimer South African Literature Award.
Cover reveals for two forthcoming titles
Bloomer by Anne Schlebusch
Fully early-pandemic “locked down” in an old age home, 70-year-old Boomer,Maggie, ditches her bra, browses an old diary and reconnects with her artist self. While the world feels better with its oldies locked away, the lovable and maverick elders of Hazyview Mansions, galvanised by Maggie and her four close friends, have their own ideas. A lively and entertaining romp ensues
Tears of the Weaver by Zaheera Jina Asvat
In ten superbly crafted stories, Zaheera Jina Asvat takes us into the private, individual worlds of a varied cast of characters and exposes the complicated weave of emotions so often concealed under the veneer of everyday lives. The stories provide a re-thinking of conventions and roles, enabling readers to challenge the social phenomena within the world that religion and culture govern.
Hot off the press
We’ll let you know about launches and events for our new titles soon. So watch this space.
That’s it for now! See you in 2023. In the meantime be safe