Send us a textIn a world where the lines between privacy and exposure blur increasingly, Onyi Nwabineli's latest novel, "Allow Me to Introduce Myself," offers a profound exploration of identity, familial bonds, and the often untidy experiences of coming of age. The novel centers around the complex world of Anuri, a child raised in the public eye as the offspring of a popular mommy blogger. It is with this backdrop that discussions about identity, the cost of lost privacy, and the pursuit of autonomy in an increasingly digital world percolate. Onyi keenly addresses these issues, weaving them intricately into Anuri's journey. Throughout the book, grief and identity are ever present.  Onyi also challenges traditional narratives of coming of age, highlighting that identity formation doesn't stop when one reaches adulthood. Onyi highlights the privilege and importance in the luxury to make mistakes away from the limelight.Onyi writes so tenderly on the significance of chosen family, showing them as a refuge and a source of unconditional love. The novel beautifully portrays the support Anuri receives from her friends and her aunt illustrating the undervalued contribution of friendship to one's life.One of the novels standout moments is Onyi's use of language as a tool to discuss the importance of cultural identity. In an ode to a long and rich cultural tradition, her characters names are deliberately thought out and decided, accompanied by a decision not to include a glossary for non-English terms, encouraging readers to engage actively and seek understanding, much like how English language dominance often keeps its terms undefined.In the podcast, Onyi reflects on the 'untidy' ending of the book, mirroring real life's unpredictability.In a thought provoking conversation, Onyi invites readers to embrace complexity and imperfection in life's narratives. Support the showfollow us on social media @cheekynatives
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Obligations to the Wounded: Mubanga Kalimamukwento
Send us a textWe sat down for a candid and vulnerable discussion on rebellion, compliance and the intricacies of language and place with Mubanga Kalimamukwento, author of the prize winning Obligations to the Wounded.The collection transcends physical spaces and time with Mubanga navigating the interplay of memory and geographical place. Her stories, woven in rich narratives, explore the landscapes and lives of Zambian women. In an ode to a rich oratory history we explored literary devices and cultural references within her stories.Central to her collection is the theme of rebellious women—those who defy societal norms. Mubanga explores what it means to reimagine the futures of such women, asking readers to contemplate the costs of rebellion and compliance. Mubanga offers a unique narrative lens in her writing, showing a child's perspective. She draws on her own childhood experiences with grief and loss to blend childlike observation with adult articulation. In this juxtaposition, there is the contrast of the raw, unfiltered view of a child alongside the nuanced understanding of an adult.In a wide ranging collection covering themes of identity, loss and becoming, Mubanga writes tenderly and vulnerably, often leaving the reader to ponder.We sat down with to reflect on the meaning of community, obligation and writing in the in between spaces. Support the showfollow us on social media @cheekynatives
Send us a textIn Zukiswa Wanner’s latest novel, we are confronted with couples battling secrets, betrayals and endings. This book is a meditation on the weight of betrayal, difficult choices and navigating moral quandaries. The characters are flawed, making bad choices and yet still remain relatable.This page turner deftly manages to deal with a wealth of topics including gendered social behaviour, infidelity and difficult choices. We meet Akani and Owami, who are battling interpersonal and communal pressures while trying to navigate black life. Cultural attitudes and the explanations we give to ourselves and others are the subject of a nuanced critique in this book. Zukiswa asks what becomes of a society where men have license to behave unaccountably and what this does to society’s fabric. Interestingly, the women in this book are themselves portrayed to be flawed, human and multifaceted. Additionally, Zukiswa explores contemporary and relevant topics such as gender-based violence, the grooming, and sexual abuse. Despite the heavy themes, Zukiswa’s writing ensures that the reader never feels preached to. Support the showfollow us on social media @cheekynatives
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Iris Mwanza: The Lions’ Den
Send us a textSet in Zambia, this novel introduces us to a young lawyer, named Grace and her client Wilbess (Bessy).After a string of unfortunate events, Bessy has been arrested for having sex with another man. A crime according to Zambian laws which prohibit same sex relations.Following Grace’s initial visit, Bessy disappears from custody without a trace. Thus begins Grace’s fight for justice and reform of a system which subjects the most vulnerable individuals to systemic violence and corruption. Grace is tenacious, having grown up in a village and almost being the victim of gendered violence, she is moved by this case. Despite being well-intentioned, her temper often gets in the way of her quest for justice. She is also subjected to sexism and other forms of discrimination because of her age and background.This fight takes place against the backdrop of the HIV epidemic in Zambia and the stigmatisation of people living with HIV. The author avoids prevailing stereotypes around this disease and humanizes the experiences of those affected without passing moral judgements.This is a fast paced legal thriller which engages with the themes of queerphobia, interpersonal and state sanctioned violence and family-chosen and biological.Although humorous and entertaining in many parts, the book is ultimately heartbreaking as readers are forced to confront the violence of queerphobia and what it means to have your humantity at the mercy of people’s morality and judgement. Support the showfollow us on social media @cheekynatives
The Cheeky Natives is a literary podcast primarily focused on the review, curatorship and archiving of Black literature.The show is hosted by the cheeky duo, Dr Alma-Nalisha Cele and Advocate Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane.
South Africa