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ISSUE V
About
From across the African continent and its diaspora, Will This Be A Problem? Issue V brings together a powerful collection of stories that blend the fantastical with the deeply real. These tales explore the enduring history of colonialism, capitalism, and marginalization while grappling with present concerns like climate change and artificial intelligence. Yet, amidst these weighty themes, the anthology also offers moments of much-needed escapism into worlds of magic, myth, and the unknown.
This anthology features familiar names such as Shingai Kagunda, Yvette Lisa Ndlovu, Gabrielle Emem Harry, Victor Forna and Rutendo Chidzodzo. It also features returning voices to Will This Be A Problem?, Peter Nena, Kevin Rigathi, and Andrew Dakalira. And there are many new and emerging names, each bringing a unique storytelling perspective to the collection.
Defiant, illuminating and terrifying, Will This Be A Problem? Issue V presents some of the finest speculative fiction you will find anywhere.
Cover Art
Mr Original Swag
By Peter Marco
Review
Will This Be A Problem? The Anthology: Issue V is worth your time and money. The editors have done fabulous work selecting pieces which will entertain, transport, and engage readers. I will be looking for some of these authors, eager to see what else they do; and I hope to read more anthologies by these editors in the future—they have good taste in fiction!
-Arley Sorg, Lightspeed Magazine
Will This Be A Problem? The Anthology: Issue V narrates the current generation’s fears, hopes, and dreams, and presents them wrapped up within tales of the fantastical like banana leaves.
- Soila Kenya, Journal of African Youth Literature
It’s one of those collections that’s really worth your money because of the variety in themes and styles it showcases. Expect gods and otherworldly beings, humans and superhumans; stories of families, society and culture; revenge plots; thoughts on memory and history...It’s all very exhilarating, and you should absolutely get your hands on this.
- Jacqueline Nyathi, Harare Review of Books
In what is one of the many gorgeous stories featured in Will This Be a Problem? The Anthology, Issue V...Harry paints a vibrant tableau of retribution and grace, of the need for joy and forgiveness, and of all the insidious ways people’s personal hells can interlace with one another, without even realizing.
-Danai Christopoulou, Haven Spec
Introduction
By Olivia Kidula & Kevin Rigathi
The Sacrifice
By Lauri Kubuitsile
Where The Gods Go
By Kevin Rigathi
Rise of The Akafula
by Andrew Charles Dakalira
The Last History
By Kevin Rigathi
Future Long Since Passed
by Lausdeus Otito Chiegboka
What Happens When It Rains
by Michelle Angwenyi
The Mortuary Man
By Mark Lekan Lalude
The Real Deal
By James Kariuki
The World is Mine
By Kris kabiru
Review
"Perhaps, then, the most interesting thing about this anthology is how stark a light it sheds on the world around us. Whether they are calling our attention to louder things like climate change, or quieter things like the sound of the rain or cuts on people’s arms – the stories in this anthology give context and new perspective to many old puzzles."
- Michael Onsando, Brainstorm
I must praise the beautiful cover art by Kenyan digital artist, animator and illustrator, Peter Marco, which illustrates Andrew Dakalira’s “Rise of the Akafula” perfectly. His art is sharp, well-composed and lovely to look at. I hope to see more of his work illustrating the African speculative in the future.
- Wole Talabi, Omenana
A Re-Introduction
by Kevin Rigathi
Between The Red Sea & The Gulf of Aden
by K.G. Nderitu
Orange Needs More than Blue
by Sabrina Najib
Lost in the Stars
by Andy Awiti
The True Story of Banga/Tishi
by Michelle Angwenyi
Pinocchia
by Kena Muigai
I Shot the Cheating Bastard
by Peter Nena
Read The Original Version of Issue II here
Review
"A lot has been said about how Kenyan writing is not good enough and as much as I don’t want to take part of that, this anthology shows that people are just not reading Kenyan writers who are writing right now about the things that THEY want to write about."
- Aisha Ali, Binti Mswahili
Among The Shadows
by Kevin Rigathi
The Fracturing
by Wairimu Muriithi
A War of Harmony
by Kevin Rigathi
The Tunnel
by Peter Nena
Stolen Parts
by Kevin Rigathi
They were, They are and They Always will be
by Andy Awiti
The Soulless
By Peter Nena
Hubishi na Akuzikaye
by Ondi Madete
Bad Bodies
by K.G. Nderitu
And Everything And Nothing
by Ondi Madete
Lovebird
by Olivia Kidula
Second Chances (A Stolen Parts Story)
By Kevin Rigathi
Review
"It is a book suffused with some of the best writing talent in the city, and it makes for fascinating reading."
- Iloti Mutoka, UP Nairobi
"It’s a good read but it’s easy to see that it’s all indie material. Indie material is good, indie material has heart and indie material has soul."
- Kris Kabiru, Bad Trips On Scary Journeys