The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) has unveiled the cover and contributors for its 11th issue, slated for release later in June 2026.
According to the journal, the nature- and climate-themed edition brings together works across poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, visual arts and photography, featuring contributors from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia.
Among the writers and artists featured in the issue are Majekodunmi O. Ebhohon, whose play The Great Delusion won the 2025 Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Drama, and former 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup player H.K. Yahaya Jawula.
JAY Lit said the issue’s cover and visual identity draw inspiration from artwork by Natasha Devalia, who previously contributed to the journal’s ninth issue.
In its announcement, the journal described the edition as a meeting point for both emerging and established voices within contemporary African literature and the arts. It also acknowledged the contributions of its editorial staff, peer reviewers and volunteers, whose efforts supported the production of the issue.
The contributors are:
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
The journal also announced that contributors in the poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction categories will be eligible for consideration in the 2026 JAY Lit Awards, with longlists expected in December 2026 alongside the publication of Issue 12.
JAY Lit publishes literature written by, about and for African youth. According to the journal, it defines “African” in terms of origin and heritage rather than race or ethnicity and welcomes submissions from writers across the continent and the diaspora. The publication also maintains a multilingual editorial approach, publishing work in African languages as well as English, French and Portuguese.
Submissions for JAY Lit Issue 12 are expected to open in July 2026.