Reads + Repeats 03
what i'm reading and what's on repeat
This month’s edition of Reads + Repeats is dedicated to the diaspora. Up to now, the majority of the music and books I’ve discussed have been created by artists from the US or UK (which is funny because both my parents are immigrants so growing up I mostly listened to African and Caribbean music). There are Black artists making amazing work in so many other places and it only felt right to wrap up the year by shining a light on some of them. I hope y’all find a new song or book to enjoy! Oh and happy December !?
The Reads
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
If there’s one contemporary African writer you should be reading right now, it’s Akwaeke Emezi. Their novel, The Death of Vivek Oji, was one of the best books I read last year. A different take on the traditional murder-mystery, the novel uses Vivek’s death as a springboard to explore his life. Emezi writes about the reality of being a queer African in way that I’ve never seen and I’m eager to read their next novel!
Perfect if you’re looking for: a murder-mystery (kind of…), queer African literature, romance, a dash of African spirituality
Adua by Igiaba Scego
Igiaba Scego is a Somali-Italian writer . Through the life of the title character, Adua, Scego’s novel explores themes of family, war, migration and independence. I really enjoyed reading this book and I learned a lot about the relationship between Italy and Somalia. (Please know that this novel does have depictions of sexual violence)
Perfect if you’re looking for: a book about fathers & daughters, a migration story, a story about a woman’s search for independence, two narrators, non-linear storytelling
By Love Possessed: Stories by Lorna Goodison
I read this book of short stories by Jamaican poet Lorna Goodison in just two days! Love (romantic, platonic, familial, or self-love) shows up in every story, usually alongside loss. In writing about Jamaica and Jamaican people, Goodison also makes comments about some of the island’s sociopolitical issues like poverty and colorism.
Perfect if you’re looking for: a short story collection, stories that center love, Caribbean literature, prose with a poetic flow, a book written in patois
“Love After Love” by Derek Walcott
Sir Derek Walcott was a Nobel Prize-winning Saint Lucian poet and playwright. I stumbled across this poem on Twitter a couple months ago and wrote it in my journal; this edition of R&R felt like the perfect time to share it.
The Repeats
Neema Nekesa
Sometimes the Spotify algorithm does what it needs to do! Born in Ethiopia and raised in the Netherlands, Neema Nekesa’s songs have been in heavy rotation. Definitely check her out if you’re looking for sing-along worthy R&B.
“Mascarade” - Lous and the Yakuza and YENDRY
I’ve been a fan of Lous and the Yakuza since her debut album, Gore, was released in 2020. On “Mascarade”, the Congolose-Belgian singer teams up with Yendry for a smooth track that mixes French and Spanish.
this is no longer a dream - anaiis
I love this album so much I bought it on vinyl as a Christmas present to myself last December. anaiis is a French-Senegalese singer who deserves so much praise. This is no longer a dream is a beautiful album filled with spirit and soul and richness. If you listen to anything I’m recommending this month make it this. My favorite track from the project is “make it easier”. And can we talk about this cover!
“Tamina” - Kady
“Tamina” is a vibrant and bright song by Cape Verdean singer Kady that’ll make you wish you were dancing on a tropical beach.
“Awula” - BiQo ft $pacely, DJ Segs
BiQo is part of the creative collective SuperJazzClub, a group of producers/film makers/DJs/artists from Accra. “Awula” is BiQo’s most recent single, and one of his more upbeat songs, that makes you want to dance. I love the music video too, it’s just a vibe. I put on his other songs, like Ewuradwoa and Sei Nkoaa, when I’m in the mood for something a little softer.
That wraps up this month’s Reads & Repeats! Let me know what you’re listening to or reading in the comments :)
Thanks for reading and talk soon,
-Yeaye
Thank you highlighting all of these artists! It may be "sad" from some people's perspectives that I'm not familiar with many artists from the diaspora but I'm thankful you shared them with us. On a completely different music note, I've had basically everything from Metro Boomin's new album on repeat and thought his rollout for it was and continues to be excellent.
Love it!! Thanks for sharing 😘