Crossing Borders Magazine

A Happy New Year to you all. As we usher in the New Year we hope to build on the successes of 2006 and create more connections across borders through literature. I am sure visitors to the British Council Crossing Borders magazine will have noticed the changes to the set-up, introducing more colour and vibrancy...

Download 'Introduction'

In Africa, literature is, simply, nearly performance. And it does not matter whether we are talking about oral literature (or orature, as it is now being categorised) or written literature (the kind that is often given primacy or deference in academic circles, for its adjudged permanence, formality and durability): performance is at the bedrock of African literature...

Download 'Literature is Performance'

Reaction to being published in CB magazine

'I am very excited, as a first timer, to be published in the online edition of Crossing Borders magazine.  This is a story that I wrote, as a rookie, in 1992 when I was still experimenting with all styles of writing.  I forgot about it until I joined Crossing Borders online workshops.  My sincere thanks go to my mentor (Chris Mlalazi) and fellow participants at the workshop for encouraging me to submit more of children’s stories.  I am glad I listened to them and that I stuck to what I know best – children's literature.'

Download 'Feather My Nest'

Reaction to being published in CB magazine

'It's always funny how when you write a story it never seems to match up to your expectations. How you always feel you could have done better? That's how I felt when I submitted my last story and frankly speaking, I never expected anything positive out of it. A weakness my mentor, Liz Jensen always pointed out. Guess I was wrong. It’s not what you think of your story, but what a reader hears and feels when they read it. A lesson I am only beginning to learn only now. The fact that another story is being published in the Crossing Borders magazine keeps me encouraged and wanting to scribble more, more and more, until I get it all right!'

Download 'Silent Baby'

Reaction to being published in CB magazine

'I am really pleased to have another piece of work accepted for the magazine.  It's wonderful to have this platform and the reward for my efforts.  It gives me that little push each time, to keep writing, especially when I am slacking.'

Download 'Tichafataona Sleeps'

Reaction to being published in CB magazine

'It's a great feeling to go into another issue of the Crossing Borders magazine. I am thankful to Jesus in Heaven for His divine mercies and favour. My words of appreciation are also for the British Council for creating this platform. Just as I remember my mentor, Steven Waling. Thank you to Dinesh Allirajah for all the work at last year's workshop in Lagos. I know some wonderful people and they all have a warm place in the safest part of my heart. And if you have just read this, thanks!'

Download 'Poetry by Steve Ogah'

Reaction to being published in CB Magazine

'I had this weird feeling of floating. I just couldn't believe that my work had been chosen to be published in Crossing Borders magazine; I even had to let my friend read the email for me. All I can say is thank you Crossing Borders for pushing me out of what I'd like to call a 'writer's hole' and for giving me an edge to go on writing some more. The British Council and Crossing Borders rocks!!'

Download 'Poetry by Jordan Tshepo Moruakgomo'

Reaction to being published in CB Magazine

'This is a pleasant surprise and a wonderful New Year's present. I least expected to be published in this present edition. I had submitted this entry for the last edition and dissipated all hopes of seeing it published when it was published without it. I remember I was very calm when I glanced through the names of published writers and their works and did not see my name, and I said to myself; "Well done Sam, you have to write again. It's not a waste of time if you spend it doing something worthwhile." I am happy my efforts has yet again been rewarded (this is my second Crossing Borders magazine publication) and I laud the Crossing Borders team for the fabulous work it's doing to promote African writing.' 

Download 'Tande's Dilemma'