Littlegig Library
Building a collection of African fiction, coffee table books, monographs and playlists.
6 December ’23
December means that holiday reading and book gifting are on the agenda. There’s a spectacular, glossy monograph showcasing the work of young multidisciplinary artist Awol Erizku, and an equally beautiful book of the ‘blue’ figurative paintings of Ugandan rising star artist Stacey Gillian Abe. For readers there’s Mandla Langa’s engrossing, award-winning historical novel about South Africa’s liberation movement in exile, and the searing yet sympathetic insights of the multi-talented writer and activist Tsitsi Dangarembga, who recently headlined Littlegig Lamu.
JUNE ’23 SPOTIFY
21 June ’23
A Pan African exploration of the future of Afro indie folk, soul/R&B, pop and noirwave. Including past Littlegig acts Bongeziwe Mabandla (SA), Blinky Bill (KE), and Littlegig Lamu ‘23 acts Valérie June (US) and Njoki Karu (KE). Plus new favourites The Cavemen (NG), Turunesh (TZ), Mpho Sebina (BT), Mumbi Kasumba (ZM), Desire Marea (SA) and more. Curated by Jess White @iamsiwas
APRIL ’23 REVIEWS
3 April ’23
This month’s mix includes two novels that reflect on immigrant identity and three beautiful coffee table books featuring artists and creatives past and present – Kwame Brathwaite, Li Edelkoort and star Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu. We’ve also discovered a delightful collection of East African traditional tales, both beautiful and a little disturbing.
JANUARY ’23 REVIEWS
4 January ’23
In January, catch the latest African writing talent via a collection of prize-winning short stories, sharpen your knowledge of the continent’s culinary traditions by cooking from Africana, then construct your very own decolonial reading list. Edward Enninful’s fashion memoir is moving and fabulous, African Ceremonies is sumptuous and iconic, and When We See Us is the book accompaniment to the acclaimed art exhibition that’s on at Zeitz MOCAA, in Cape Town, until September 2023.
OCT ’22 SPOTIFY
27 OCTOBER ’22
Something for everyone to set sail to. With familiars like Janet Jackson and Womack Womack, and new favourites: Jack Rooster (Kenya), Simmy (South Africa) and James BKS (Cameroon & France). Compiled by Mishumo.
DECEMBER ‘23 SPOTIFY
6 December ’23
Good taste low key African sounds curated by @ojwooook, Nairobi photographer and DJ.
NOVEMBER ‘23 SPOTIFY
1 November ’23
The beat of the snare drum sends messages from the ancestors to the present. This playlist follows a journey of Afrobeat from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Cameroon, Tanzania, Kenya, Lesotho, Zambia, South Africa and beyond curated by Jess White featuring legends Fela Kuti, Angelique Kidjo and Remmy Ongala.
LITTLEGIG 23: ROUTE-ED
14 August ’23
Littlegig Lamu artist Lisa Oduor-Noah curates a journey of African and diasporic rhythms. Shuffle to alternative Amapiano, sail to smooth afro-soul and R&B, or mix it up with fusion jazz melodies.
JUNE SPECIAL
1 June ’23
A Top 10 Fiction List with a sentence on each book, from our Littlegig Lamu headliner, Tsitsi Dangarembga: Booker Prize-shortlisted author, playwright and human rights activist. Lucky us. Lucky you.
MARCH ’23 SPOTIFY
15 March ’23
100% Kenyan alternative sounds curated by a master in the scene. Tetu Shani introduces us to some new favourites including Haamza, mau from nowhere and Olivia Ambani.
JAN ’23 SPOTIFY
18 January ’23
Great tracks from African diaspora artists, from African sounds to electronic, rap and soul. Includes Mercury Prize-winners Arlo Parks, Dizzee Rascal, Benjamin Clementine, Michael Kiwanuka and Dave. Compiled by music afficionado and video maker Eduardo Bernal.
OCTOBER ‘22 REVIEWS
6 OCTOBER ’22
Our October booklist features French-Moroccan fiction, a “visual mindbomb” about surf on the African continent and another on the Spice Island, two art books on Irma Stern, and the brilliant Tsitsi Dangarembga’s latest collection of essays.
SEPTEMBER ’22 REVIEWS
1 SEPTEMBER ’22
Our September booklist features an African fashion book from the museum show that the world is talking about, a classic short novel from Senegal, a visual documentary of the ultimate cultural festival, new fiction from Kenya, and an art book that’s a brilliant round-up.
NOVEMBER ‘23 REVIEWS
1 November ’23
November titles explore the many meanings of African pasts – both personal and collective – to create something new in the present. Primal processes are central: from the ancient language of fable deployed in NoViolet Bulawayo’s Booker Prize-shortlisted novel, to the ways that contemporary artists use one of humankind’s most storied creative mediums, clay.
OCTOBER ‘23 SPOTIFY
16 October ’23
An offering of afro-house, soul-house, soulful afrobeats and jazzy house featuring remixes of legends such as Hugh Masekela, Nina Simone and fresh talent such as Ayra Starr, Adekunle Gold, BONJ, Lova Lova, Da Capo, Horatio Luna and much more. Curated by Jess White
AUGUST ’23 REVIEWS
2 August ’23
From traditional folk tales from Botswana and Zimbabwe to an intimate, fragmented South African novella, plus an informative history of African fashion and an acclaimed Ghanaian-American novel shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction – our August book selection has multivalent appeal.
MAY ’23 SPOTIFY
17 May ’23
Afro house, Afro beats, Afro pop, Afro tech from South African (OG Black Coffee and Karyenda Soul) to Denmark (WhoMadeWho) via Nigeria (Wizkid and Johnny Drille). Curated by Littlegig favourite Digital Sangoma.
MARCH ’23 REVIEWS
1 March ’23
Littlegig Library brings you an eclectic mix for March. Our art selections run the gamut from the intimate works of South African painter Georgina Gratrix to the Ghanaian sculpture superstar El Anatsui’s monumental pieces. A new cookbook focuses on sub-Saharan food, while enlightening reads include Jessica Nabongo’s fabulously entertaining round-the-world travel memoir; a thoughtful exploration of the lives of black South African women who choose “the soft life”; and a satirical take on African expat life in New York.
DECEMBER ‘22 REVIEWS
7 December ’22
Our December list features major fiction prize winners (Nobel and Caine) and tales of murder, migration and coming of age set in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Botswana. Plus a must-have book of architectural drawing showcasing South African buildings, and an eye-opening overview of current photographic practice across the African continent.
A GOOD YEAR FOR MUSIC SO FAR
1 SEPTEMBER ’22
Because libraries are for music too, we’ve got some new Spotify playlists for you.
OCTOBER ‘23 REVIEWS
4 October ’23
A debut collection of short stories from Botswana, a reissue of an iconic book by acclaimed South African documentary photographer Ernest Cole, an art book showcasing 50 pioneering young African artists, and more.
LITTLEGIG LIBRARY TURNS ONE!
3 September ’23
In the past year we have: acquired and catalogued 111 African books; reviewed 68 books here and featured them on Instagram; worked with independent book stores and distributors, and a wide range of reviewers. This month is dedicated to our standout Year One favourites…
JULY ’23 SPOTIFY
18 July ’23
This playlist is an indie ode to the depths and wonders of love and heartbreak. A playlist featuring acts you should get to know from Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and beyond, curated by Njoki Karu, who is performing at Littlegig Lamu 2023..
MAY ’23 REVIEWS
3 May ’23
Our May book selection includes cutting-edge protest art from the DRC, the ever-developing design brilliance of architect David Adjaye, and a book of thought-provoking essays by the late and much lamented Kenyan writer, Binyavanga Wainaina. Plus, something for lovers of poetry and historical epics.
FEB ’23 SPOTIFY
15 February ’23
Alternative and RnB sounds from the continent and diaspora. Featuring Karun (Kenya), Blick Bassy (Cameroon), The Cavemen (Nigeria) and Ayo (Germany/Nigeria).
DEC ’22 SPOTIFY
21 December ’22
100% African summer jams, all released this year. Includes the usual hitmakers: Kwesta (SA), Kabza de Small (SA), Wizkid (NG) and Boddhi Satva (CAR), as well as some new favourite like Mbosso (TZ), Gyakie (GH) and Lizwi Wokuqala (SA).
NOVEMBER ’22 REVIEWS
3 NOVEMBER ’22
Littlegig Library’s November booklist is a mix of groundbreaking art, vivid fashion, compelling memoir and memorable fiction. From pan-African fashion journalist Emmanuelle Courrèges’ take on continental style to a personal tale that also details the story of Cape Town, this month’s reads will inspire and delight.
INTRODUCING THE LITTLEGIG LIBRARY
1 SEPTEMBER ’22
Join us as we build a collection of African fiction, coffee table books and monographs, and in so doing support creators, publishers and booksellers. Each month we’ll be reviewing a selection of books on our channels (newsletter, website and instagram).
LITTLEGIG 24: KIDOGO LAMU
13 September ’23
Take a dive into the Afrocentric voices of folk, afrobeat, pop and soul music. Curated by Littlegig Lamu artist DJ IV and featuring artists from Kenya, Rwanda, Mali, Nigeria, Cape Verde, South Africa, Zambia and beyond.
READ NOW
JULY ’23 REVIEWS
5 July ’23
From delicate botanical artworks that document the treasures of the Cape Floristic Region to the bold celebration of contemporary black creativity across the African diaspora, this month’s books hold plenty of visual treats. For fiction fans, we look back at the insights provided by one of Africa’s foremost 20th century novelists, and finally, we showcase the biography everyone is talking about: Jonny Steinberg’s gripping Winnie & Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage.
APRIL ’23 SPOTIFY
19 April ’23
Modern, experimental, sometimes strange, always thrilling, this is an exciting exploration into the African artists leading the avant-garde music scene. Includes Kenyan rising star KMRU, pioneer of Senegale electro Ibaaku, and others.
FEBRUARY ’23 REVIEWS
1 February ’23
Some perspective-changing reads: a memoir about diasporic identity, a classic of South African literature that was banned on its first publication in 1975, and a darkly comic tale of two sisters set in contemporary Lagos. Our visual books are a monograph showcasing South African photographer Zanele Muholi’s arresting images and a chronicle of the creation of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech.
NOV ’22 SPOTIFY
23 November ’22
Soulful sounds, featuring the best in alternative African beats such as Nonku Phiri (SA), Lady Donli (USA) and some jazztronica by BenjiFlow and Layfullstop (UK). Compiled by a Cape Town jazz and soul scene favourite Kaygee Lehoke.
DECEMBER ‘23 REVIEWS
6 December ’23
December means that holiday reading and book gifting are on the agenda. There’s a spectacular, glossy monograph showcasing the work of young multidisciplinary artist Awol Erizku, and an equally beautiful book of the ‘blue’ figurative paintings of Ugandan rising star artist Stacey Gillian Abe. For readers there’s Mandla Langa’s engrossing, award-winning historical novel about South Africa’s liberation movement in exile, and the searing yet sympathetic insights of the multi-talented writer and activist Tsitsi Dangarembga, who recently headlined Littlegig Lamu.
DECEMBER ‘23 SPOTIFY
6 December ’23
Good taste low key African sounds curated by @ojwooook, Nairobi photographer and DJ.
NOVEMBER ‘23 SPOTIFY
1 November ’23
The beat of the snare drum sends messages from the ancestors to the present. This playlist follows a journey of Afrobeat from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Cameroon, Tanzania, Kenya, Lesotho, Zambia, South Africa and beyond curated by Jess White featuring legends Fela Kuti, Angelique Kidjo and Remmy Ongala.
NOVEMBER ‘23 REVIEWS
1 November ’23
November titles explore the many meanings of African pasts – both personal and collective – to create something new in the present. Primal processes are central: from the ancient language of fable deployed in NoViolet Bulawayo’s Booker Prize-shortlisted novel, to the ways that contemporary artists use one of humankind’s most storied creative mediums, clay.
OCTOBER ‘23 SPOTIFY
16 October ’23
An offering of afro-house, soul-house, soulful afrobeats and jazzy house featuring remixes of legends such as Hugh Masekela, Nina Simone and fresh talent such as Ayra Starr, Adekunle Gold, BONJ, Lova Lova, Da Capo, Horatio Luna and much more. Curated by Jess White
OCTOBER ‘23 REVIEWS
3 October ’23
From a delightful debut collection of short stories from Botswana to a reissue of iconic South African documentary photographer Ernest Cole’s acclaimed House of Bondage, and a book showcasing 50 pioneering young African artists, the Littlegig Library selection this month – as always – has something to intrigue, surprise and teach us all.
SEPTEMBER 23 SPOTIFY
13 September ’23
Take a dive into the Afrocentric voices of folk, afrobeat, pop and soul music. Curated by Littlegig Lamu artist DJ IV and featuring artists from Kenya, Rwanda, Mali, Nigeria, Cape Verde, South Africa, Zambia and beyond.
LITTLEGIG LIBRARY TURNS ONE!
23 August ’23
In the past year we have: acquired and catalogued 108 African books; reviewed 68 books here and featured them on Instagram; worked with independent book stores and distributors, and a wide range of reviewers. This month is dedicated to our standout Year One favourites…
LITTLEGIG 23: ROUTE-ED
14 August ’23
Littlegig Lamu artist Lisa Oduor-Noah curates a journey of African and diasporic rhythms. Shuffle to alternative Amapiano, sail to smooth afro-soul and R&B, or mix it up with fusion jazz melodies.
AUGUST ’23 REVIEWS
2 August ’23
From traditional folk tales from Botswana and Zimbabwe to an intimate, fragmented South African novella, plus an informative history of African fashion and an acclaimed Ghanaian-American novel shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction – our August book selection has multivalent appeal.
JULY ’23 SPOTIFY
18 July ’23
This playlist is an indie ode to the depths and wonders of love and heartbreak. A playlist featuring acts you should get to know from Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and beyond, curated by Njoki Karu, who is performing at Littlegig Lamu 2023..
JULY ’23 REVIEWS
5 July ’23
From delicate botanical artworks that document the treasures of the Cape Floristic Region to the bold celebration of contemporary black creativity across the African diaspora, this month’s books hold plenty of visual treats. For fiction fans, we look back at the insights provided by one of Africa’s foremost 20th century novelists, and finally, we showcase the biography everyone is talking about: Jonny Steinberg’s gripping Winnie & Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage.
JUNE ’23 SPOTIFY
21 June ’23
A Pan African exploration of the future of Afro indie folk, soul/R&B, pop and noirwave. Including past Littlegig acts Bongeziwe Mabandla (SA), Blinky Bill (KE), and Littlegig Lamu ‘23 acts Valérie June (US) and Njoki Karu (KE). Plus new favourites The Cavemen (NG), Turunesh (TZ), Mpho Sebina (BT), Mumbi Kasumba (ZM), Desire Marea (SA) and more. Curated by Jess White @iamsiwas
JUNE SPECIAL
1 June ’23
A Top 10 Fiction List with a sentence on each book, from our Littlegig Lamu headliner, Tsitsi Dangarembga: Booker Prize-shortlisted author, playwright and human rights activist. Lucky us. Lucky you.
MAY ’23 SPOTIFY
17 May ’23
Afro house, Afro beats, Afro pop, Afro tech from South African (OG Black Coffee and Karyenda Soul) to Denmark (WhoMadeWho) via Nigeria (Wizkid and Johnny Drille). Curated by Littlegig favourite Digital Sangoma.
MAY ’23 REVIEWS
3 May ’23
Our May book selection includes cutting-edge protest art from the DRC, the ever-developing design brilliance of architect David Adjaye, and a book of thought-provoking essays by the late and much lamented Kenyan writer, Binyavanga Wainaina. Plus, something for lovers of poetry and historical epics.
APRIL ’23 SPOTIFY
19 April ’23
Modern, experimental, sometimes strange, always thrilling, this is an exciting exploration into the African artists leading the avant-garde music scene. Includes Kenyan rising star KMRU, pioneer of Senegale electro Ibaaku, and others.
APRIL ’23 REVIEWS
3 April ’23
This month’s mix includes two novels that reflect on immigrant identity and three beautiful coffee table books featuring artists and creatives past and present – Kwame Brathwaite, Li Edelkoort and star Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu. We’ve also discovered a delightful collection of East African traditional tales, both beautiful and a little disturbing.
MARCH ’23 SPOTIFY
15 March ’23
100% Kenyan alternative sounds curated by a master in the scene. Tetu Shani introduces us to some new favourites including Haamza, mau from nowhere and Olivia Ambani.
MARCH ’23 REVIEWS
1 March ’23
Littlegig Library brings you an eclectic mix for March. Our art selections run the gamut from the intimate works of South African painter Georgina Gratrix to the Ghanaian sculpture superstar El Anatsui’s monumental pieces. A new cookbook focuses on sub-Saharan food, while enlightening reads include Jessica Nabongo’s fabulously entertaining round-the-world travel memoir; a thoughtful exploration of the lives of black South African women who choose “the soft life”; and a satirical take on African expat life in New York.
FEB ’23 SPOTIFY
15 February ’23
Alternative and RnB sounds from the continent and diaspora. Featuring Karun (Kenya), Blick Bassy (Cameroon), The Cavemen (Nigeria) and Ayo (Germany/Nigeria).
FEBRUARY ’23 REVIEWS
1 February ’23
Some perspective-changing reads: a memoir about diasporic identity, a classic of South African literature that was banned on its first publication in 1975, and a darkly comic tale of two sisters set in contemporary Lagos. Our visual books are a monograph showcasing South African photographer Zanele Muholi’s arresting images and a chronicle of the creation of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech.
JANUARY ’23 REVIEWS
4 January ’23
In January, catch the latest African writing talent via a collection of prize-winning short stories, sharpen your knowledge of the continent’s culinary traditions by cooking from Africana, then construct your very own decolonial reading list. Edward Enninful’s fashion memoir is moving and fabulous, African Ceremonies is sumptuous and iconic, and When We See Us is the book accompaniment to the acclaimed art exhibition that’s on at Zeitz MOCAA, in Cape Town, until September 2023.
JAN ’23 SPOTIFY
18 January ’23
Great tracks from African diaspora artists, from African sounds to electronic, rap and soul. Includes Mercury Prize-winners Arlo Parks, Dizzee Rascal, Benjamin Clementine, Michael Kiwanuka and Dave. Compiled by music afficionado and video maker Eduardo Bernal.
DEC ’22 SPOTIFY
21 December ’22
100% African summer jams, all released this year. Includes the usual hitmakers: Kwesta (SA), Kabza de Small (SA), Wizkid (NG) and Boddhi Satva (CAR), as well as some new favourite like Mbosso (TZ), Gyakie (GH) and Lizwi Wokuqala (SA).
DECEMBER ’22 REVIEWS
7 December ’22
Our December list features major fiction prize winners (Nobel and Caine) and tales of murder, migration and coming of age set in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Botswana. Plus a must-have book of architectural drawing showcasing South African buildings, and an eye-opening overview of current photographic practice across the African continent.
NOV ’22 SPOTIFY
23 November ’22
Soulful sounds, featuring the best in alternative African beats such as Nonku Phiri (SA), Lady Donli (USA) and some jazztronica by BenjiFlow and Layfullstop (UK). Compiled by a Cape Town jazz and soul scene favourite Kaygee Lehoke.
NOVEMBER ’22 REVIEWS
3 NOVEMBER ’22
Littlegig Library’s November booklist is a mix of groundbreaking art, vivid fashion, compelling memoir and memorable fiction. From pan-African fashion journalist Emmanuelle Courrèges’ take on continental style to a personal tale that also details the story of Cape Town, this month’s reads will inspire and delight.
OCTOBER ’22 REVIEWS
6 OCTOBER ’22
Our October booklist features French-Moroccan fiction, a “visual mindbomb” about surf on the African continent and another on the Spice Island, two art books on Irma Stern, and the brilliant Tsitsi Dangarembga’s latest collection of essays.
OCTOBER ’22 SPOTIFY
27 OCTOBER ’22
Something for everyone to set sail to. With familiars like Janet Jackson and Womack Womack, and new favourites: Jack Rooster (Kenya), Simmy (South Africa) and James BKS (Cameroon & France). Compiled by Mishumo.
SEPTEMBER ’22 REVIEWS
1 SEPTEMBER ’22
Our September booklist features an African fashion book from the museum show that the world is talking about, a classic short novel from Senegal, a visual documentary of the ultimate cultural festival, new fiction from Kenya, and an art book that’s a brilliant round-up.
A GOOD YEAR FOR MUSIC SO FAR
1 SEPTEMBER ’22
Because libraries are for music too, we’ve got some new Spotify playlists for you.
INTRODUCING THE LITTLEGIG LIBRARY
1 SEPTEMBER ’22
Join us as we build a collection of African fiction, coffee table books and monographs, and in so doing support creators, publishers and booksellers. Each month we’ll be reviewing a selection of books on our channels (newsletter, website and instagram).