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Meet Your Author

Racheal Kizza 23 Episodes Aug 16, 2026

Meet Your Author is a literary podcast that spotlights African writers across the continent through conversations about books, writing, publishing, and the creative process. Each episode brings listeners into direct dialogue with African authors, exploring the stories behind their works, the realities of getting published, and the creative journeys shaping contemporary African literature. It offers an intimate look at the diverse voices and experiences within the African literary scene.

Episodes

Episode 23: The Weavings of Life by Twasiima P. Bigirwa Aug 16, 2026 01:27:07 The episode features Ugandan writer, Twasiima Patricia Bigirwa, as we discuss her short story collection, The Weavings of Life and the dynamics of writing in contemporary Uganda.The Weavings of Life is a collection of stories that showcases the lives of Ugandan women in contemporary times as they navigate the feelings and experiences of loss and yearning, triumph and grief and face the contradicti

Episode 22: A Chat with Zabu Wamara Aug 6, 2026 00:52:55 In this episode, I’m joined by Zabu Wamara, an award-winning writer and therapist. We discuss her short stories, Pineapple and Cracking, as well as her debut novel manuscript Night Dancer, which was a joint winner of the 2025 Island Prize for a Debut Novel from Africa. Our conversation explores the genesis of her writing, the themes that shape her work, and what readers can look forward to from he

Episode 21: A Chat with Ugandan Writer Joshua Lubwama Jul 24, 2026 00:59:49 In this episode, I’m joined by Ugandan writer Joshua Lubwama, winner of the 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize for the Africa Region.We explore Joshua’s prize-winning story, Mothers Not Appearing in Search, his creative writing process, and the writers and experiences that have shaped his work.Tune in for a conversation about Joshua’s journey, his approach to storytelling, and the world behind hi

Episode 20 : Writing Fantasy Fiction in Uganda with Rachael A.Z Mutabingwa Jul 1, 2026 01:14:40 In this episode, I’m joined by Rachael A.Z. Mutabingwa, author of the fantasy trilogy Adavera, Kunda, and Mbegu.Rachael discusses the inspiration behind the trilogy and how she weaves themes of spirituality, mental health, and identity into her storytelling. We also explore the challenges and possibilities of writing fantasy fiction in Uganda, the current state of the country's literary landsc

Episode 19: I Thought I Would Wear Heels to my Wedding with Tikia with Grace Jun 22, 2026 01:06:17 I had a conversation with Tikia, author of I Thought I Would Wear Heels to My Wedding, a deeply honest memoir that lays bare the complexities of becoming.In this heartfelt episode, Tikia reflects on her journey from childhood to adulthood with remarkable candour and vulnerability. We discuss her evolving relationship with herself, her parents, friends, daughter, body, church, and God. These interc

Episode 18: Widows Wear Lipstick With Martha Kyoshaba Twinamasiko Jun 6, 2026 01:16:18 In this episode, I discuss Widows Wear Lipstick with Martha Kyoshaba Twinamasiko. We talk about everything considered taboo, from widows wearing lipstick to grief. We also discuss loss, marriage, and self-publishing in Uganda.

Let's talk absence and the upcoming season Apr 1, 2026 00:05:25 In this episode, I share about my whereabouts for the past one year and a few months. But also I give you a glimpse of what to expect in the new season.

Episode 17: May Book wrap-up Jul 11, 2024 00:20:31 Book list: Days Come & Go by Hemley Boum How To End a Love Story: A Novel by Yulin Kuang Yellowface by R.F. Kuang Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta American Royalty by Tracey Livesay.Narrated by Wesleigh Siobhan and Antony Ferguson The Duchess Effect by Tracey Livesay. Narrated by Wesleigh Siobhan and Antony Ferguson Knights in Kampala by Patricia K.Rutiba Silent Patience by Jane Kaber

Episode 16: April Book wrap-up Jun 5, 2024 00:15:54 Listen to my April book wrap-up!! Memoirs of a Mother by Ayeta Wangusa 🇺🇬 •If You Want to Make God Laugh by Bianca Marais 🇿🇦 • Holding by Alexandria House, audiobook 🇺🇸 •Men of Valor Series by Kiru Taye (Books 1-3) 🇳🇬 •Stay in Berlin by Sharon Abimbola Salu 🇳🇬 •Brooklyn Kings by L.K Shaw (Books 1-7), Mafia romance 🇺🇸 • • YOU CAN NOW Send a voice message to my podcast, Meet Your Au

Episode 15: March Book Wrap-up Apr 1, 2024 00:11:47 In this episode, I talk about the books I read in March. Books that I thoroughly enjoyed and some that I highly recommend. yOU CAN NOW Send a voice message to my podcast, Meet Your Author : https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/meet-your-author/message Remember to subscribe to the podcast, and share with friends and family. Follow on X-@AuthorMeet and IG @mya_podcast for a bookish ride. S

Episode 14: Recipe for Disaster with Lillian Tindyebwa Mar 25, 2024 01:00:58 In this episode, I host Ugandan writer Lillian Tindyebwa. Our conversation centres on her debut novel, Recipe for Disaster published in 1994. It will be turning 30 years old in September 2024!! Let the celebrations begin. In our discussion, we delve into the thematic areas, writing for young adults and adults, publishing rights and writing tips. For those who have read the book, please send an

Episode 13: February Book wrap-up Mar 1, 2024 00:14:02 For February, I read amazing titles and in this episode I detail my thoughts and reflections on each book. Follow Meet Your Author on: •X/Twitter @AuthorMeet •Instagram: @mya_podcast Get in touch @rachealwakimuli@gmail.com for inquiries.

Episode 12: African Romance novels to add to your TBR pile Feb 29, 2024 00:10:42 In the spirit of African joy, I share some romance novels I have read by African authors. Please feel free to DM or email me more African romance recommendations. Thank you. Follow Meet Your Author on: •X/Twitter @AuthorMeet •Instagram: @mya_podcast Get in touch @rachealwakimuli@gmail.com for inquiries and collaborations.

Episode 11: Whispers from Vera with Goretti Kyomuhendo Feb 13, 2024 00:50:04 On this episode I have a warm and enthralling conversation with Goretti Kyomuhendo, author of Whispers from Vera. Whispers from Vera , a novella turned 20 year last and was reissued as a novel. In our discussion we delve into the reason for reissuance, writing style, choices and audience. Follow Meet Your Author on: •X/Twitter @AuthorMeet •Instagram: @mya_podcast Get in touch @rachealwakimuli@g

Episode 10: January Book Wrap-up Feb 1, 2024 00:07:19 The January reads were sensational. It was hit after hit. Can you tell? I love that I read atleast two Ugandan authors alongside book club reads and books I took a chance on. Follow Meet Your Author on: •X/Twitter @AuthorMeet •Instagram: @mya_podcast Get in touch @rachealwakimuli@gmail.com for inquiries.

Episode 9: 2023 book wrap-up & New Year reading goals Jan 26, 2024 00:06:56 On this episode I shared some of my 2023 memorable reads and I delve into my 2024 reading goals. Follow Meet Your Author on socials: •X/Twitter: @AuthorMeet •Instagram: @mya_podcast (https://www.instagram.com/mya_podcast?igsh=MXdlbmxlZTQ5ZnJ1dQ==)

Episode 8: The Blessed Girl with Angela Makholwa Dec 30, 2023 00:27:39 In this episode, I host South African author, Angela Makholwa and we discuss everything about her novel, The Blessed Girl and humour writing. Follow Angela Makholwa on Instagram.

Episode 7: The Havoc of Choice with Wanjiru Koinange Dec 29, 2023 00:33:13 In this episode, I had the most exhilarating conversation with Kenyan author, Wanjiru Koinange on her debut novel, The Havoc of Choice, preparing for a Beyoncé concert and tips for writing historical fiction. Follow Wanjiru Koinange on Instagram.

Episode 6: Tomorrow,I Become A Woman with Aiwanose Odafen Dec 28, 2023 00:36:48 In this episode, I had a bookish chat with Aiwanose Odafen on her debut novel, Tomorrow, I Become A Woman. It was like sitting down with a sister to talk about female friendships and the need to hold men accountable. I loved it. Follow Aiwanose Odafen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiwanoseodafen/

Episode 5: Even When Your Voice Shakes with Ruby Yayra Goka Dec 27, 2023 00:27:28 In this episode, I host Ghanaian author Ruby Yayra Goka and discuss her YA novel, Even When Your Voice Shakes, writing practice and what she read growing up. Books mentioned in the podcast by Ruby: -The Great Ponds by Elechi Amadi -The Jasmine Candle by Christine Botchwey. She also wrote Spears Down, a Pacessetters. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson a book on sexual abuse. Follow Ruby on Instagram:

Episode 4: First 30 with Margaret Chideme from Zimbabwe Nov 17, 2023 00:26:10 In this episode, I am joined by Margaret Chideme aka Maggie from Zimbabwe and we discuss her new publishing venture, her poetry collection and her time at PaGya! A Literary Festival in Accra. Follow Maggie across social media: Instagram , Facebook and TikTok. Listen to her audiobook, First 30 on Scribd. NB: Some parts of the audio are not so good as my guest was experiencing an unstable internet

Episode 3: Comic Culture in Kenya with Elizabeth Wanjiku Nov 17, 2023 00:21:04 In this episode, I`m joined by Elizabeth Wanjiku from Kenya and we discuss her work with Avandu Vosi and her time at PaGya! A Literary Festival in Accra. Avandu Vosi tells stories through comics and they are a comics publishing house in Kenya. Visit the website: https://avandu.co.ke/ Follow Avandu Vosi on Instagram: @avandu.af NB: Please be mindful of the not-so-great sound in some parts of the

Episode 2: Woman, Eat Me Whole with Ama Asantewa Diaka from Ghana Oct 3, 2023 00:40:39 Meet Your Author is a platform that celebrates and spotlights African authors on the continent through collaborative discussions and author interviews.

Episode 1: How to Wake A Butterfly with Loic Ekinga from Congo Oct 3, 2023 00:52:03 Meet Your Author Series is a platform that celebrates and spotlights African authors on the continent through collaborative discussions and author interviews.

Meet Your Author

Episodes

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