I’ve been struggling with how to say this for a long time, but I suppose all I can do it is come out with it: I’m stepping down from my role as editor of Omenana magazine.
This was a very difficult decision for me. When Mazi and I started this project in 2014 we had no idea where it would take us – or even if it would take off. Five years later, I’m proud that our little idea has become one of the leading showcases for speculative fiction on the African continent. Our authors and artists have gone on to be showcased in publications and venues all over the world.
But over the last four years, my own life has grown more complex. Between the demands of an international relocation, health issues, a domestic partnership and a full-time job, I’ve found that I have less time than I would like to give to this work. Omenana doesn’t deserve such fractured attention. And so my journey with Omenana has come to an end.
It’s been an honour and a rare privilege to have helped create this magazine. I am deeply proud of every story and essay and piece of art that has been featured in its pages. However, it is time to pass on the editorial reins to new hands with new visions.
In this my last issue, I’m so excited to present our first themed edition: Urban Legends. We’ve all grown up with them – from the high-heeled Lady Koi-koi who trawls school hallways at night eager to consume stray children, to the terrifying Willie-Willie who stalks evildoers through city streets. These were the tales that had us hurrying home before nightfall or kept us from picking up that errant coin on the road.
The six stories in this edition present unique takes on these stories in ways we might recognize and others we don’t. Featuring the gods and monsters who walk among us, they’ll all leave you just a little bit shaken and perhaps more thoughtful.
A huge thank you to Iquo Dianabasi who stepped in to edit this edition and made each of these stories the gems you get to read. Thank you also to Anwuli Ojogwu of Narrative Landscape Press whose initial idea set us down on this path – and who provided important funding that made this issue possible. A shout out to our ever-stalwart slush reader, Chiamaka Onu-Okpara, who pitched in to sort through all our submissions. And as always, a massive “gbosa!” to Sunny Efemena whose artwork has become a defining part of the Omenana look.
And of course, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Mazi Nwonwu for bringing me in on this amazing idea. It’s been a heck of a ride.
Even as I step back to focus on some of my own projects, I promise I won’t go too far. Omenana will always have a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
I’ll bet you can’t either.
Thank you and good night!
Chinelo Onwualu