Omenana Speculative Fiction Magazine Issue 32

Editorial

Why are we still here?

This is a question we ask ourselves after every edition we publish—just before we gear up for another.

The work isn’t easy. There’s no pay. It takes a lot of time. There are other challenges, but the truth is, we are still here because we believe in the need we set out to fill when we founded Omenana Speculative Fiction Magazine in 2014.

We recognise our place in the genre fiction landscape and the ongoing need to discover and showcase African writing and writers.

We are able to continue pushing on with the help of the people who support us on Patreon—those who allow us to keep the site running and pay writers and artists, even if only a fraction of what their stories and art are truly worth.

We want to do better. We will do better.

In this edition, we are thrilled to present some brand-new voices (to us, at least) alongside established writers, offering a mix of fantasy, science fiction, and horror.

Amanda Ilozumba’s story, “Sarah Ogoke and the Urban Legends,” grabs characters from West African urban legends and thrusts them into a whirlwind adventure that left us asking for more.

“Firstborn” by Tehila Okagbue is a fantasy story that showcases vivid storytelling and masterful characterisation. We found ourselves rooting for the main character and were left in awe of the story.

Ever wished you could change someone to better fit your idea of them? A partner, maybe? Well, “Order Update” by Olajesutofunmi Akinyemi is both hilarious and poignant, showing how things that seem too good to be true usually are.

Have you ever wondered what Earth will be like in the near future, especially given the trends of global warming and environmental degradation? I know I have. In “Where There Is Smoke,” Chyna Cassell imagines that future with a blend of eco-consciousness, compassion, and a revenge best served smoky.

You might think you know all there is to know about sirens—yes, those mythical half-women creatures popularized by Greek mythology—but the story “Sirens” will hold you captive, as if enchanted by their sonorous songs.

And then there’s “Neza’s Yearning” by Eugen Bacon, which tells the story of an impossible kind of monster. We are drawn into the voice of a child who will never measure up to her siblings, who will never be what her mother wants her to be—until she makes a shocking discovery.

We are also republishing Wole Talabi’s science fiction short story, “Encore,” which was first published in Deep Dream: Science Fiction Exploring the Future of Art, edited by Indrapramit Das.

Bottom line? This is another issue to dive into and enjoy, so don’t let me stand in your way. And be sure to leave us comments and share!