Conflict, it seems, is an inescapable part of the human condition. Today, we have tragedies live streamed to us 24/7, whether it is from Palestine or Sudan or Congo. Technology now allows us to see into the daily lives of people living in conflict zones, in a way that has not previously been possible. Ten years ago, #BringBackOurGirls captured global attention; all eyes were on the extremist group Boko Haram, and the humanitarian emergency that touched not only Nigeria, but neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Boko Haram continues to make headlines globally, but distance and desens ..read more

What inspired you to write Flying Up The Mountain, and how did you come up with the idea of blending themes of adventure, conservation, and family legacy? I believe the call to adventure surges in the blood of many young people, and given a chance, they will chase a dream. Children in particular are spurred to great heights when the right words are spoken to them. Having had a grandmother who regularly spoke words of encouragement to me, I am a keen believer in encouraging others, and our own selves. In addition my grandmother was a conservationist, with an impressive knowledge of medicinal pl ..read more

Flying up the Mountain is a natural sequel to Crossing the Stream. There’s no way either story would have been told if I didn’t have the grandmother that I had. As a child, I saw her as a fire-breathing dragon, formidable in every way.  However, as I grew up, I felt her love for me and found strength through listening to, and observing her. I wanted my 12-year old protagonist, Ato to similarly experience this stimulating effect of strength and love. At its very heart, Flying up the Mountain is about several things: It’s about how strong we can become when we have people within our circles ..read more

June has arrived, and with it comes the vibrant celebrations of Pride Month! It’s the perfect time to dive into some incredible LGBTQ+ literature that captures the joys, struggles, and triumphs of the community. Check out our reading list for recommendations. Read with Pride! Like Water Like Sea by Olumide Popoola As the ten-year anniversary of her sister’s passing approaches, Nia finds herself engulfed in grief while navigating complex relationships. Alongside her relationships, Nia confronts the weight of her mother SuSu’s battle with bipolar disorder. Like Water Like Sea weaves a compelling ..read more

As we countdown to the release of Like Water Like Sea by Olumide Popoola, we’re thrilled to share an event guide where you can meet the author and get immersed in her remarkable new novel. Like Water Like Sea follows follows Nia, a pansexual naturopath living in London, as she grapples with the passing of her sister ten years on, while balancing the complicated relationships that weave through her life. But looming large over everything is her mother SuSu, whose battle with bipolar disorder continues to cast a profound shadow over Nia. This is a powerful read that delves deep into the intrica ..read more

Ever wondered what the future of Black publishing holds? Or have you pondered the legacies today’s literary giants will leave behind for future generations? Undoubtedly, African and global Black publishing have evolved over the years, and we are proud participants in today’s vibrant landscape. However, these questions not only occupy our minds but also inform our path towards our 2030 vision. At the heart of this vision are several commitments towards expanding our understanding of what global Black publishing can look like, and growing beyond the confines placed upon Black writers. As such, w ..read more

As we bid farewell to 2023, we look back with a sense of fulfilment for a year that expanded our title list to include unforgettable stories, Queer literature, daring debuts, children, and middle grade books. It’s time to gear up and look ahead to 2024 for what promises to be another memorable year. We’re excited to share some of our forthcoming titles with you! Our list features, fiction, non-fiction, children’s picture books in English and Hausa, and children’s non-fiction, from familiar authors and others new to you. As always with Cassava Republic, expect authentic stories of the Black exp ..read more

Cassava Republic Press is delighted to present the esteemed panel of judges for the first ever Global Black Women’s Non-fiction Manuscript Prize, following its recent launch. In keeping with the prize’s ethos of championing Black women writers and thinkers, the distinguished panel is composed of five accomplished Black women writers and scholars from across the globe. Through their experience and insight, they are best placed to achieve the prize’s goals of identifying and publishing Black women writers who bridge the gap between “creativity” and “theory” with brilliant work that is rigorous a ..read more

Cassava Republic Press is delighted to present the esteemed panel of judges for the first ever Global Black Women’s Non-fiction Manuscript Prize, following its recent launch. In keeping with the prize’s ethos of championing Black women writers and thinkers, the distinguished panel is composed of five accomplished Black women writers and scholars from across the globe. Through their experience and insight, they are best placed to achieve the prize’s goals of identifying and publishing Black women writers who bridge the gap between “creativity” and “theory” with brilliant work that is rigorous a ..read more

Cassava Republic Press is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting and transformative month-long initiative, “Being Black in Publishing”. This initiative is part of our commitment to encourage and increase the participation and entry of more African and Afro-diasporic individuals into the publishing industry. The “Being Black in Publishing” forum is a pioneering effort designed to connect seasoned Black publishing professionals from across the world with aspiring young African and Afro-diasporic individuals interested in finding out about a career in publishing. The month-long programme ..read more