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Africa: Stories in the 55

Young Congolese man trying to deal with life and school in JJ Bola's new novel; Nommo Awards for African Speculative Fiction

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In this month's Africa: Stories in the 55, we take a look at the new Nommo Prize for African Speculative Fiction, which includes fantasy, sci-fi, the supernatural and even horror. We also talk to JJ Bola, whose debut novel, "No Place to Call Home" about a Democratic Republic of Congolese family living in London, shows how the main character Jean struggles to fit in at school and home.

JJ Bola, author of No Place to Call Home.
JJ Bola, author of No Place to Call Home. Photo: Taylor Kalambayi
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Young Congolese boy Jean is growing up in a cramped household in London full of TonTons (uncles), aunties, as well as his parents and smart yet snooty younger sister. "No Place to Call Home" looks at how Jean tries to manoeuver though school and family life while trying to belong.

LISTEN to JJ Bola speak about his debut novel, "No Place to Call Home" and hear him read an excerpt:

The Nommo African Speculative Fiction Awards cover an array of genres, from science fiction to fantasy to horror and the supernatural. The long and short lists have been released for 2017, and the prizes will be awarded in November 2017 at the Aké Festival in Nigeria. We spoke to Mame Bougoume Diene, a Nommo spokesperson, about why African speculative fiction is such a hot topic.

LISTEN to Mame Bougouma Diene, spokesman for the Nommo Prize for Speculative Fiction

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