African Biographies
Project

Established in 2019, the African Biographies Project actively supports the research and writing of new biographies of African subjects by African writers. The success of the programme has encouraged a wider range of biography projects as well as a new emphasis on developing quality Wikipedia entries for under or poorly represented African individuals.

“The African Biographies Project is about telling our own stories, and celebrating those whose life-narratives chartered, challenged and reimagined the world from uniquely African perspectives” - Prof Victoria J. Collis-Buthelezi

Following the release of three new biographies in 2022, by Dr Siphiwo Mahala, Prof Antonio Tomás and Dr Buntu Siwisa, JIAS was thrilled to announce the 2023 publication of Maye! Maye!: The History and Heritage of Kwa Mai Mai by Dr Sipho Sithole. As we seek to grow this exciting project, we welcome new African and African diaspora biography project proposals that include feminist and queer perspectives.

“Maye! Maye!: The History and Heritage of the Kwa Mai Mai market” - Sipho Sithole

 
 
 

“Amílcar Cabral: The Life of a Reluctant Nationalist” - António Tomás

Biographies: published & in process

  • Prof Victoria Collis-Buthelezi: biography of Peter Abrahams

  • Prof Robin Crigler: biography of Casey Motsisi

  • Dr Joanne Davis: biography of Reverend Tiyo Soga

  • Dr Mxolisi Dlamuka: biography of Harry Gwala

  • Dr Kally Forrest: biography of Lydia Kompe

  • Dr Jill Kelly: biography of Wilson Zamindlela Conco

  • Dr Bavumile Brown Maaba: biography of Walter Rubusana

  • Ms Ncebanzi Manzi: biography of Busi Mhlongo

  • Dr Siphiwo Mahala: biography of Can Themba (published)

  • Prof Vincent Maphai: biography of Father Simangaliso Mkhatshwa

  • Prof Francis Musoni: biography of Ndabaningi Sithole

  • Dr Buntu Siwisa: biography of Dan Qeqe (published)

  • Dr Sipho Sithole: biography of iNkosi Simakade Mchunu

  • Prof Antonio Tomas, biography of Jonas Savimbi

  • Prof Antonio Tomas, biography of Amilcar Cabral (published)

  • Prof Mcebisi Ndletyana: biography of John Knox Bokwe

  • Dr Bongani Ngqulunga: biography of Mangosuthu Buthelezi