As author and scholar Ytasha L. Womack explains [1], Afrofuturism is an artistic genre that blends imagination, technology, Black cultures, liberation, and mysticism. It is a "way of looking at the future and alternate realities through a Black cultural lens," including those from Africa and the African diaspora. Typically seen through an artistic aesthetic of music, visual art, dance, film, or literature, Womack also explains that the genre can be a method of self-liberation and healing by using imagination to transcend circumstances and creating agency.
Currently, Marvel's Black Panther [2] film is the most widely known and popular example of Afrofuturism. In literature, authors from Womack to Octavia E. Butler to N.K. Jemisin and so many more are acclaimed for their work in the space.
Whether you are looking for an imaginative and liberating read or are looking for a suggestion for the 2021 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge [3]'s Afrofuturism prompt, pick up one of these Afrofuturist favourites.
Kindred
Though most of her works were published before the term Afrofuturism was officially coined, Octavia E. Butler is often credited for being an original and influential figure in the genre. Critics note [5] that her work is often multiethnic and multispecies, which is outside of the true Afrofuturism definition, but there's no doubt her award-winning writing was an influence for generations to come.
One of Butler's most well-known pieces, Kindred [6] ($15), follows a modern Black woman who is kidnapped from her California home and is brought to the antebellum South to save the white son of a plantation owner. Repeatedly brought back, the stay grows longer each time and she is unsure when it might end.
Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture
Pulling from past and present-day artistic works, Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture by Ytasha L. Womack [7] ($14) entertains and enlightens readers on afrofuturists' goal to empower individuals while breaking down racial, ethnic, and social limitations.
Rosewater
The start of an award-winning trilogy, Rosewater by Tade Thompson [8] ($14) is set in a Nigerian town on the edge of an alien biodome and follows a government agent who must face his dark past to help the community.
Binti
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor [9] ($16) is an award-winning start of a trilogy following the first of the Himba people to be accepted to Oomza University. To go will mean leaving her family to be with those who don't respect her customs, but she is willing to try.
The Black God's Drums
Set in an alternate New Orleans during the American Civil War, The Black God's Drums by P. Djèlí Clark [10] ($11) follows Creeper's quest to earn a spot on the airship.
The Fifth Season
Winning the 2016 Hugo Award, The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin [11] ($15) starts The Broken Earth trilogy. When the world is coming to an end, a mother must face the death of her son while finding her kidnapped daughter.
Children of Blood and Bone
Tomi Adeyemi is one of TIME's Most Influential People of 2020 [12] after her debut novel, Children of Blood and Bone [13] ($17), was an instant New York Times bestseller and gained widespread attention. A West African-inspired fantasy, the book fuses magic and danger as Z has one chance to strike back against the monarchy.
The City We Became
Award-winning author N. K. Jemisin's 2020 novel, The City We Became [14] ($26), blends culture, identity, magic, and myths in current-day New York City.
Riot Baby
Tochi Onyebuchi's first novel for adults, Riot Baby [15] ($18), is a global dystopian narrative about the Black American experience. It follows siblings Ella and Kev as they must decide how to use their powers.
Akata Witch
Referred to as "the Nigerian Harry Potter [16]," Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor [17] ($16) is about a twelve-year-old with magical power finding her place among other students.
An Unkindness of Ghosts
With many awards and accolades, An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon [18] ($37) was one of the best books of 2017. Born into slavery, Aster is trying to escape from the segregated spaceship she lives on, which has brought the last of humanity to a Promised Land for generations.