African poetry is unique in its complexity, both because of its linguistic diversity and the devastating impact of colonialism and slavery. The collection includes a mix of poetry -humorous, celebratory, thoughtful and angry - and above all is a look at the history of Africa through the voices of those who lived through it.

Wanjiru Koinange (foreword) is a Kenyan writer. Her debut novel The Havoc of Choice will be published worldwide in July 2019. She also manages three programs at the Africa Centre – Badilisha Poetry X-Change, Artists in Residency and Talking Heads. These programs all explore ways in which artistic production can influence social change. She is a co-founder of Book Bunk, a social impact firm that exists to restore old libraries, and install new ones, into public spaces in Nairobi.