mbarifeed

I was reluctant to pick a theme. First, because I was championing the “themes aren’t cool” campaign, but underneath that, I had worries of: what if the theme I choose is utterly ridiculous and nobody understands what I mean? Well, that’s the uncertainty I had to deal with, and I imagine it mirrors a vulnerability someone, somewhere, might have to overcome to share their work.

There’s a sentiment from a book I’m reading that’s helped me get over myself; stubbornly seek the external. So instead of getting caught up in the I and the me, I’m focusing on you. How interesting what you share will be. What an experience it would create for all of us.

The theme is “Where I Live”.

- Issue IX will explore how you interpret the theme “Where I Live”. Literally or abstractly.
- ⁠The artwork format is open (text, high-resolution images, audio, video, etc.). If you like, collect the stars and planets and assemble them for your artistic expression. Just make sure you can send it via email - [email protected].
- ⁠Please email us your name and a short bio with the artwork.
- ⁠Four pieces will be selected, and we’re offering NGN 120k per piece.
- ⁠The call for submissions closes February 28, 2026.

I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ll share!

Damilola Iyiola

Issue VIII of The Mbari Magazine is out now!

In our eighth issue, themed “Returning” we are publishing a visual art submission by Favour Isioma (cover art), a poem by Ose Casely, an essay by Emmanuel Egbo and a short story by Abdulnasir Imam.

LINK 🔗 in Bio to read for free on thembari.com

Call for Submissions — The Mbari Magazine

We’re now accepting entries for our 8th issue themed “Returning.”
We publish contemporary African short stories, poetry, essays, photo stories, and visual art.

Payment: ₦100,000 per published piece.

Guidelines:
• Short stories & essays: max 5,000 words
• Poetry: max 1,500 words
• Media: max 250MB

Deadline: 31 August 2025
Submit to: [email protected]

The Mbari is creating a digital platform for artists to share art work. | Patreon Become a patron of The Mbari today: Read 2 posts by The Mbari and get access to exclusive content and experiences on the world’s largest membership platform for artists and creators.

Mbari Youth
By .
Issue III now on thembari.com

Issue 3 of Mbari is out now!
Before you get into the enjoyment of what we have lined up for the month, please take a moment to sign the petition calling for a decisive and compassionate action by the Government of Nigeria against Covid-19.
Please stay safe and remain resolute.

In this most personal essay, Aduke holds nothing back in her exploration of body and s*x politics.

Click the link in our bio to read the whole thing.

Instrumentalized vocals serenade poetry in Ovye's exceptional body of work. The music feels very familiar in the way that it is vulnerable and intimate and aggressively delivered with a touch of the surreal.
And there's more still.
Click the link in our bio to listen.
And follow

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!!!