Nollybooks has published a series of what Makura calls “bookazines,” which are small, purse-sized books that are extremely useful for the commutes that many young women make daily in South Africa, a country known for having some of the worlds-worst commutes. Makura was inspired to publish the Nollybooks series because of the high aliteracy rate in South Africa, especially in young women. About 88% of South African adults can read, but most chose not to, which Makura is trying to change. She believes that if South African’s start reading books by other South African’s and can begin to see themselves in the characters, they will become more interested in reading as a whole.
Makura explains that though many authors have written about African and South African culture, the stories are generally depressing tales of disease or poverty, and most people don’t want to read this kind of thing. She aims to bring a light, enjoyable line of books that African women can enjoy. As she puts it, “We are peddling entertainment. My books are being positioned as an alternative to movies, TV, shopping. I’m trying to make reading fun.” Her target audience is the young middle-class that is rapidly increasing in size and becoming an important part of South African culture.
Nollywood’s website not only promotes their books, but also includes a section with writing tips for aspiring South African writers. Many of the authors who Nollywood publishes are first time African authors who may not have had other options of where to publish. Nollywood sells these books for the relatively cheap price of R49.95 (about $7 USD).
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