Cassava will be a distinctive and original voice in the UK literary scene, with an eclectic list of quality literary fiction, crime, YA women’s fiction and children’s books, plus an imprint of romantic fiction, Ankara Press. These books encapsulate the vibrancy and diversity of prose by African writers on the continent and in the diaspora, representing an exciting new body of literature that links writers across different times, spaces and genres.

With headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria and founder Bibi Bakare-Yusuf now based in London, the trailblazing publisher is in a unique position to bring the finest contemporary African writing directly to UK audiences.Bakare-Yusuf is joined by Emma Shercliff, formerly MD of Macmillan English Campus and head of export sales at Hodder Education, bringing a truly international and cross-cultural dynamic to Cassava.

CRP have three brilliant and diverse new novels launching this April: Elnathan John’s breathtaking Born on a Tuesday which tackles unexplored aspects of friendship, love, trauma and politics in recent Northern Nigerian history, Sarah Ladipo Manyika’s mesmerising Like A Mule Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun, a subtle story about ageing, friendship and loss and the erotic yearnings of an older woman set in San Francisco, and Easy Motion Tourist by Leye Adenle, a pulsating crime novel set in the underworld of Lagos.

Each of the novels is strikingly different in narrative and genre, but all are linked by the exploration of a common theme – the identity of place and the city as a hub of global nomads. These stories are unique to a UK audience in their vivid portrayal of cities we are not often exposed to, and the rich and diverse patchwork of people that build them. Whether tackling issues of youth culture and Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria, ageing and displaced memory in San Francisco or the clandestine trading of organs in Lagos  – these novels bring to the spotlight a host of under-represented voices.

All three authors are available for press and will be in the UK from 6 – 13 April where they will be taking place in a series of panel events and discussions across the country in partnership with the British Council. Would you be interested in an interview exploring the representation of African identity in modern literature? Founders Bibi and Emma are available to speak about their venture and what they hope Cassava Republic will bring to UK publishing, and also explore the African literary scene in more depth.

For more information head to Cassava Republic