Xarra translates to "diverse people unite". Therefore we aim to mainstream the African book and unite our diverse continent and African Diaspora through our reading culture...
The Xarra Brand
Xarra Books was founded in 2006 to be the home of the African book. The famous, independent bookstore is situated in Midrand, close to Gallagher Conference Centre. Xarra books is a black owned bookstore that was founded by June Josephs-Langa and Dr. Khanyiso Mguni. The name ‘Xarra’ is from the Khoi language and loosely translates to ‘diverse people unite’. In the early years, the focus was on book retail and distribution. The company branched into publishing in 2014, producing its first publication, Homesoil In My Blood, by Prof Keorapetse Kgositsile in 2016. Xarra Books Publishing cuts across all genres of the African book: fiction, non-fiction, travel, life, romance and many more.
“Xarra Books puts the African book in the mainstream. We cut across the geographic, cultural and literary landscapes of the African continent and its Diaspora to expose the richness of the continent beyond its natural physical resources.”
“Xarra Books puts the African book in the mainstream. We cut across the geographic, cultural and literary landscapes of the African continent and its Diaspora to expose the richness of the continent beyond its natural physical resources.”
Acclaimed authors include Keorapetse Kgositsile, Sabata-mpho Mokae, Sihle Bolani, Samuel Shakong, Christopher Mlalazi, Letepe Maisela, Nakanjani Sibiya, Khanyiso Mguni, Tuelo Gabonewe, Simon Luyikumu, Matome Sibelebele, Joyce Jenje Makwenda, Steve Malesela Lebelo, Getrude Takawira. For us, Africa is not just a continent, it’s a world that encompasses the African Diaspora. We select stories that carry meaning and expose the greatness of Africa. Thus our publications adhere to the highest quality standards.
Xarra is also the home for books from across the continent of Africa and the African Diaspora.
It is a literary confluence of Africa’s landscape, skyscape and mindscape exploring the depths and heights of Africa’s past, present and future creativity and experiences through various genres of books. We explore the ancient civilizations of the continent, the learnings of Timbuktu, the teachings of African scholars, philosophers, leaders like Nelson Mandela, Marcus Noriah Garvey, Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiongo, Wole Soyinka, Dambudzo Marechera and others; urban dramas and popular fiction of the likes of Ben Okri, Zakes Mda, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Zane, Isadore Johnson, Niq Mhlongo, Fred Khumalo and others; biographies of African heroes and heroines like Nelson Mandela, Miriam Makeba, Kwame Nkrumah, Martin Luther King and a whole lot of others.
Establishment of Xarra Books
Xarra Books branches into publishing
Xarra Books produces first publication
What We Are About
At Xarra, the mainstream is the African book: biographies, life stories, lifestyles, African history and literature classics, food, travel, and so on. The books are from across the African continent and the African Diaspora. New publishing houses are cropping up all over the continent, many owned by young Africans. The future looks bright; African stories have been under-told for too long. Young people are aware of that, which is what triggers change. The realisation that colonial symbols should fall is also a clarion call for African writing to come to life.
Meet The Founders
Dr Khanyiso Mguni
Owner & Co-Founder of Xarra Books
June Josephs-Langa
Owner & Co-Founder of Xarra Books