Mukandi Siame

Mukandi Siame is a Zambian writer and brand strategist. Her short story “Ashes for Ashes” was recognized and translated by the Egyptian Embassy for the anthology Short Stories from Zambia. Her short stories “Landing On Clouds” and “No Strings Attached” were runners-up in the Zambia Women Writers Association short story competition (2017) and Kalemba Prize (2023), respectively. Her essay “Like Mother” won the inaugural Ubwali Hope Prize (2024). Mukandi’s latest short story, “End of the Road,” is published in the 2025 Myaambo anthology M’zimu Wachikondi (Ghost Love) and Other Short Stories. She contributes to Nkwazi and writes a personal newsletter called Kandi’s Notes. She believes great stories can change the world.
Reading List
Like Mother
I will cook, clean, catch a bullet, and bring down the moon with more ease than I would hug Mother and tell her I love her. She must know that I do, right?