Unathi Magubeni is a South African writer, sangoma, and trainee herbalist, best known for his novel Nwelezelanga: The Star Child (2016). His work in fiction has garnered critical acclaim, with notable praise from award-winning authors like Siphiwo Mahala.
Born in the Eastern Cape, Magubeni's journey into literature began with his education in Cape Town. "I left my family in the EC and went to study further in Cape Town. I'd often write letters, and they would write back," he recalls. This correspondence ignited his love for writing, moving beyond the structured schoolwork that lacked inspiration.
Magubeni's first published work was a poetry anthology, Food for Thought (2003). Despite early success, he entered the corporate world, working at Old Mutual in 2005. However, the corporate environment stifled his creativity. "The only writing I did was reports and taking minutes," he noted, adding that his colleagues suggested he should write a book instead.
In December 2009, Magubeni left his corporate job and returned to his roots in the Eastern Cape. He adopted a nomadic lifestyle, writing whenever inspiration struck. By 2011, he had completed the manuscript for Nwelezelanga: The Star Child.
The Star Child (2016) tells the story of an orphaned albino girl and stands out for its poetic and spiritual depth. The novel's reception was overwhelmingly positive. Award-winning author Siphiwo Mahala hailed Magubeni as a highly talented writer. "It is heart-warming and an honour that the work of art is received well by some of my heroes. It is a feeling that is hard to describe. I bow in humbleness. I am grateful," Magubeni expressed his gratitude.
Magubeni's spiritual practice as a sangoma and trainee herbalist deeply influences his writing. He views himself as a vessel used by higher spirits for spiritual ends. "They heal me, and I share the experience with the many," he explains. His work aims to create harmony and peace, contrasting the negativity often found in media.
Nwelezelanga: The Star Child was on the longlist for the prestigious Etisalat Prize for Literature.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Unathi Magubeni
Born in the Eastern Cape, Magubeni's journey into literature began with his education in Cape Town. "I left my family in the EC and went to study further in Cape Town. I'd often write letters, and they would write back," he recalls. This correspondence ignited his love for writing, moving beyond the structured schoolwork that lacked inspiration.
Magubeni's first published work was a poetry anthology, Food for Thought (2003). Despite early success, he entered the corporate world, working at Old Mutual in 2005. However, the corporate environment stifled his creativity. "The only writing I did was reports and taking minutes," he noted, adding that his colleagues suggested he should write a book instead.
In December 2009, Magubeni left his corporate job and returned to his roots in the Eastern Cape. He adopted a nomadic lifestyle, writing whenever inspiration struck. By 2011, he had completed the manuscript for Nwelezelanga: The Star Child.
The Star Child (2016) tells the story of an orphaned albino girl and stands out for its poetic and spiritual depth. The novel's reception was overwhelmingly positive. Award-winning author Siphiwo Mahala hailed Magubeni as a highly talented writer. "It is heart-warming and an honour that the work of art is received well by some of my heroes. It is a feeling that is hard to describe. I bow in humbleness. I am grateful," Magubeni expressed his gratitude.
Magubeni's spiritual practice as a sangoma and trainee herbalist deeply influences his writing. He views himself as a vessel used by higher spirits for spiritual ends. "They heal me, and I share the experience with the many," he explains. His work aims to create harmony and peace, contrasting the negativity often found in media.
Nwelezelanga: The Star Child was on the longlist for the prestigious Etisalat Prize for Literature.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Unathi Magubeni
years of life: 1982 – present
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