About the Journal
Umma Journal of Contemporary Literature and Creative Arts is a bi-annual peer-reviewed publication jointly published by the Departments of Literature and Creative Arts of the University of Dar es Salaam. The main objective of the journal is to stimulate and encourage debate on key themes in literature and the creative arts, particularly as they relate to Africa.
Moreover, Umma Journal of Contemporary Literature and Creative Arts seeks to foster critical discourse on literature and the creative arts in their diversity as informed and influenced by African sociocultural and artistic contexts. Our mission is to publish, disseminate, and make accessible worldwide quality information, research, and knowledge about literature and the creative arts from an African perspective. Also, it strives to accommodate work covering a broad spectrum of topics not only in African literature and the creative arts but also related fields. The journal is generally cross-disciplinary, particularly as literature and the creative arts mingle with and benefit from other disciplines in this digital age, in addition to providing an important forum for thought-provoking analyses, research, and critical outlays on literature and the creative arts.
Furthermore, the journal seeks to cover recent trends in theory and research in the fields of literature, the creative arts, and related fields that inform African literature and creative discourse. A wide range of formats and methodologies are accepted, including qualitative research, narrative research, ethnography, content analysis, discourse analysis, surveys, mixed-methods research, conceptual and theoretical pieces, and meta-analyses in literature, the creative arts, and related fields.
All the manuscripts are subject to a blind review process. The review criteria in appraising manuscripts include: (a) significance or relevance of the work to literature and the creative arts; (b) appropriateness, clarity, and rigour of the approaches; (c) conceptual or theoretical soundness; (d) connection to relevant literature in discussion and implications; and (e) clarity of writing style and rigour of argumentation. Upon completion of the review, the editors evaluate the reviewers’ comments alongside the manuscript and make a recommendation regarding submission that may be:
- Accept (as is or with minor revisions)
- Accept conditionally with revisions (only editors should determine whether the revisions are acceptable).
- Revise and resubmit (editors and original reviewers determine whether the revisions are acceptable).
- Reject Outright
Contributors to the journal can send materials on diverse topics such as: violence, migration, and exile; language and exile; gender and sexuality; Autobiographical reflections on conflict Dislocation and displacement genres and trends in narratives of conflict; trends in narratives of conflict; Literature on peace and conflict; Contemporary literature; pageantry; community cultural festivals; studio recordings; Exhibitions; Radio and TV shows; Music; visual arts (painting, photography, sculpture, graphics, etc.); Ethnomusicology; contemporary African/Tanzanian music; Film and music festivals (Sauti za Busara/Ziff/Fiesta); Theatre and communication for development; art and tourism; design and painting; documentary production; film and theatre production design; Media and development; social media; fashion; and galas.
Apart from critical works, articles, research-based papers, and reviews, the journal also envisages publishing poetry and short fiction in English, as well as creative artworks in pictorial form from diverse sources and inspirations.
