Writer on a mission: Introducing KA Mulenga

Kalenga Augustine “KA” Mulenga is on a mission: To write stories that inspire children and guide them on their paths to adulthood. 

KA’s writing journey began when he was the age of his current audience. When KA won a few writing competitions as a youngster, he was spurred on to become a voracious reader, which in turn made him want to write more.

Writing is in KA’s blood. KA’s dad, Kelvin Goodwin Mulenga, was the first black editor of the Zambia Daily Mail from 1964 to 1966 and his brother, Tulani Mulenga, was a talented poet. 

“My father passed away in 1982 when I was seven years old,” KA says, “but his journalism background gave us a great reading culture as a family.” Now, KA continues his family’s legacy of storytelling with children’s books that aim to foster the same love of reading with stories that share positive messages while also being funny and entertaining. 

An award-winning author of over thirty children’s picture books, KA’s Zazi Books-published MUTLAC FC & the Case of the Missing Soccer Ball is his first venture into books for the tween age group. “Having this book published,” KA says, “is like a dream come true.”

KA finds writing for tweens exciting. “At this age”, he says, “kids’ imaginations know no bounds. Tweens are eager to explore new worlds, ideas, and emotions – it’s the perfect age to introduce stories that challenge and inspire them.”

KA’s passion for reading and writing led him to launch a children’s literacy initiative that helps him distribute his books to under-resourced schools. “My greatest achievement,” KA says, “is seeing children enjoy my books.”

Watch this space for more on KA Mulenga, MUTLAC FC & the Case of the Missing Soccer Ball, and Zazi Books!

Image by Freepik