Nokukhanya Ntsaluba, a vibrant force in the literary community, is making waves as a book influencer and advocate for black stories.
Born and raised in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) yet deeply rooted in Pretoria, Ntsaluba embodies a unique blend of introversion and charisma that captivates her audience. Her journey is one of exploration - both in academia and literature.
With an impressive academic background, Ntsaluba cannot be boxed into a singular identity. She jokingly refers to herself as a "professional student," holding an undergraduate and Honours degree in Legal Theory and English from Rhodes University, followed by a Master of Arts in African Studies from The University of Birmingham.
Her academic pursuits didn't stop there; currently, she is a PhD candidate at the University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies), focusing on Law and Gender. She is also wrapping up her thesis on the limitations of law in addressing domestic violence in South Africa, showcasing her passion for social justice.
In 2019, Ntsaluba launched her Instagram account, PrettyBookish, initially to document her reading journey. What began as a personal initiative has transformed into a thriving platform that celebrates literature and creates a community for book lovers.
By 2020, she noticed the impact of her reviews, organically cultivating her role as a book influencer. Today, she focuses on amplifying African stories, especially to inspire and encourage women of colour to find joy in reading.
Ntsaluba is driven by the immersive experience that literature offers. "You can open up a book and for a few hours, you can transport yourself to another reality," she shares. Her love for storytelling fuels her belief that engaging with diverse narratives fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of different lived experiences.
Her content aims to normalise leisure for black women, encouraging them to embrace the beauty of everyday moments. “As black women, we rarely find time to truly enjoy the things we love,” she explains. PrettyBookish stands as a beacon for those looking to discover exciting book recommendations while romanticising their everyday lives.
A typical week for Ntsaluba lacks a fixed routine; however, it often revolves around a blend of academic commitments, content creation and planning her next travel adventure. Regardless of her location, she ensures that three hours of reading remains a non-negotiable part of her day - a testament to her dedication to literature.
Ntsaluba is an advocate for making reading enjoyable, especially for children. She believes in allowing young readers to explore genres that genuinely interest them, dismissing the notion that 'true' reading is confined to classic literature.
“There is no hierarchy of reading,” she asserts, reminding us that the joy of reading should overshadow any preconceived notions about literary value.
Currently, she's immersed in “These Letters End in Tears” by Musih Tedji Xaviere, a compelling queer sapphic narrative from a Cameroonian author. This engaging read forms part of her ambitious #AroundTheWorldInBooks reading challenge, reflecting her commitment to exploring diverse perspectives through literature.
Some of her go-to recommendations are: “Under the Udala Trees” by Chinelo Okparanta, “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, and 'Don't Cry for Me' by Daniel Black, titles she believes should be essential reading for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of human emotion.
Reflecting on her achievements, Ntsaluba was recently honoured with the Brittle Paper Social Media Influencer of the Year award in 2023. The recognition is particularly special to her as it aligns with her commitment to amplifying African literature and arts.
Beyond her work with PrettyBookish, Ntsaluba's passion for advocacy shines through her previous role at UN Women and her ongoing academic journey. Looking forward to 2025, she aims to expand her content to intertwine her love for reading with her passion for travel, readying herself to attend several international book festivals, including the renowned Calabash International Literary Festival in Jamaica.