Speculative fiction has been reshaping African literature for decades, with writers such as Nnedi Okorafor and Tade Thompson drawing on African cultures, mythology and history.

Now, a new publishing phenomenon known as romantasy is taking South Africa by storm. The genre, which combines fantasy and romance, has grown rapidly on TikTok and is attracting African authors who are creating stories inspired by local myths and traditions.

South African author Caleb Gumbo said TikTok had played a major role in increasing the popularity of romantasy. He explained that the platform had helped books such as Fourth Wing reach large audiences and had strengthened the genre's position in publishing.

For Soweto-born author Thandi Moagi, African mythology provides rich material for her stories. She said she was writing about Thaba Bosiu, a mountain in Lesotho surrounded by myths and stories.

"It was a mythology growing up, but now I know that there's caves and mystical things happening," Moagi said. "Me being a romance writer and a fiction writer, I let my mind run wild with the possibilities."

Authors Amanda Holly and Ryleigh Sloan have also entered the genre with a darker vampire series. Sloan explained that each vampire represents one of the seven deadly sins, beginning with envy and continuing with other sins in later books.

For African writers, romantasy offers an opportunity to bring African folklore and mythology to new audiences through books, film, television, gaming and global publishing.