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  • Matric Dance by Tricia Mpisi book cover
  • Matric Dance by Tricia Mpisi book cover
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Matric Dance

by Tricia Mpisi

A matric-dance season in Johannesburg

$17.10 USD
$28.51 USD $17.10 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

A matric-dance season in Johannesburg

Set in Johannesburg, the novel places Kabibi Nkosi and her three friends in the run-up to their matric dance, where hopes for romance meet tensions around friendship and belonging. Kabibi’s wish to catch the attention of her longtime crush sits alongside the book’s exploration of colourism, insecurity and self-worth. South African, Congolese and Korean influences—including the Korean wave—inform its portrait of girlhood, fandom and first love. The dance gives these strands a shared setting as Kabibi considers what it means to be chosen and to choose herself.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Teens and young adults interested in young adult romance set around a school dance.
  • Readers interested in stories about friendship, identity, colourism and belonging.
  • Readers curious about South African, Congolese and Korean cultural influences and fandom.

Themes

First love and friendshipIdentity and belongingColourism and social inequalityFandom and girlhoodSelf-worth

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Matric Dance is a heartfelt YA romantic comedy set in Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

Where Kabibi Nkosi and her three best friends navigate love, friendship, and identity in the lead-up to their matric dance.

Dreaming of her own Cinderella moment, Kabibi wishes to catch the eye of her long-time crush, Brian. With plans falling apart and tensions growing, Kabibi faces colourism, insecurity, and the meaning of belonging.

 

The story interlaces South African, Congolese, and Korean influences, all shaped by the Korean wave. Through humour and warmth in a youthful African voice, Matric Dance explores girlhood, fandom, and first love. Romance intertwines with themes of identity, social inequality, and self-worth. Ultimately, this YA novel celebrates the messy journey of learning that being chosen starts with choosing yourself.

 

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In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

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Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

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