ARYAN KAGANOF AT POETRY AFRICA

Aryan Kaganof added a fillip to the recent Poetry Africa (2015) that took place in Durban, South Africa. Kaganof is arguably South Africa’s most versatile and resilient cultural activist. He is an eclectic film-maker, novelist, poet, fine artist and an indefatigable blogger.

Pix shows Kaganof rendering a piece inspired by Mphutlane wa Bofelo's work at the poetry exchange programme. Venue was the Workers College.

TELL FREEDOM. By Peter Abrahams

'Peter Abrahams - the veteran South African version (author) – writes tenderly yet powerfully. And he has been doing so for many decades, having been publishing books on his native country since the 40's!! In his books, including this one, he always comes across as a pacifist, or/and humanist. This is a man whose childhood was spent during the terrible times of discrimination among races in South Africa. This work is an early biography of his, and can move one to tears intermittently. We see from his childhood that the white man is "god". As a child he learnt this only too well when in a certain episode, to please the "white baas", the child receives a horrific whipping by his own guardians! This amidst other unfortunate episodes like a mishap at the (water) well, and his ill-judged juvenile attempts to steal. The author's early life is soured because of racial discrimination – but not only him; his family, his relatives...it goes on and on. Harrowingly. Ultimate despair. His love for writing however developed from a very early age, and for me, this is the most remarkable part of this work. There was virtually no encouragement for him in this wise, but he kept on writing, including penning striking poems as a kid. The powers-that-be even had to warn him against this (writing). His determination to leave the beleaguered country, to feel free, to write about "freedom" elsewhere (in other countries) is very commendable considering that era and its stultifying restraints. And so in the end the author takes to the sea, somewhat...That he went on to succeed as a writer - very well too, and inspiring many other African writers in the process, over the decades - might be regarded as icing on the cake. A remarkable man and writer.' - Malome

THE GROWTH OF FREE STATE BLACK WRITING

The Growth of Free State Black Writing (2002)

Review by I. Mzwandile Soqaga

It is congenial to appreciate the crucial role and the puissance which literature has played in the lives of many people over the years globally.  Writers with their intriguing literary contribution and their books too have made the world effervescent.  Their sterling work which they produced to keep the world informed and literate patently deserve to be commendable.  From the salubrious Charles Dickens, Bronte sisters: Emily, Charlotte and Anne, Christie Agatha, D.H Lawrence, Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Es’kia Mphahlele, Lewis Nkosi, Buchi Emecheta, Bessie Head, Peter Abrahams, TonI Morrison, Nadine Gordimer etc.

Apparently, it is quite interesting to find books that are written with profound enthusiasm being well entrenched, classic and exhilarating to whet the appetite.  For years quality writers have displayed enormous dexterity to cultivate books that are awe-inspiring.  To start with, the book “The Growth of Free State Black Writing – A collection of essays on Bolaji, Qoopane, Lebuso and Thaisi is one of the books that continue to impact magnificently in the world of letters.   The book put together by Bareng Mogorosi is actually the very original (first) of the series.

Decisively, the book constitutes part of major studies, debates and critical general arguments in literature.  Solely, it encompasses the credible analyses of writers and their books or their contribution in the world of letters.  Convincingly, many literary pundits will acquiesce to that – the book it epitomises genuine literature.  However, to some in literary field who are tenaciously ready in advancing their infelicitous insanity to discourage others to grow, it can be possibly difficult for them to accept or commend any achievement produced in this wise.  Recently I observed and interestingly followed on one social media platform one of the debates about literature emanating from certain "writers" about the aspects of veritable literature. 

I was surprised to learn that there are some mischievous elements who obviously intend to hoodwink others about literary genre of literature.  To my amazement I was wholly astonished to understand that to them, it is perhaps incorrect for a journalist or a columnist to organise his/her literary work into a book form.  They continued to offer their dupe explanation blended with sophism at how literature should be.  The sophistry, unambiguously and senselessly shrugs off the involvement of book reviewers and critics in literature!  A few of them argued “That it is not worth enough for the critics to critique any literary work produced by a particular writer”.

Hapless, moreover this debate was further reiterated on social network… But the simple truth known worldwide as far as proper literature is concerned is that - only a complete illiterate or an incredibly inferior writer would try to undermine the world-respected genre of literary criticism. In fact this was a mammoth blunder in genuine literature.  It was graphic that this sophistry misunderstood the crucial aspects of literature.  What they attempted to portray about literature in general was absolutely obvious that they are parochial, completely oblivious about the imperative of sundry literature.  

Again what they failed to express eloquently or extraordinary acknowledge is the fact that in the world , even in the “First World Countries” like Britain, United States of America, France, Canada etc books since were/are churned out, compiled, reviewed and critiqued in a breathtaking fashion.  For instance Charles Dickens who emerged on the literary scene in the late 1830s and soon became probably the most famous novelist in the history of English literature, his literary works are still vibrant and enjoyed by many people in the world till today.  Dickens fiercely satirised various aspects of society, including the workhouse in Oliver Twist, the failures of the legal system in Bleak House, the dehumanising in factories, education etc., in Hard Times.  However some critics have suggested that Dickens’ sentimentality blunts the impact of his satire.  In more recent years Dickens has been most admired for his novels. The same Dickens who has hundreds of books published on him examining his work and stunning impact. Also in Africa, Chinweizu for example a world respected literary critic never concealed any words in attacking what he saw as the elitism of some Nigerian authors, particularly Wole Soyinka.  That is the beauty of criticism – and how it elevates writers themselves.

The Growth of Free State Black Writing gives a clear example of how genuine literature should be approached.  The contributors demonstrate an exceptional literary prowess which is essentially pertinent in quintessential literature.  Like in Kenosi Morake essay on Lebuso’s African Renaissance: Women.  The essayist refused to be beguiled by the brilliancy of the book and provides a very vivacious critical analysis which is apposite in literature. Kenosi surely, beyond any doubts proved that it could not be delectable for the book to be eulogised because it is simply a successful work: “One will advise Lebuso to get hold of two books written by highly respected African women writers; Buchi Emecheta and Marriama Ba.  Buchi Emecheta’s book,The joys of Motherhood and Marriama Ba’s book “So long A Letter”.  Both books reveal brilliantly the horrors, frustrations, outright injustices visited on women by men in traditional African societies."

Another thrilling essay on the same book is the one on “Characterization in Bolaji’s fiction” which evinces stunning radiance of the renowned well respected bard.  “Some observers e.g. Lebuso appear to believe that Bolaji’s 'favourite characters' are more or less the same; Amos (Impossible Love) and Mashego (Ghostly Adversary).  But the truth is Bolaji succeeds in creating many characters who definitely come alive on their own terms as virtually all readers of his books will agree..."

This book is so ravishing to the point that it is written in a very exquisite way.  The essayists who contributed their essays in the book, definitely are genuine writers who eschew to be ersatz parochial sophistry in their perspective.  They illustrated their essays in a much better fashion; one will reckon their assiduous energy and their broad mindedness to make the book dynamic by including examples of such writers like Buchi Emecheta and Marriama Ba.   Specifically, sometimes to employ farcical hallucination in one’s mind, verily cause’s ignominy amongst the people, it is injudicious to judge the book by its own cover.  

The Growth of Free state Black writing is a rather old but noteworthy book in the journey of the growth of Free State Black writing.  Initially, it commences the pivotal journey of Black Literature in the Free State.  Another appealing essays that may be found in this book is that of A.M Mokhuoa on “Qoopane's Adventures in journalism”; and “The Poetry of Lebohang Thiasi”!   

This is a world class literary work celebrating Free State Black Writing - no wonder it is available in many universities world-wide. One might also note that the editor’s note bears significant testimony: “This is the first in the series celebrating, acknowledging and reviewing latest trends in Free State Black Writing.  I’m very proud to introduce this series.  Academics, lovers of literature, budding writers are invited to send articles in this wise...". Very pleasing.

ANATOMY OF CORRUPTION

Book: Anatomy of Corruption in Nigeria

Author: S Labanji Bolaji

Publisher: Daystar Press

Who was S (Simeon) Labanji Bolaji? He was a Nigerian newspaper administrator and editor, a journalist, author, intellectual and social critic. He published at least four books, of which many pundits consider Anatomy of Corruption to be the most important. Labanji edited national newspapers like Sketch, Tribune, Punch and Concord. He published hundreds of pungent articles where he essentially pushed for a more decent, integrity-driven innovative society. Throughout his lifetime he fought against scourges like corruption, bribery and sharp practices no matter how high-placed. The book, Anatomy of Corruption is very much an eye-opener especially in view of particular societal tendencies and cultural practices that tend to encourage corruption. Indeed many things we take for granted are ruinous and insidious. The author points out brilliantly again and again that often what seems common and simple are destroying the society and country. We learn that corruption comes in all shapes and sizes, "corruption of the soul"; "corruption of the body" wherein humans succumb to the weaknesses of the flesh, and even use sex as a weapon or blackmail. Paying sycophants, including musicians to sing one's praises in crafty manner - all this fan and fuel corruption, dishonesty across the board...Reading this book one is amazed at how much of a thinker and prophet the author was; his thorough analysis of the evils of corruption is startling. No wonder the book has been a hit globally, stocked in countless international libraries across the world. Even now in the light of what the current Nigerian President, Buhari avows, this book is so relevant. "If we don't kill corruption in Nigeria, it will kill us all," Buhari would say. Labanji knew that many decades ago!
- P Lothane

WHY ARE WE SO BLEST? By Ayi Kwei Armah

'The author, Ayi Kwei Armah, elicits extraordinary respect from around the world, and deservedly so - after his phenomenal contributions to African literature over the decades. Why are we so blest? is his third published novel, nowhere as popular as his initial Beautyful ones are not yet born. Yet the style and ideas are the same, intellectualism and ideologies; role of artist(s) in Africa... Main protagonist here is Modin; Aimee, the white American girl, and Solo, the north African ideologue, so to speak. We read about Modin in America and his studies and impressions there. We are introduced to Jefferson, who incidentally suffers from impotence. The author is characteristically bland and dispassionate. As a pundit noted "Armah's account (of prof Jefferson's impotence) lacks the faintest tincture of that compassion which usually accompanies recognition of tragic facts" The vista of this work is wide, embracing different continents and countries. Modin and Solo get acquainted and somewhat bond. Modin and Aimee remain close and very intimate, till the grim end. And a grim end it is indeed for Modin as OAS terrorists set upon him and his girl and horrifically castrate Modin and leave him to die... Aimee is released after being raped, and she can tell Solo what happened; Solo grieves and feels a big sense of loss. Note that Solo in this work reminds one of Baako in Fragments, as both indulge in artistic isolation, without tangible social contact. A very well written novel which leaves one quite sad in the end.' - Eric