CHARMAINE KOLWANE OVERVIEW

Charmaine Kolwane Mrwebi, Author, Publisher, Critic, Poet, Puppeteer, Storyteller, Festival Director, and Literary Activist has been going from strength to strength. Her own published books include Channelling thoughts onto Paper, Poetry Commando, Batswana go bewa setsetsi, Father of Letters, and Omoseye Bolaji's Tebogo Mokoena. We salute her as the year peters to an end.

PULE LECHESA DELIVERS STUNNING ADDRESS AT MRS SCHIMPER'S FAREWELL

A very short excerpt from the speech: '...And there are other physically tantalising books published by Mbali Press and available in most of our libraries; for example, books by Teboho Letshaba, and chief Bolaji, and the general one, Interviews with effervescent writers… Truly the literary evolution continues on our shores, and we have to thank Mme Schimper's deep-seated vision for this. Actually this occasion should prod us to ponder: what type of person am I? What good have I done to society, or the world at large? Am I leaving any legacy in this world? By any disparate criteria, Mrs. Schimper scores high resoundingly. And her vision and achievements will continue to be appreciated in the over-arching literary fraternity...'

REVIEW: 2016

Further progress continued to be made this year (2016) as Free State Black Writing refused to take a step backwards. Aside from the usual frenetic performances of poetry all over the country (and internationally) a significant number of new books came out. Charmaine Kolwane Mrwebi has pushed literature, and authors to the frontline, and her publishing firm continues to discover and publish new names and titles.

Charmaine herself published some important personal books this year, including the cardinal, Father of Letters, where many key writers pay tribute to the veteran wordsmith, Flaxman Qoopane. Also in the offing was a study book on Tebogo Mokoena, (the detective created by Chief O Bolaji) - edited by Charmaine. Talk of two very vibrant FS poets, and many would mention Hector Kunene and JahRose Jafta. This year the two of them teamed up to produce an excellent book of poems, titled My Muse.

Theatrical productions of the theme of this work also took place, with both authors featuring as thespians. Meanwhile, the highly talented poet and novelist, Matshidiso Taleng produced a novel titled, Unfolding the documentary. Reception of the work has generally been positive, but more important is the fact that Taleng now takes her place among the relatively very few younger African black female novelists.

The "patron-saint" of FS literary criticism, Pule Lechesa, released another superb work titled A Penny for Lechesa's Thoughts, a work which consolidates his already solid reputation in the world of letters. And another prominent critic, I. M Soqaga (below) this year weighed in with his usual string of quality essays on literature, whilst also putting together the first full-length literary study (book) on writer Kgang Abel Motheane.

MACUFE WORDFEST

Macufe Wordfest 2016 brought together a medley of aficionados and stakeholders in the literary and publishing world. Participants discussed how to add vibrancy and buoyancy to the world of books and reads. One of the key speakers was controversial and competent publisher and critic, Pule Lechesa, who wowed the audience with a thoughtful, eclectic delivery on how dedicated commercial publishers could oil the wheels of literacy and literature in Africa. Pix above shows Lechesa with legendary female Sesotho writer, Suzan Sefatsa

FELA HONOURED IN SOUTH AFRICA

A newly published book, Fela: this bitch of a life - focusing on the late iconic musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti – is currently making waves in South Africa. The book (a re-print of an old classic on Fela) has just been launched in Mangaung, Free State with many speakers and literary activists lauding the life and times of Fela, latterly internationally celebrated afro-beat megastar. The new publication is the brainchild of the go-ahead publisher, Rose Francis who is of Pan-Africanist persuasion. The beautifully printed book continues to garner lots of praise from stakeholders, and the community at large.

Bolaji's IMPOSSIBLE LOVE (New edition)

Published by Mbali Press (2016)

LET'S TAKE A WALK, MAMA. By Tiisetso Thiba

NEW BOOK: Unfolding the Documentary

CRITIC LECHESA SALUTES AUTHOR SIPHIWO MAHALA

SELEKE BOTSIME MEDIA MONTAGE

Critic Pule Lechesa (left) with a portrait of literary icon, Chief Bolaji

REMEMBERING FRANCE NTHEJANE

For years, prominent writers based in the Free State have always pointed out that Black (African) communities should take a cue from more sophisticated societies, and honour certain personalities by way of books, special essays, or other literary tributes. This axiom came to mind after the recent demise of France Nthejane, Mangaung based former Youth leader, author, publisher, and businessman. Many continue to suggest that the man deserves to be honoured and commemorated via literary tributes, including books.

It will be recalled that a growing number of personalities based in the Free State have had book-tributes in particular published on them. Such literature include works on the likes of Gilbert Modise (also deceased), Collins Mokhotho, Chief Bolaji, Dr K.P.D Maphalla, and Mpikeleni Duma. The book on Mr Duma was ironically put together by the recently deceased France Nthejane. Whilst the word is out that a book on the life and times of Mr Nthejane is in the pipeline, it is reassuring that already, a major literary Tribute (essay) on Nthejane has already been written. The tribute, which is penned by the renowned essayist and researcher, Ishmael Soqaga, is already on the internet, and can easily be accessed on Google, etc. May the soul of Mr Nthejane rest in peace.

WELCOME TO 2016 !

What has 2016 in store for us as regards literature in the Free State? We expect as many books as possible, poetry, essays, criticism, drama - even collaborations, like below!!