KEY FREE STATE WRITERS

(Above) Kgang Abel Motheane, Teboho Masakala, Jah Rose, Hector Kunene, Flaxman Qoopane...

2011 LITERARY TRENDS: A Review

By Paul Lothane

Is it too early to reflect on how literature fared in the FS this year (2011)? Probably not. After all, those of us who like to claim we love the art of creative writing and all that goes with it can scent the trends quite distinctly.

And one thing is clear: 2011 can hardly hold a candle to 2010 (last year) which was an exciting year in the annals of the so-called renaissance of Black Writing in the Free State. Everything seemed to come together in 2010 – exciting new writers publishing their books, literary-critical articles of the highest order, reviews unlimited.

How many times do we have to say it that writers must ensure that their books are read by the right people, respected reviewers critics, even scholars if possible? In this way they (writers) are assured of some sort of immortality with their books being analysed, talked about, reviewed. As history has shown, those who do not go through this process are either wasting their time, writing only for themselves, or will never really be acknowledged as writers.

The same 2010 we saw two, three wonderful examples of this in the FS. Hector Kunene and Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta attained the type of literary fame most new writers can ever dream about. Their books were properly analysed and discussed in national publications, and on the internet for the whole world. A researcher or any interested reader anywhere in the world, in any country, can check their progress on the internet now, and be impressed.

That is what literature is all about, focusing on the books, ideas, criticism, comments etc. To a certain extent the same was also true for NMM Duman whose apparently reclusive nature has not stopped the world from appreciating her literary genius. Teboho Masakala also hit the scene with his first book in 2010 (short stories)

So, what about the pick of the books published in 2011? One can hardly do any better than first appreciate O Bolaji's Miscellaneous Writings. Whether his career as a writer of fiction is over or not, his book Miscellaneous Writings oozes quality with excellent short essays and stories. Not only does Bolaji write about international and African writers, he does a great service nearer home here by also focusing on the literary work of the likes of Sheila Khala, NMM Duman and Teboho Masakala

Teboho Masakala second book, Through it all also came out this year. A novella, the author has been clever enough from a very young age to realise the importance of reviewers and critics. Hence his book has received appreciable attention by some literary experts. Sechaba Marumo also published a motivational book.

After an absence of some years Thabo Mafike must also be commended for publishing two new books late this year, I have just learnt. It is a bit too early to comment on his works, as they are hardly in the market…the danger, as one has pointed out earlier is the fact that so many of these publications are never really reviewed or analysed by those who know their onions.

The most disappointing aspect of 2011 was the failure of the much advertised book on Flaxman Qoopane, supposed to be written by Hector Kunene, to come out. Thus far, no apology or explanation has been offered to the literary world to explain such a farce and embarrassment. Writers, even those from F.S must remember that the literary world is a very serious, responsible one where reputations can be made and tarnished quite easily. There are many scrupulous and focused people out there who frown on what the world would perceive as dishonesty or a lack of purpose.

One or two other positive items that ensured that 2011 will at least get a pass mark (apart from the few book publications). The celebrated international scholar and researcher, Achal Prabhala visited the Free State this year and his write-up on literary developments has now been published in the Chimurenga journal, and widely on the internet. A controversial piece, as one would expect from any genuine scholar, perhaps the main defect of it was the failure of Mr Prabhala to mention more than just a very few key FS writers.

Happily enough the other major general write-up of the year, “A harvest of Free State poetry” does not suffer from this defect. Written by O Bolaji, the article is a breathtaking, authoritative manner traces the genesis of poetry writing and publication at grassroots level in the FS, and mentions over 20 of such outstanding writers! It is no surprise that the article is now being reproduced on many international websites, and is being used for research and scholarly purposes around the world.

Let me end here by expressing the hope that the year 2012 will at least sustain the progress being made in the FS literary field, with an emphasis on quality books.

MY PEN!

By TIISETSO THIBA (Above)

I have spent lots of time with burden in my mind
I have lost so many times in the past
Words of riot seek space to escaped my oblongata
Blow of gusto kept me distance from the paper
Because I’ve lost my pen
Pen of mine was lost
I was envy to ink the paper with the pen
To make changes in the peoples life’s
Make change of the deleterious feeling, change of acuity, change of igloo to warm arms, change of dryness mind to wet mind
Change of aching to delight and change of infidelity to loyalty only with my pen
Love of literature instigate me to seek for my pen
My life is accomplished with the ink in the scraggy plastic and with the born of the wood ‘paper
I’m engaged to books and soon I’m going to walk down the aisle with nobody seems around
And only I mean only with the sustenance and advice of my tutors to keep me on going and going like jonny walker
With my pen and my paper in my hands I can change and save plenty from the demise course
I can spare your tears and combat them from flowing like dirty river water with no direction
Though you have wounds bleeding bloods of your lost love ones
With my pen I can brought adore in your temple to forgive and love your haters
I can have it all but without jotting down revolution words I’m like dead man breathing
My pen is like water to defy my thirsty, food to full my soul, love to ventilate glee
After found my pen I will exhale puff of joy and kick the air like a healthy toddler
Only after i found my pen

'LITERARY INTERVIEW OF THE YEAR'

(Above) Hector Kunene (left) and O Bolaji

The Phoenix Literary Club (Eastern Free State) has announced that "the literary interview of the year is the highly illuminating one between author Hector Kunene, and versatile writer O Bolaji". Also in book form, check out details of the interview in the link below:


http://kaganof.com/kagablog/2011/03/14/the-road-i-have-traversed%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D-special-interview-with-omoseye-bolaji-by-hector-kunene/

CONFUSION IN DEON SIMPHIWE SKADE'S DEBUT WORK

By Pule Lechesa

“A special effort is needed to perceive the different social and
religious organisation of these people...the scene setting is heavy
going...I can only say that I welcomed a Bewitched Crossroad on my
desk with expectations of new discovery and insight, but closed it
with a sense of baffled frustration.”

This was critic Barry Ronge's reaction to Bessie Head's last book, but the comments above apply to some extent to Deon Skade’s first book, A Series of Undesirable Events. There is a distinct sense of chaos and confusion.

This has nothing to do with the excellent writing skills of the author - the problem is the profusion of first person narrators in the work. How many such narrators is the reader supposed to identify with?

The overall effect comes close to being a disaster for most readers as the author, who is the only one familiar with his disparate characters, assumes that this would also work for the mainstream reader. It does not.

Look at the dramatic story for example where we learn that an incensed Kgotso has killed his woman, and her alleged lover. It is a fair bet to say that there is raising of eyebrows, confusion, even shock, at the revelation of the first person narrator here. Not our Moshe. Or is it? With some effort we find out, but it is not so easy.

Again, in the short story, Class Act it would be no surprise if the reader starts questioning his or her own sanity! The juxtaposition of two first person narrators, one female, one male, at the same time in the same story would be regarded by many as an imposition, despite the author's impressive skill.

Yet what many would dub a literary glitch could have been nipped in the bud, or alleviated, if the author had adopted a trick used in some of the old English classics - including a note along these lines at the beginning of each story: "Narrative by so and so (named),"Narrative resumed by so and so...". Too simplistic?

Literary styles of course vary, or evolve as time goes on. Writers like D.H Lawrence, even Africa’s Wole Soyinka were often dubbed unreadable, but now even more appreciated. Perhaps Deon’s experimentations with literary styles shows he's ahead of his time? Perhaps the average reader is too naive?

Admittedly, a second reading of A series of undesirable events, makes the author's achievement more rewarding. But how many bemused readers will go on to read it twice at a go?

DEON SIMPHIWE-SKADE's BOOK IS OUT!!

To a large extent, Deon Simphiwe-Skade, the Cape Town based sublime arts and culture activist, is a "Free Stater". This blog is claiming him as one of ours, anyway! Deon's book, "A series of undesirable events", has just been published. Here are some glimpses into the debut work of the wordsmith

About the book

Set in Cape Town, A Series of Undesirable Events weaves together six stories of close friends, who each deals with an unfortunate event.The author presents what may have been one story in fragments that
each tackles social challenges such as infidelity, violence, HIV/AIDS and sexuality. There’s also a strong focus on the complexities of dreams and aspirations; on just how insincere some dreams and aspirations tend to be. Moshe, the protagonist in at least three stories, gives us glimpses of the disadvantages experienced by an
individual who does not intimately know his dreams. The result of such negligence ultimately breeds an internal conflict that only Moshe can address. Like facial make-up that gets applied and removed later, this book reflects application of “make-up” on many levels of the society including attitudes. But the truth always comes out in the end.
(from the blurb)

A HARVEST OF FREE STATE POETRY

Poetry at the grassroots level in the Free State has now assumed an international recognition and significance. Over the years Black writers from the Province have contributed prodigiously to poetry, and published many books celebrating poetry. This piece attempts to trace the genesis of this phenomenon.


The late Gilbert Modise was already making a name for himself as a polished poet and versifier by the time he departed this world prematurely (2001). His debut book, Our Land (a play) had undertones of poetry; and this culminated in what many regard as his magnum opus, An Eyesore, a powerful work packed with haunting poetry.

Also already celebrated – like Gilbert Modise – at the beginning of the New Millennium was Flaxman Qoopane who had spent many years living abroad in exile; he already had his poems published around the world in newspapers, magazines and journals. Back in the Free State, he graced many occasions with élan, reciting his poetry with gusto. He published books of poems like A poet abroad, and Mangaung Poet.

Lebohang Thaisi staked his claim as a young versifier of note in 2000 when he published A Voice from Mangaung, a collection of his poetry. Reviewers and critics were fascinated with the simplicity and earnestness of the poems. Now many years later, Thaisi is a respected literary commentator and pundit.

It was the turn of Teboho Mohanoe to publish his work, Enter the night (2001) which contained a miscellany of his distinctive poetry. His talent was undeniable, and a lot more was expected from him. Mohanoe recently announced that some ten years after his first book, he is set to publish a sequel.

By 2001, many were taking note as regards the literary, especially poetical trends in the Province. This was the year the highly talented Mangaung poet, Job Mzamo launched his book, Pride of My heart. The book, a labour of love for the author’s loved ones, contained many dazzling poems with excellent rhymes. The work cemented the reputation of Mzamo as one of the country’s skilful Black poets.

The formal book launch of Mazamo’s book was also notable for the fact that members of the assorted media were present, including etv (Television) the burgeoning TV station which filmed the occasion for posterity. Also present were distinguished personnel from the Library Services who basked in the literary ambience of the occasion
By this time, the Library Services were buying the books produced by the poets from the grassroots of the Free State, with assiduity.

Within a few years, thousands of such books were bought as more and more authors and their works were churned out. It is no surprise that literary pundits now refer to the period as “the golden era of Free State Black writing”

In 2003 Saint George Vis (now an academic) emerged as another promising bard, writing prolifically and pungently. His work of poetry, first things first was published in the same year (2003) and contained interesting, rhythmical poetry. The book soon also found itself in the diverse libraries. Also, tertiary institutions including the “local” University of the Free State began purchasing these pertinent books.

Tanki Phafoli published his book of poems titled: Take a look inside in 2004. His emergence garnered a lot of attention because he was only 19 when he published his debut work. He was still little more than a school student at the time, and some immaturity and naivety showed in his work. Nevertheless his book also did moderately well.

By this time (around 2004) other poets who were bestriding the scene and making their mark included Thabo Mafike and Pule Lechesa. Mafike, from Bultfontein by this time had already published at least three books including his celebrated Tjhe bo Bophelo. His book of poems Love, also entered the market and was a moderate success. Mafike went on to become a small publisher and churned out other books.

Pule Lechesa made his mark within a short period of time not only as a poet, but as a prolific publisher of the works of other writers from the Free State. His publishing efforts garnered him laurels and awards as he published the likes of George Rampai, Tiisetso Makhele, Leseli Mokhele, Pulane Moilao and Leboela Motopi. (most of them poets) Lechesa’s publishing firm – now defunct – was called Phoenix Press.

Tiisetso Makhele who was to further cement his reputation by becoming a columnist in a popular publication, had his work of poetry, Under the palm tree published in 2006. Reviewers went into raptures over the quality of the poems in the book – almost forgetting that Makhele had been writing poems from his teen-age years, even winning a CNN award when he was only 18 years old!

Pulane Moilao had a formidable pedigree by the time she published her first work of poems in 2006 (She was only 21 years old at the time). Pulane is the granddaughter of the highly revered and prolific Sesotho writer, Dr JJ Moiloa. Pulane’s father is also a writer of books! Hence her book, Threesome was warmly welcomed by the literary fraternity.

To the delight of literary pundits, Pulane’s work came across as qualitative and intelligent in its own right. Her book, Threesome was well received. Her variety of topics, breadth and vision impressed the literati who continue to praise her to high heavens. Pulane also recently announced that she will soon be publishing her second book of poetry.

Back to Pule Lechesa who is also a poet in his own right. He fell in love with the world of writing from a very young age, and loved poetry in particular. His first published book, The legacy we leave behind (2004) was a run-away success, reviewed around the world successfully. As a literary critic and activist, he ensured even more national and international focus on Free State Black writing.

Sipho Mnyakeni, a powerful motivator and pastor, also made his mark with his brilliant poetry. Indeed his book, The winning Combination (2005) contains a panorama of highly polished poems. Sipho is also famed for reciting his poetry with illustrious national and international bards.

“Skietreker” (Richard Segopolo) also entered the public consciousness as a poet, preferring to write his first collection of poetry in Afrikaans. The book, titled Apartheid ek gaan jou boks stoked some controversy, but the poet stuck to his guns reiterating that he could write his book in any language he wanted.

The media were also enamoured with Kgang Abel Motheane when he burst onto the literary scene in 2005. This was mainly because he was already 64 years old by the time he got published. He published his book of poems, titled Nowadays poetry in 2005. He has since added many other poetic works in the Sesotho language.

Meanwhile Raselebeli “magic” Khotsemg had already become a household name in the Province thanks to his powerful public performances of his poetry at various events. In 2010 he published his first book, Hold Back your Tears.

Young ladies like Charmaine Kolwane, Neo Mvubu, Rita Chirhawa and Nthabiseng “Jah Rose” Jafta have also emerged in recent times, staking their claims as powerful black poets from the Free State. They have all published intermittently in publications and journals; yet Jafta’s book, titled Rooted from the Heart was a shining success.

Jafta “Jah Rose” over the years had already displayed her great love for poetry, reading the same at sundry occasions, and even travelling overseas to showcase her poetry. In 2010 she published her first book, Rooted from the Heart. The quality book has been well reviewed and somewhat celebrated.

Perhaps the most celebrated of all these poets is Hector S Kunene who emerged in early 2010. A flamboyant, polished highly talented poet, his first book came out in 2010 (Through the Tunnel) and became a run-away success, reviewed even in the prestigious Guardian UK (United Kingdom)

The well known literary critic, Raphael Mokoena, who has published many sparkling articles on Free State poetry and writing worldwide said: “It’s absolutely stupendous the manner Free State Black Writing has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. It is uncanny. Whenever I travel the world, pundits often ask me how this metamorphosis took place,”

Deon Simphiwe, the Cape Town based critic and writer added: “I love the input of Free State writers and their work. The studies done on their work are so tantalising to sift through. It is no surprise that even international literary protagonists are interested in Black Writing in the Free State. I recall that recently the celebrated Achal Prabhala (an Indian scholar) visited the Free State to see the local writing for himself,”

A spokesperson for the Free State Library Services says: “We have been happy to support writing from the grassroots of the Free State over the years. We are happy thousands of books written and published by such writers are in our stock, available in libraries all over the Province. The writers must continue the great job, and trends,”.
* By Omoseye Bolaji, originally published in Public Eye. Reproduced by kind permission of the publishers