FILM DOCUMENTARY TO BE MADE ON BOLAJI

A special documentary is to be made covering the literary feats and galvanic achievements of outstanding writer Omoseye Bolaji. The renowned Big Fish School of filmmaking, via the award winning Little Pond production, in Gauteng is orchestrating the documentary, in their special documentaries on provincial artists and authors. Winnie Mokhomo of the film-making firm says: “I saw all Mr Bolaji’s books and read every book review about them on the internet. And there are two aspects that caught my eye and I was interested to include them in the documentary, which is “People of the townships” and the Tebogo Mystery” series. The documentary will include the literary journey of Bolaji, reaching a crescendo when he was honoured by both the UFS and when he garnered a major Chieftaincy title; and also about the books of the celebrated author. Winnie added: “The documentary will also be about how Bolaji has inspired many people and his role in the community. It’s obvious that he has had a great impact in the community because of his achievements... it would be a great honour to do this documentary about him”. The script for the documentary is already being fine-tuned in Johannesburg, after initial trips to Bloemfontein by the documentary team to talk to Bolaji and other key literary figures in the province. The pivotal role played by the FS Provincial Library system will be highlighted in the documentary. Also expected to feature in the documentary are key FS writers like Lebohang Thaisi, Flaxman Qoopane, Pule Lechesa, and Hector Kunene Pule Lechesa, who has been liaising with the documentary team said: “It’s exhilarating times again...it is no longer news that FS Black literature is world famous with literary protagonists always checking on what is happening here. Omoseye Bolaji has played an extraordinary role in this miracle over the years and it is gratifying that this special international documentary will mainly focus on him,” Bolaji’s celebrated books over the years include Impossible love (2000), The ghostly adversary (2001), Thoughts on FS Writing (2002), People of the townships (2003), Molebogeng A Mokhuoa (2004), The subtle transgressor (2006), Tebogo and the haka (2008), Tebogo and the epithalamion (2009), Tebogo and the pantophagist (2010) and Tebogo and the bacchae (2012)

FREE STATE OF MIND

This book of riveting poetry is available@ Beija Beija store-Waterfront-Bloemfontein-1st floor next to Woolworths priced@R200

THE GOOD BLACK MEN OF TODAY

By TUMI MOKHOANTLE As a young black woman I live within a disenfranchised and stereotyping society which has painted the average black as "ARROGANT." And I hereby confess that I believed this concept, especially as a feminist I would go as far as referring men as foolish. According to statistics the average black man is either in jail, sires and then abandons his family, gets drunk on the street corner, rapes old ladies and violates. "Black men are absolutely foolish!" As this rolled off my tongue, something forcefully reminded: My mentor is a black man My brother is a black man My uncle is a black man My president is a black man My God is *The* Man In other words am I saying that they, too are foolish and arrogant? Actually these men, have built civilizations and made remarkable discoveries which continue to influence the world as we know it today. They are well educated, socially astute, dedicated to their communities and lead by telling the truth and taking responsibilities for their actions. I was humiliated by the statement I made. I have watched black men all my life and as a black woman I thought I had the right to say so. While I have watched them I've also admired them, cared about them and most respected them, therefore why would I admire a foolish person? And why do I sound like the racially charged media? Why do women spend so much time trying to impress and allure people refer as arrogant? Let me tell you what I know about men. In the beginning men were created in love. Anyone who takes time to make a close examination will discover that men are hard-working, good to their wives and they are family-conscious. They are individuals who are striving to reach a goal and realize a dream. We forget about the police officer, accountant, plumber, businessman and postman. The impact of always thinking wrongly of you has depleted your desire and ability to live consciously according to your true nature. Man! We (women) stand in reverence of you. You are not dogs, dangerous, or disgraceful. We need you to continue protecting us as well as taking charge...

GEORGE RAMPAI STUNS LITERARY WORLD

By TEBOHO MASAKALA The literary world is abuzz again with excitement following the publication of a new novel titled From where I stand by George Rampai a Ladybrand born novelist. Rampai is the first black novelist to emerge from Ladybrand in the Eastern Free State, noted for some critical essays over the years, Rampai has now released his first novel from Where I stand. “I am very proud of Ladybrand my home town, I was born there and lived all my life there, I know it inside out, I am so happy my novel is based on vibrant Ladybrand” Rampai Told Mangaung Issue, Rampai said that he has loved African literature from a young age and learnt the value of libraries and read many books penned down by African writers like Kalu Okpi, Chinua Achebe and late South African writer Eskia Mphahlele. George considers Omoseye Bolaji’s People of the townships novel as one of his favourites as Bolaji writes with zest, authenticity and humour. Reading books written by Free State Authors such as Flaxman Qopane, Pule Lechesa and Omoseye made Rampai resolve to publish his debut novel. With his powerful novel from where I stand, Rampai himself is now the toast of the literary world. Pule Lechesa, a respected celebrated literary critic described the new novel as "ravishing and majestic". * First published in Mangaung Issue, May 9 2012 edition

GEORGE RAMPAI'S FROM WHERE I STAND

DANNY'S WEAKNESS FOR WOMEN COOKED HIS GOOSE!! BOOK: From where I stand (novel) AUTHOR: George Rampai PUBLISHER: Mbali Press (PTY) LTD LAY-OUT ARTIST: Thabo Ntai

ZONG READING IN SOUTH AFRICA

Book-length readings of the monumental poetic work, Zong!, took place in South Africa earlier this week. Zong was written by the acclaimed Canadian author, NouberSe Philip, and readings from the work were done simultaneously in Canada and South Africa

(Above) - photos from the event!

EXHILARATING READING FROM 'ZONG' IN SOUTH AFRICA

Excitement is mounting in Bloemfontein, South Africa, as a book-length
reading of celebrated Canadian academic and creative writer, NourbeSe
Philip's work takes place at the City library.

Of especial interest is the fact that this African reading will
take place simultaneously in Africa whilst a similar reading is taking
place in Toronto, Canada with the protagonist and author present.

NourbeSe Philip was born in the Carribean Woodlands, Moriah, Trinidad
and Tobago. She was educated at the University of West Indies. She is a world-acclaimed poet, novelist, playwright, essayist and short story writer.

It is her recent work Zong!(2008) which will be at the epicentre of
global interest on Monday 16 April as a cross-section of the literary
fraternity in South Africa converges at the Bloemfontein City Library
to bask in the reading from her exceedingly powerful extended poem (Zong).

The author, NourbeSe Philip is palpably excited over the reading in
South Africa. She said: "This reading is intended to remember all
those who lost their lives on board the Zong...I will be happy if
people are clad in white to honour Olokun, the Yoruba deity of deep
waters."

The celebrated writer also expressed her wish that the section titled
"Ebora" should also be read at the reading.

Charmaine Mrwebi of the Bloemfontein City Library, a young African
female author and essayist too, said: "We are very excited about this
poetic reading of Mme NourbeSe Phllip's work. She deserves plaudits for remembering
her roots despite being based in an Eurocentric environment. I have read
some passages from the internet on Zong and the work is not only
extra-ordinarily powerful and moving; but one cannot but cry over the
plight of slaves at that time, especially the disgusting and insanitary
conditions of our black female slaves in the horrific ship."

The book-length reading session will commence at 2pm South African time
and will roughly take place at the same time as the event in Toronto