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