Renowned South African poet Dr Bishop Jessica Mbangeni passes away

South Africa mourns the loss of acclaimed poet Dr Bishop Jessica Mbangeni, who passed away at Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg after a brief illness.

"It was just a short illness," confirmed Zilungele Mbangeni, a family member, to TshisaLIVE. "Three weeks ago she was in Senegal, then earlier this week she was sick and got medical attention. She was fine and then got sick again. We took her to Helen Joseph and early this morning they called us to let us know she has passed away."

Dr Mbangeni, a contemporary voice rooted in the ancient oral traditions of her Nqamakwe, Eastern Cape upbringing, leaves behind a legacy of powerful verse and cultural impact. 

"It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we, the family of Dr Bishop Jessica Mbangeni, announce her passing," the family stated. "Our beloved mother, sister and people's praised poet, Bishop Jessica Mbangeni, has left us to join the ancestors."

The family described Dr Mbangeni as "a beacon of light, a voice of wisdom, and a source of inspiration to many." They highlighted her immeasurable contributions as a praise poet, spiritual leader, and cultural ambassador, emphasizing that her legacy will continue to inspire.

"During this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy as we mourn her passing," the family requested. "We are deeply appreciative of the love and support from friends and fans, and the community, but we request that you give us the space to grieve as a family."

Dr Mbangeni's passing is a significant loss for the South African literary and cultural landscape. Her powerful voice and unwavering commitment to her heritage will be deeply missed.

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African Book Fair attracts over 10,000 books in Nairobi, Kenya (Photo Gallery)

The second edition of the African Book Fair, organized by Soma Nami Books, concluded its successful run, leaving a lasting mark on the literary landscape of Kenya and beyond. Held at the historic McMillan Memorial Library from August 6th to 11th, the fair showcased over 10,000 books from across the continent, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of learning, discussion, and celebration.

This year, the fair expanded its reach and scope, offering a dynamic hybrid format that seamlessly blended the traditional book fair experience with an invigorating festival atmosphere. Dedicated sections exploring themes such as feminism, African canon, liberation, and children's literature allowed attendees to delve deeper into specific areas of interest.

The fair catered to diverse literary tastes, featuring an array of genres, from fiction and non-fiction to poetry and prose.  Established and emerging authors from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria were featured, showcasing a wealth of talent and reflecting the fair's commitment to building a pan-African literary community.

Beyond the books, the fair hosted a series of engaging events, including insightful panel discussions on topics like healing in community, historical narratives, and building literary communities.  Two "book chats" with renowned authors Jackie Asiimwe and Tiffany Mug provided intimate insights into their writing process and personal journeys.

Soma Nami Books founders, Muthoni and Wendy, led a masterclass on building thriving book clubs, resonating with the fair's mission to foster a culture of reading and discussion.

The fair's opening ceremony saw Nairobi County's Chief Officer for Youth, Talent, and Sports, Mr. Oscar Igaida, reaffirm the government's commitment to making literature accessible to all residents.

Beyond the discussions and panel talks, the fair featured a variety of engaging activities, including a quiz night, dance parties, and children's events. The Nairobi Sketch Tour offered participants a unique journey through the history of the McMillan Memorial Library, highlighting the intersection of visual art and literature.

The African Book Fair 2024 not only celebrated African literature but also served as a platform to connect communities, foster a love for reading, and promote a pan-African literary movement. As the event concluded, the anticipation for the next edition began to build, promising another year of literary exploration and celebration.

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African writers take on Worldcon 2024 (Photo Gallery)

The 82nd World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) concluded its five-day run on August 12th, leaving a trail of vibrant discussions, captivating performances, and a renewed appreciation for the power of speculative fiction. This year's event, held in the bustling city of Glasgow, saw a prominent representation of African authors, who shared their unique voices and perspectives with a global audience.

The convention provided a platform for renowned African authors such as Nnedi Okorafor, Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, Ehigbor Okosun, and M.H. Ayinde, among others, to connect with fellow creators and engage with enthusiastic fans. Their participation enriched the tapestry of Worldcon, highlighting the diversity and depth of African speculative fiction.

Beyond the panels and readings, these writers were able to experience the charm and energy of Glasgow, immersing themselves in the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

A highlight of Worldcon 2024 was the prestigious Nommo Awards ceremony, celebrating the best in African speculative fiction. Several African writers took center stage at this event, sharing their insights and contributing to the recognition of talented authors within the genre.

The vibrant atmosphere of the Nommo Awards ceremony was captured in a collection of stunning photographs available on the Worldcon Photos Flickr page. These images offer a glimpse into the celebration of African creativity and the enduring power of storytelling.

Worldcon 2024 served as a testament to the global reach of speculative fiction and the growing influence of African voices within this genre. The event fostered a sense of community, collaboration, and mutual appreciation among creators, leaving a lasting impact on the future of science fiction and fantasy.

With its diverse representation and engaging programs, Worldcon 2024 served as a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of storytelling and its ability to connect people across cultures and continents.

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Seasoned actor Thobani Nzuza moves from stage to page as he pens second book

Thobani Nzuza, a celebrated South African actor, director, playwright, vocalist, and dancer, continues to make waves in the entertainment industry. Known for his powerful performances in popular television serials like *eHostela*, *Uzalo*, *Isitha: The Enemy*, and *Isipho*, Nzuza is now expanding his artistry with the publication of his second theatre play.

This latest venture sees him bringing to life a work he penned back in 2014 while still a university student. Taking to Instagram, Nzuza announced the exciting news, expressing his gratitude to @sphephelo_afezeka for their invaluable assistance in bringing the play to publication. He also shared a quote from Professor Ravengai, who praised the play's potential and found it "interesting."

This marks Nzuza's second foray into the literary world. In 2018, the award-winning playwright and storyteller published his debut book, *Boy Ntulikazi*. This poignant work explored the profound impact of personal challenges on an individual's worldview, following the troubled character of Ntulikazi, whose past has left him mentally unstable, exhibiting multiple personalities in a near-schizophrenic manner.

Nzuza's dedication to his craft is evident in his multifaceted approach to *Boy Ntulikazi*. He not only wrote the play but also directed and performed in it. The production garnered significant acclaim, earning Nzuza the Best Actor award at the 2015 Isigcawu Festival, Best Actor and Best Production at the 2017 Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival, and the Best Community Production award at the South African Theatre Magazine Awards.

With the publication of his second play, Nzuza demonstrates his ongoing commitment to exploring the complexities of human experience through both performance and literature. His unwavering passion and multifaceted talent continue to inspire and captivate audiences across South Africa and beyond.

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How to network your way into a successful writing career

If you chose a freelance writing career with the notion you'd spend your days solo, thoughts uninterrupted, blissfully typing away from a location of your choosing…well, you're in part correct. 

The caveat is—if you plan to make money writing—you'll need to network effectively with writers and editors alike. 

Rather than looking at other writers as competition, think of it like this: Writing is a team sport and your editor is the MVP. 

Why it's necessary for writers to network 

Collectively, writers face a few difficult truths of the trade. 

By connecting with like-minded writers, you'll create a support system to share ideas, combat backlash from low-paying content mills and increase your visibility (seriously, there's a lot of noise to cut through these days). 

Equally as important is the fact that professional networking opens the door to more work. And more work equals more income. 

For example, a prospect recently contacted me with a time-sensitive project proposal. 

Unfortunately, I was booked out beyond her deadline. Rather than turn the prospect away empty handed, I was able to refer her to another writer in my network whom I trust and have good rapport with. 

Alternatively, if a prospect approaches me with a project outside my area of expertise, I'll turn to my network to find someone who does specialize in the project scope. Both scenarios are a win-win for the client and the writer. 

When it comes to selling, 

 is key—as I'm sure any salesperson would agree. 

Ultimately, it's also the writer's job to sell themselves, which leads to my next point.

How to build relationships with your editors 

Let's be real: Editors are the MVPs. 

They work tirelessly to field pitches, ensure quality and provide feedback. They sift through the dredges to surface exceptional writing. 

As writers, we're not entitled to publication—we must first prove our capabilities. With the editor as gatekeeper, you can see why it's important to build amicable relationships with the editors you pitch. 

By establishing mutually respectful working relationships, you'll find good editors challenge and encourage you, ultimately improving your skills and marketability as a writer. 

At the end of the day, you're responsible for selling your ideas and your ability to execute them. 

Use a pitching strategy that works for you, not against you—you only get one shot to leave a good impression with the editor. Make it a positive one by being professional, sincere and efficient. 

It's worth noting that rejection comes with the territory of being a professional writer. There are a plethora of reasons your pitches will be rejected, but as it pertains to your relationships with editors, there are a couple guidelines to follow: 

Do thank the editor for his or her time, always. You can ask for feedback, should they have bandwidth to provide it—but don't expect it

Don't combat or speak ill of the editor. He or she is simply doing their job—don't take rejection personally

Acceptance is a win all around. Rejection is an opportunity to iterate on your idea and pitch it to another editor. 

Rejection by one editor might just be the start of a new working relationship with another. 

Through thick and thin, acceptance and rejection, a collaborative attitude is key. Whether you're working with an editor or client, maintain a helpful mindset: focus on what you can do for the people you work with and how your written words will provide a solution. 

Employ these tactics to expand your network 

We're fortunate to have countless resources and networking platforms at our fingertips today. While this does create digital noise, it also cultivates opportunity. 

Consider these three tips for networking, collaborating and getting more leads: 

1. Assemble your own all-star team

You already know the importance of networking with writers and editors. Now take it one step further by expanding your team to include disciplines related to your writing focus. 

For example, if you're a website copywriter, it's valuable to have a network of web designers and developers who you can refer your clients to. Likewise, those designers and developers will refer their clients to you for copy. This also creates a streamlined experience for the client, who no longer needs to search for multiple vendors. 

2. Join networks and get involved 

All you need is an internet connection to find a group of peers in your niche. There's no shortage of online communities and forums, including the Freelance Writers Den, Writers Cafe and Scribophile to name a few. 

You can also find writerly camaraderie through social media groups such as The Write Life Community, Twitter's #scriptchat and the Scriptmag Community. And of course, there might just be a writer's group waiting for your down the (literal) street. Check your area for Meetup groups. 

3. Participate in webinars (or host your own) 

I recently had the chance to attend one of Carol Tice's webinars about mistakes freelance writers make. During the webinar, I had the opportunity to join a conversation with writers from around the world and share questions, answers and ideas. 

Take note: Carol herself—now a major advocate for freelance writers—has built a large community of writers by hosting webinars and providing resources and support. Consider starting your own community or hosting webinars based on your own unique experience. 

As a freelance writer, it's vital to be pleasurable to work with—else, there will be another freelancer who is (and therefore gets the gig). 

Strive to be that person. By being an advocate for other freelancers, you'll soon discover your support network is larger than you imagined. 

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Lagos International Poetry Festival explores "The Science of Things" in 10th anniversary edition #LIPFEST2024

The Lagos International Poetry Festival (LIPFest), a vibrant celebration of the written and spoken word, is gearing up for its 10th anniversary, taking place from October 24th to 27th. This year's theme, "The Science of Things," aims to spotlight the convergence of poetry and science as powerful forces driving human progress.

In a world grappling with the profound implications of advancements like artificial intelligence, the festival's theme resonates deeply.  LIPFest acknowledges the increasing need for a critical and artistic engagement with scientific discoveries and their impact on our lives.

"We must rely more dispassionately on the confluence of inquiry and imagination, language and experiment, to guide us into more sustainable ways of living," stated LIPFest in their Instagram announcement. This call for critical engagement also emphasizes the need to resist the misuse of art and science for political and economic gain.

The four-day festival promises a rich and diverse program encompassing panel discussions, performances, workshops, film screenings, exhibitions, and more. Founded by renowned Nigerian poet and performance artist Efe Paul Azino, LIPFest is the first international poetry festival in West Africa and has garnered increasing popularity each year.

For this special anniversary edition, LIPFest is curating a diverse lineup of poets, scientists, writers, thinkers, artists, and musicians from across the globe. The full program will be unveiled in September.

The festival will be held at the Alliance Française Lagos | Mike Adenuga Centre in Lagos, opening its doors daily at 10 am.

As LIPFest celebrates its 10th anniversary, it promises to be a thought-provoking and engaging platform for exploring the dynamic intersection of poetry, science, and the human experience.  Stay tuned for more information on this exciting event.

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Siphokazi Jonas's "Weeping Becomes a River" literary homecoming

Anticipation is building for the September 2024 release of Siphokazi Jonas's debut poetry collection, "Weeping Becomes a River," published by Penguin Random House. This highly anticipated work promises to be a defining moment in the multi-award-winning writer and performer's career.

Jonas's upbringing, navigating the complexities of a changing South Africa, serves as a rich foundation for her powerful prose. "In 'Weeping Becomes a River,' she confronts the linguistic and cultural alienation experienced as a black learner in former Model C schools in the 1990s and early 2000s," explains the press release. "Then, she fashions the fragments to reclaim and rewrite her place within a lineage of storytellers."

Esteemed film score composer Trevor Jones, in his foreword to the collection, praises Jonas's work: "Her writing has an underlying political relevance, not only as a commentary on the politics of South Africa and her ethnicity but also as an eagerness to address and redress the gender balance."  He continues,  "In this work, she juxtaposes a mythic story with poems, creating an intriguing world through this unusual narrative form, conjuring up new experiences and realities and triggering ideas that resonate in the reader's mind."

The upcoming months offer numerous opportunities to engage with both the book and the author.  "The Open Book Festival looks forward to welcoming Siphokazi back to host as part of their annual literature celebration," taking place from September 6th to 8th.  This presents a unique opportunity to "hear from the author herself and enjoy a selection of works that make up this gripping collection."

Secure your limited pre-order and autographed copies of "Weeping Becomes a River" at https://siphokazijonas.com/ and prepare to be captivated by Jonas's powerful and timely exploration of identity, belonging, and the power of language.

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