Celebrity authors receive backlash

Author and outspoken critic Jackie Phamotse recently expressed dismay about the rise of celebrity authors and the integrity of their work."Many celebrity books lack substance, relying on fame rather than literary merit. This is unacceptable," she said.Phamotse's critique delves deeper into the implications...

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Get the best poetry and literature news & reviews, unpublished poems & short stories in the Afro Poetry Times November edition

On your marks, get set, ready..... Read! The Afro Poetry Times November issue is out and the digital edition is available for download on Pressreader.This brand has continuously strived at keeping the African poetry and literature conversation alive. The November issue is laden with content...

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Eastern Cape home fires burn bright in award-winning novel

Like a ray of sunshine, Lindani Mbunyuza-Memani ' s memory of her rural Eastern Cape childhood fires her novel Buried in the Chest, which has just won Jacana ' s 2024 Dinaane Debut Fiction Award. Speaking from her new home in the US, MbunyuzaMemani said yesterday she was born in the Dutywa village...

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Poets making mark at China writers’ conference ‘There are many talented writers in the commission. What is painful is that there is little encouragement for writers’

Two award-winning Nelson Mandela Bay poets are putting their best foot forward as they represent the region at a poetry conference hosted by the China Writers' Association.  New Brighton's Mxolisi Nyezwa and Mangaliso Buzani are among the more than 70 poets from Brics countries gathered in Hangzhou,...

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How life, loss and running the popular Facebook group The Village made former Cosmo editor Vanessa Raphaely a better mum

It's just one of those days . . . Her dogs won't stop barking, there's wet washing drying on a clothes horse in her home o ce and she's just realised she's double-booked herself and should be in a meeting with someone else. "It's my attention de cit disorder," Vanessa Raphaely groans about the...

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Life Lessons: How to fail and win

Content By ALAN KNOTT-CRAIG It started as a personal reflection. Almost like a diary where I thought about all the memorable moments of my life (mostly setbacks) and the lessons learnt (mostly painful) and then wrote them down in the same way I would tell the story on a stage — brutal honesty laced...

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Journalist Nicky Greenwall releases thrilling debut novel

It's scary sending a book out into the world. After all the effort that has gone into bringing it to life, it's now over to the readers and there's nothing the author can do but wait. That's the situation Nicky Greenwall is in right now – as an entertainment journalist and former TV presenter,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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,...

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Book Launch with Esinako Ndabeni

Join us for the launch of Esinako Ndabeni's new book, Sacred Earth Philosophy. The book is a memoir and manifesto about Esinako's initiation into becoming a Sangoma, as well as the lessons we can learn from indigenous knowledge systems to think about climate, colonialism, and healing. The event will...

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Poet Nomonde 'Sky' Mlotshwa uses social media to land co-host gig on DJ Cleo's popular Radio 2000 show

Nomonde 'Sky' Mlotshwa, a talented poet with a growing social media following, has landed a coveted co-host position on DJ Cleo's popular Radio 2000 show, "The Eskhaleni Party."  Mlotshwa, known for her captivating performances and honest, socially conscious poetry,  has used her online platform...

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Cape Town teen's poetry collection offers hope and reflection

Jaydin Donough, a 19-year-old author from Athlone, has released his debut poetry collection, "Shadows of The Heart: Poems of Love, Life, Loss, Struggles and Innocence," offering a powerful reflection on the challenges faced by youth in the Cape Flats. The collection, a compilation of 50 poems, serves...

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Poet Chisom Okafor wins Jacar Press New Voices Award

Nigerian poet Chisom Okafor has been awarded the prestigious Jacar Press New Voices Award for his upcoming poetry collection, "All I Know About a Heavy Heart Is How to Carry It." The collection, set to be published by Jacar Press in 2025, has garnered praise for its raw, honest exploration of human...

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Black British Book Festival 2024 - Embrace the power of black voices at Europe's largest celebration of Literature

Prepare to be immersed in a vibrant literary experience as the Black British Book Festival returns for its second edition. This family-friendly event is a testament to the remarkable talents within the black British community, showcasing their literary brilliance and fostering a love for reading among...

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Jackie Phamotse embarks on nationwide book tour

After a challenging start to the year, award-winning author Jacqueline Phamotse is embarking on a nationwide book tour to connect with her devoted fans. Earlier this year, Phamotse faced legal repercussions stemming from a defamation case, resulting in a sentence of house arrest. Despite the setbacks,...

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Dr Obari Gomba's "Grit" takes home the prestigious NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature

The Nigerian literary community was abuzz with excitement on Friday, October 13, 2023, as Dr. Obari Gomba's play "Grit" was declared the winner of the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature 2023. The prestigious award, sponsored by oil firm NLNG, recognizes outstanding literary works in Nigeria and is considered...

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Afro Poetry Times: August 2024 - It's Zing Time!

Get ready for an explosive issue of Afro Poetry Times, bursting with cultural energy and literary brilliance! This month, we're taking you on a journey through the vibrant world of Black voices, from the pitch to the page.Step onto the pitch! Dive into the rich tapestry of Black culture interwoven with...

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Late Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule’s publicist reveals book release

The passing of renowned radio presenter, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, has left a profound void in the hearts of many. Just three months after being diagnosed with lung cancer, the beloved Ukhozi FM personality and founder of the Crown Gospel Awards succumbed to the illness, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration...

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Only Big Bum Matters Tomorrow": Damilare Kuku's novel explores the body image obsession in Nigeria

Nigerian author Damilare Kuku tackles the cultural obsession with large derrières in her new novel, "Only Big Bum Matters Tomorrow". The book delves into the pressures women face to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, particularly in a society where bum augmentation is a thriving industry.Kuku...

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Actress and former SA's Got Talent poet Bothlale Boikanyo graduates from Michigan State University, makes Mandela Washington Fellowship history

Congratulations are in order for former actress and poet Bothlale Boikanyo, who recently graduated from Michigan State University in the United States. The 23-year-old shared the exciting news with her followers on Instagram, expressing her immense gratitude for the achievement."Graduate. Officially...

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Prix Ivoire 2024 finalists announced: Celebrating African Literature in Francophone Expression

On August 9, 2024, the literary world turned its gaze to Abidjan as the finalists for the prestigious Prix Ivoire for African Literature in Francophone Expression were unveiled. Established in 2008 by Akwaba Culture, an Ivorian law association, the Prix Ivoire honors outstanding works of literature...

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Pilani Bubu to shine at Folklore Festival with Nay’Indaba

AFRO-FOLK musician Pilani Bubu, a true storyteller at heart, is set to showcase her latest work, *Nay'Indaba*, at the upcoming Folklore Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, September 14, at Constitution Hill's Women's Jail in Joburg, her performance promises to be the highlight of the event, which embraces...

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Book Review - Red Card: The soccer star who lost it all to gambling by Tony Kelly

Tony Kelly's life was once on top of the world. As a professional soccer player, he had achieved his dream of playing for top clubs in the UK and Sweden. But beneath the surface, Kelly was hiding a dark secret: an addiction to gambling that would eventually ruin his career, relationships, and financial...

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International literature festival axes South African guests over former Miss SA finalist Chidimma Adetshina scandal

The Puebla International Festival has announced the withdrawal of South African guests following the recent drama surrounding Chidimma Adetshina.The drama began when Chidimma a former contestant in the Miss South Africa competition faced intense backlash from South Africans due to her non-South African...

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