Press release: New beginnings as the 2025 AVBOB Poetry Competition starts, grand prize of R12,500 set to be won

The 2025 AVBOB Poetry Competition officially opens for entries on 1 August 2024. This prestigious contest invites poets from all corners of South Africa to submit their original works in any of the South Africa's 11 official written languages. With generous cash prizes awaiting the winning entries,...

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Five writers from Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania shortlisted for the 2024 Toyin Falola Prize

The shortlist for the prestigious Toyin Falola Prize has been announced, featuring five talented writers from Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania. The prize, organized by Lunaris, celebrates writers who embody the spirit of African literature, a spirit championed by the renowned historian and professor,...

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South African poet illuminates the global stage

Sihle Ntuli, a poet and classicist from Durban, South Africa, is captivating the global literary scene with his extraordinary talent. His poetic voice, steeped in classical wisdom and a deep understanding of his African heritage, has resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him recognition as the...

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South African poet and classicist Sihle Ntuli wins prestigious Patricia Kailis Fellowship

Durban-born poet Sihle Ntuli has been awarded the 2024 Patricia Kailis Fellowship, a significant recognition of his exceptional talent and his contribution to the South African literary landscape.  Ntuli's publications include "Rumblin" (uHlanga 2020) and his latest poetry collection, "Zabalaza...

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Controversial author Jackie Phamotse grabs the headlines again

Controversial author Jackie Phamotse has been making headlines once again, defying court orders to remain homebound by announcing the imminent release of her 11th book. Despite being sentenced to two years of house arrest, the prolific writer and inspirational speaker is proving that she can continue...

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Sarah Manyika to grace Writers' Circle Literary Festival in London

Sarah Manyika Ladipo is set to captivate the literary scene at the Writers' Circle Literary Festival in London on July 27, 2024. Hosted by Diaspora Reflections, the festival promises an immersive experience for literary enthusiasts.Diaspora Reflections: A Cultural BridgeDiaspora Reflections is renowned...

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Tananarive Due and LaToya Jordan make history at Shirley Jackson Awards

The 2023 Shirley Jackson Awards, honoring excellence in horror, suspense, and dark fantasy, saw two African American authors, Tananarive Due and LaToya Jordan, emerge victorious in their respective categories. Due, known for her critically acclaimed work, took home the award for Best Novel for her chilling...

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Open Book Festival returns to Cape Town with a celebration of stories and voices

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of books and ideas, as the Open Book Festival makes a triumphant return to Cape Town this September! This year's festival promises an exceptional lineup, showcasing a dynamic mix of established authors and captivating debut voices from across South Africa. ...

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Zimbabwean-American poet and Duke university professor Dr Tsitsi Jaji publishes chapter on Shona oral poetry

Zimbabwean-American poet and Duke University professor Tsitsi Jaji is bringing a fresh perspective to the study of poetry in her chapter titled "Decolonizing the Poem" in the recently released *The Cambridge Companion to the Poem*.  Dr. Jaji, known for her own renowned poetry, delves into...

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#RedFest2024: A Celebration of the Arts in Gauteng

Get ready for a vibrant showcase of theatre, music, and performance at #RedFest2024! Taking place from Thursday, 25 July to Sunday, 28 July 2024 at Redhill School, this four-day festival promises something for everyone.Since its inception in 2016, Redhill Arts Festival has blossomed into a beloved community...

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Nigerian-Canadian poet, playwright and performer Titilope Sonuga joins the Recording Academy

Titilope Sonuga, the acclaimed Nigerian-Canadian poet, playwright, and performer, has reached a significant milestone in her multifaceted career: she has joined the Recording Academy as a member of the 2024 New Member Class.  This prestigious recognition marks a pivotal moment for Sonuga, who continues...

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Somali-British author Nadifa Mohamed nominated for Edinburgh TV award for "Britain's Human Zoos"

Somali-British author Nadifa Mohamed has earned a prestigious nomination for the 2024 Edinburgh TV Festival Award for Best Factual Presenter. The recognition comes for her powerful documentary, "Britain's Human Zoos," a harrowing exploration of the forgotten history of human zoos in Britain.Mohamed's...

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The Folklore Festival announces list of writers who will feature at this event in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town #WETHEFOLK

The Folklore Festival, featuring many writers, will be hosted in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town from August 7 – September 12, 2024. The theme is #WETHEFOLK.The Folklore Festival is a celebration of African culture, customs, and community first hosted in South Africa in 2022. Rounding out South...

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Journey into fictional worlds with Afro Poetry Times July Edition

This month, Afro Poetry Times takes you on a captivating journey into the depths of imagination. Explore fictional cities built from the raw materials of thought, crafted by the finest wordsmiths from across the African diaspora.Dive into the stories of an African author who bravely rejected a prestigious...

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Kenya's National Read Aloud Day: A Nationwide Effort to Amplify Children's Voices

On Thursday, July 12, 2024, Kenya will witness a nationwide celebration of literacy with the inaugural National Read Aloud Day. This event, spearheaded by the Start A Library Trust, aims to unite 300,000 learners from 3,000 schools across the country, alongside 6,000 dedicated Reading Ambassadors, in...

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Yvonne Chaka Chaka's uncredited contributions to 'Umqombothi'

Legendary musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka, hailed as the "Princess of Africa," has recently disclosed that she received no credit or royalties for her significant contributions to the hit song "Umqombothi," which launched her international career."Umqombothi," released in 1987, is officially credited to...

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Jeffrey Radebe lands huge publishing deal

South African writer Jeffrey Rakabe has achieved a significant milestone with his debut memoir, "The Women Brought Books," securing a publishing deal with Jacana Media. This accomplishment came after Rakabe successfully pitched his work at the Jacana Literary Foundation (JLF)'s "From Pitch to Publication"...

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