Afro Poetry Times May 2025: Your Gateway to Inspiring Voices Has Landed!

Prepare to be captivated and inspired! The much-anticipated May 2025 edition of Afro Poetry Times has officially arrived, brimming with powerful narratives, insightful profiles, and the vibrant pulse of literary and global influence. This issue is a must-read for anyone seeking depth, inspiration, and a connection to transformative stories.

In this enthralling edition, you'll discover:

⦁   The making of revered author Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie: A deep dive into the journey and genius behind one of the world's most influential literary voices.
⦁   Meet Nneoma Michelle Egeonu: An introduction to a promising talent whose work is set to resonate deeply.
⦁   Busisekile Khumalo continues changing the African literary landscape: Explore the ongoing impact of a visionary shaping the future of African literature.
⦁   Former NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's different kind of power: An intriguing look at the enduring influence and unique leadership style of a global figure.
⦁   Plus, lots of competitions to win real money and many more exciting opportunities!

Don't miss out on this rich collection of thought-provoking content and chances to win!

Get your digital copy now from digital press distributor PressReader:
https://www.pressreader.com/canada/afro-poetry-times/20250501

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Mozambican poet Gibson João wins prestigious Portuguese Literary Prize

✏ Mozambican poet Gibson João has won the 17th José Luís Peixoto Literary Prize for his unpublished work "Em Vogais" ("In Vowels"). The prize, awarded annually by the municipality of Ponte de Sor, Portugal, comes with a €1,000 cash award (over 69,000 meticais) and publication of his winning work in Portugal. João will also receive 50 copies of the published book.

Sharing the award in the category for authors not born or resident in Ponte de Sor is Portuguese author Paulo Carvalho Ferreira for his work "Almanaque dos Dias Ímpares". Notably, no awards were given this year in the category for authors born or resident in the municipality.

"This victory is a milestone for Mozambican literature, which has recently shown itself to be vibrant and promising, with new authors increasingly promoting their country beyond its borders," said a jubilant João.

This is João's second literary award. In 2023, he and Óscar Fanheiro shared the Fernando Leite Couto Literary Prize for their collaborative work "Da casa: o seu litoral murmuro". That prize included a one-month literary residency in Óbidos, Portugal, and participation in the 2023 Óbidos International Literary Festival.

The José Luís Peixoto Literary Prize is open to all Portuguese-speaking writers and aims to foster literary creativity among young people and promote a love of writing. The prize is named in honor of the Portuguese writer José Luís Peixoto, a native of Ponte de Sor.

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Lady Brion and Oti Mabuse light up Afro Poetry Times February edition

Love is in the air this February....

Love makes reading beautiful. Why not pamper your heart with great words by reading the Afro Poetry Times February edition? 

This edition features: 

* Some beautiful love poems that are bound to sweep you off your feet

 * Entertainment personality Oti Mabuse has a book up her sleeves

* How poet laureate Lady Brion wants artists to go after their dreams

* Exploring the bond between photography and poetry 

* Short Story - The Greatest Betrayal 

* Lots of competitions to win real money including a free one that's calling for international poets to submit their work 

* And lots more.....

Download your digital copy from anywhere in the world on Pressreader using the link below. 

https://www.pressreader.com/canada/afro-poetry-times/20250201

Love lives here! 

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Eastern Cape poet Inako Mateza steals hearts at SONA 2025

In a remarkable display of talent and cultural pride, 19-year-old Inako Mateza, a multi-award-winning poet from the Eastern Cape, captured the attention of South Africa during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2025. As the president's poet, she became a symbol of youthful creativity and cultural heritage, making history as the first young Eastern Cape poet to usher in the president.

Mateza is not only an accomplished poet but also the founder of the Inako Foundation, which focuses on preserving cultural heritage among young people. "I teach over 400 young virgins about their heritage and how to connect with their ancestors through praise," she shared. Her dedication to cultural education is evident as she balances her studies in Homoeopathy at Durban University of Technology with her passion for poetry.

The highlight of her appearance at SONA was her playful address to President [Name], affectionately calling him "Cupcake." This moment sparked laughter across social media platforms. One user remarked, "Mandikuyeke my cupcake... Ma2000 just don't care," reflecting a generational shift in how public figures are addressed.

Inako later revealed on TikTok that her poem had been approved by the president before her performance. "I did rehearsals yesterday; I was never told to change anything," she explained, emphasizing that humor and respect can coexist in public discourse.

Social media users celebrated her performance, with one comment stating, "We laughed, we found it funny and we loved it too. You were on fire." Inako Mateza's blend of humor and heartfelt poetry not only entertained but also resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying her place as a rising star in South Africa's literary scene.

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