Emen Bassey is the undeniable queen of African romance fiction #WWERaw

Emem Bassey's dedication to championing plus-size women in her romance novels is truly revolutionary in the world of African literature. By featuring plus-size heroines as the focal point of her stories, Bassey is breaking down stereotypes and barriers that have long plagued the representation of women in literature and media.

In a genre where traditional beauty standards often prevail, Bassey's decision to highlight plus-size women as strong, desirable, and worthy of love is a breath of fresh air. Her commitment to inclusivity and diversity in her storytelling is not only empowering for plus-size readers but also sends a powerful message about the importance of representation in literature.

Bassey's passion for romance is evident in her writing, where she seamlessly weaves together elements of love, passion, and intrigue. Her novels are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, as they challenge readers to rethink their preconceived notions about beauty and romance.

Through her work, Bassey is paving the way for more diverse voices to be heard in the world of African literature. Her dedication to creating stories that resonate with readers from all walks of life is a testament to her talent and creativity as a writer.

As we celebrate Emem Bassey and her groundbreaking contributions to the genre of African romance fiction, we are reminded of the power of storytelling to inspire, uplift, and empower. Bassey's work serves as a reminder that love knows no bounds and that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the stories they read.

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Renowned author Wole Soyinka shares stage with South African creatives #NoNameBreakfastShow

Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, South African artist William Kentridge, and musician Neo Muyanga came together for a captivating event on Saturday, April 4 in Joburg. The gathering of these three brilliant minds was a legendary moment that showcased the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in the arts.

The event, organized by the Centre for the Less Good Idea in Johannesburg, was a platform for creativity and innovation. Founded by William Kentridge and Bronwyn Lace, The Centre is a space dedicated to fostering experimental and cross-disciplinary arts projects. Their goal is to explore and celebrate the "less good idea" by pushing boundaries and embracing creativity in all its forms.

The evening kicked off with a reading of Wole Soyinka's play, The Bacchae of Euripides: A Communion Rite, setting the stage for a thought-provoking conversation between Soyinka and Kentridge, expertly moderated by Neo Muyanga. 

The discussion touched on Soyinka's commitment to Pan-Africanism in his work, the concept of African tragedy, and a forthcoming publication that features collaboration between Soyinka and Kentridge.

One of the highlights of the evening was the performance of "Notebook of a long day's journey into a Hillbrow night", a production that revisited Aimé Césaire's iconic decolonial poem through the contemporary lens of teenagers living in Hillbrow.

 This collaborative effort between The Windybrow Arts Centre, Césaire Youth, and The Centre for the Less Good Idea showcased the power of art to transcend boundaries and tell stories that resonate across cultures and generations.

The event was a testament to the transformative power of art and the importance of collaboration in pushing creative boundaries. The photos captured at the event serve as a reminder of the magic that can happen when diverse talents come together in pursuit of a shared vision.

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Poet walks away with €10,000 in the 2024 John Pollard Foundation International Poetry Prize #TCIF #FridayFeeling

Patrick James Errington has been awarded the prestigious 2024 John Pollard Foundation International Poetry Prize for his debut collection "the swailing" at a ceremony held in Trinity College Dublin. 

The annual prize, valued at €10,000, recognizes exceptional debut poetry collections in the English language and is sponsored by the John Pollard Foundation and administered by the Trinity Oscar Wilde Centre.

Errington, a Canadian-born poet, translator, and researcher currently residing in Scotland, expressed his gratitude for being recognized alongside esteemed past winners and the remarkable works on this year's shortlist. He acknowledged the significance of the prize, stating, "It took me the best part of 10 years to find the words for the swailing – give me another 10 and maybe – maybe – I'll be able to articulate what an honour this is to me."

Chair of the judging panel, Prof Eoin McNamee, praised Errington's collection, describing it as a work of remarkable virtuosity that delves into profound themes with emotional depth and poetic craftsmanship. The judges were captivated by Errington's ability to ground his poetry in the raw emotions and complexities of the human experience.

Patron of the John Pollard Foundation, Stephen Vernon, congratulated Errington on his achievement, commending him for his evocative poems and distinctive voice. Vernon expressed his delight in adding Errington's name to the list of esteemed poets who have received the prestigious award, highlighting Errington's talent and the impact of his work on the literary landscape. 

The John Pollard Foundation International Poetry Prize continues to celebrate emerging literary talent and honor exceptional poets like Patrick James Errington for their contributions to the world of poetry.

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And the nominees are.... 2024 International Booker Prize shortlist announced #thursdayvibes

The shortlist for the prestigious International Booker Prize was announced on Tuesday.

This esteemed prize is awarded annually to the most exceptional work of fiction globally, with the book having been translated into English and published in the UK and/or Ireland. 

The six books featured on this year's list were penned by authors from Argentina, Germany, Sweden, Korea, the Netherlands and Brazil and translated from Dutch, German, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish.

Acclaimed Canadian writer and broadcaster of the literary show Writers and Company, Eleanor Wachtel, chaired the 2024 judging panel, and was joined by the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natalie Diaz, Booker Prize shortlisted author Romesh Gunesekera, writer, editor and translator Aaron Robertson and (our very own!) renowned visual artist William Kentridge. 

The 2024 shortlisted titles are:

Not a River by Selva Almada (translated from Spanish by Annie McDermott)

Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck (translated from German by Michael Hoffman) 

The Details by Ia Genberg (translated from Swedish by Kira Josefsson)

What I'd Rather Not Think About by Jente Posthuma (translated from Dutch by Sarah Timmer Harvey)

Mater 2-10 by Hwang Sok-yong (translated from Korean by Sora Kim-Russell and Youngjae Josephine Bae) 

Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Junior (translated from Portuguese by Johnny Lorenz)

The winning title will be announced in a ceremony at London's Tate Modern on May 21. 

The prize money of £50,000 is divided equally between author and translator, with each master of their craft receiving £25,000.

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"When Love Kills" - Real story about AKA and Anele Tembe told in a book #RHODurban

Prepare to be captivated by the upcoming book that delves into the tumultuous relationship of AKA and Anele Tembe. Renowned journalist Melinda Ferguson, known for her gripping exposés, has once again taken on the task of unravelling the complexities of a celebrity romance gone wrong.

Ferguson, who has previously written about Kelly Khumalo's fall from grace and the infamous Oscar Pistorius case, is set to release "When Love Kills" in April 2024. Published by NB Publishers, this book promises to shed light on the tragic events that unfolded between AKA and Anele during their ill-fated relationship.

The narrative of "When Love Kills" takes readers on a journey through the life of hip-hop sensation AKA, whose world turned upside down upon entering a relationship with the young and vibrant Anele Tembe. The book explores the toxic fixation, alleged substance misuse, and violence that characterized their time together.

Tragically, Anele met her untimely demise in April 2021, falling from the 10th floor of the Pepper Club after a night of heated arguments. Less than two years later, AKA himself met a violent end, sparking speculation of retribution for Anele's death.

With "When Love Kills," Ferguson weaves a compelling narrative that unravels the web of toxicity and tragedy surrounding this ill-fated couple. The book promises to keep readers hooked as it explores the dark underbelly of their relationship, ultimately leading to their heartbreaking demise.

Get ready to be immersed in a story that reveals the harsh realities of fame, love, and the consequences that can arise when toxic relationships take hold. "When Love Kills" is sure to be a gripping read that will leave readers contemplating the complexities of celebrity romances and the devastating impact they can have.

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Afro Poetry Times April 2024 issue is out!

Get ready to be entertained and inspired with the latest edition of Afro Poetry Times for April! This month's issue is packed with captivating content that will leave you in awe and craving more.

Featuring a Botswana poet who is deeply connected to the poetic spirit, an award-winning author who has launched a book in his hometown, and a talented poet who has had the honor of performing for the president, this edition is sure to ignite your passion for literature and creativity.

Discover the story of a young lady who is making her mark in the poetry world and climbing her way to the top. Plus, don't miss out on the exciting competitions where you can showcase your writing skills and have the chance to win real cash prizes.

Immerse yourself in unpublished short stories and poems that will transport you to different worlds and evoke a range of emotions. Get your digital copy of Afro Poetry Times from PressReader and get ready to be swept away by the power of words and storytelling.

https://www.pressreader.com/canada/afro-poetry-times/20240401/

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Tawanda Mulalu scoops US$1,000 in the Glenna Luschei Prize for African #Poetry

Tawanda Mulalu's poetry collection, "Please Make Me Pretty, I Don't Want to Die: Poems," has been announced as the winner of the prestigious Glenna Luschei Prize for African Poetry 2023. 

The award, named in honour of poet, publisher, editor, and philanthropist Glenna Luschei, is administered by the African Poetry Book Fund and recognizes outstanding works by African poets. Mulalu's collection, published by Princeton University Press, stood out among the finalists selected by judge John Keene, a MacArthur Fellow and esteemed writer, translator, and professor.

In his assessment of Mulalu's work, Keene praised the collection for its poignant exploration of contemporary realities faced by diasporic Black Africans in White spaces across America. Mulalu's poems, characterized by deadpan irony, humor, and a rich tapestry of literary and musical references, offer a unique perspective on personal and public events. 

From reflections on isolation and exile to poignant responses to societal issues like police violence, Mulalu's poetry navigates a wide range of themes with depth and originality.

Mulalu, originally from Gaborone, Botswana, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing his love for the people and poetry of the continent. The poet's debut collection has garnered critical acclaim, being hailed as the best poetry book of 2022 by esteemed publications such as The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

As the recipient of the Glenna Luschei Prize for African Poetry, Mulalu will receive a cash prize of US$1,000. 

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