CHINUA ACHEBE AT 80!

Chinua Achebe at 80

By Joseph Lefuo

There can be no doubt about it: the celebrations will cascade on, the drums will roll, as Africa celebrates the 80th birthday of Chinua Achebe, who many consider as the greatest novelist black Africa has ever produced. Achebe, who will be 80 later this year, wrote Africa’s all time most famous novel, Things fall apart (1958)

It is a novel that has delighted and moved the world for decades. But the author (Chinua Achebe) published other excellent novels – like No longer at Ease, (1960), Arrow of God, (1964) A man of the people (1966), and Anthills of the Savannah (1987). Of course there was a 20 year gap between A man of the People, and Anthills of the Savannah, which has been attributed to Achebe being “traumatised” by the Nigerian civil war (in the late sixties).

Achebe is an Ibo (or Igbo) from the eastern part of Nigeria. The Ibos were mainly the disenchanted people of eastern Nigeria who tried to form their own country or republic: “Biafra” precipitating the Nigerian civil war which ended in 1970. From his writings it is clear enough that Achebe was very much a Nigerian in spirit before the war (this is not to suggest that he is no less a Nigerian thereafter, as can be ascertained from his honest, earnest book of essays The Trouble with Nigeria)

In his novel, No longer at ease, for example, young well educated Obi regards himself as both an Ibo man, and a Nigerian. There is nothing wrong in being proud of one’s tribal origins or Mother tongue (Ghana’s Kofi Awoonor has demonstrated this in his works too). In Achebe’s A man of the people, national (Nigerian) politics loom large too, whilst still paying tribute to ethnic origins. Like Wole Soyinka (a Yoruba and a proud Nigerian too) Achebe’s works often assume a national and international dimension.

Things fall apart has been acclaimed as a classic as the author (Achebe) re-creates a pre-colonial, proud society with elaborate, intriguing customs complemented by a fluent, expressive language. If we contrast this work with Camara Laye’s superb work The African Child, the dispassionate approach by Achebe to his own first novel puts him in a special class. When an author tries to be “neutral” a work is often more powerful, and many critics, eg, hated the tone of Ayi Kwei Armah for example in Two thousand Seasons. Achebe’s work shows a highly intelligent, dispassionate author at work.

Achebe’s language in his fictional work shows that he is very much at ease with his mother tongue. Whilst writing in English he goes out of his way to convey the particular authentic atmosphere of the (often) people at grassroots level he is writing about; even as regards “Pidgin English” he gets the inflections and jokes right. Hence, his global acclamation as a great writer

There is the tendency to harp on Things fall apart as the author’s greatest work, and it must be said that many of such observers have probably not read all of Achebe’s works of fiction. It is a matter of taste, but I personally believe that novels like Arrow of God and No longer at ease (both also written by Achebe) are perhaps better than the original classic (Things fall apart) Certainly Achebe’s re-creation of the past and the sweep (even co-incidence?) of pivotal events in the society is more powerful in Arrow of God. Many critics frowned at A Man of the people, but it’s a brilliant work too, castigating political corruption, and also a satire – before Armah’s The beautyful Ones are not yet born.

But all this show how great a writer Chinua Achebe is. His books are read all over the world. Like in his works, Achebe in real life condemns negative things, including bad leadership, but at the same time he has a gentle, sagacious sense of humour. No praise can be too much for this wonderful son of Africa! We wish him all the best as he clocks 80…

TEBOGO AND THE PANTOPHAGIST...whites still on fringes

TEBOGO AND THE PANTOPHAGIST
…whites still on the fringes

By Peter Moroe

Tebogo and the pantophagist is the seventh book featuring the adventures of Tebogo Mokoena, the Free State based sleuth created by Omoseye Bolaji. And this new addition is also quite readable.

Bolaji has been criticised for hardly including any white characters in his works of fiction. The trend largely continues here, although there is a peripheral account of Tebogo, Mr. Shasha, and the intriguing lady, Debbie, visiting a white couple in this latest work:

“The entrance to the house which was in the 'suburbs' consisted of high iron gates which soon opened after we arrived. Two dogs gambolled around us as we got out of the car, but with the white lady hostess (their owner) there, they were scarcely in a malevolent mood. The lady, called Tracy, led us to the sitting room.

It was rather untidy with some four cats having a field day there. There was a fine library and a very big TV. A laptop was on the table to the left. Tracy smiled and joked a lot, and was soon joined by her husband, Ryan, a handsome strapping white gentleman. They were a very handsome couple and obviously felt free with Shasha. Drinks were served with refreshments.

Debbie seemed uncharacteristically silent most of the time, but perhaps not in a hostile manner…

Ryan said to me after a while: ‘Let me show you our garden’. We went outside to a lovely garden and Ryan I soon noticed was VERY proud of the garden. He went into extensive details involving technical “jargon” of gardens, seeds, colours, weeds and the like. His face shone with great pleasure as he talked and I was surprised having a fairly good garden was such an expensive business. My ignorance in this wise did not seem to discourage him as he went on and on, smoking something that looked like ‘the weed’ in the process…”

It is not only the narrator’s stark ignorance of the intricacies of gardening that is obvious here. “Ryan was VERY proud of his garden” is an inadequate summary of the thrilling paraphernalia and undulating possibilities of gardening. Like many black people at grassroots level, a garden is something almost remote, or even a nuisance to Tebogo, though he does not exactly say so. But for Ryan it is an extension of his very being.

Then there is Debbie’s attitude after they leave the couple:

“After we left the house Shasha said in the darkness. ‘Very nice couple. The type of people who make the idea of a rainbow nation realisable…’

Debbie said curtly: “Did you see the way those cats were so free with Tracy, running all over her, playing with her, jumping all over her. It irritated me. You can see she loves those cats with all her heart. They made her all dirty. Did you see her fingernails?”

I did not like this, and nor did Shasha, I’m sure. “Come on! Many whites love cats. There’s no crime in that,” Shasha said. “It’s nothing. She can do anything for her cats. She normally plays with them even more than you saw today,”

'Let’s change the topic, it’s making me feel sick,' Debbie said…"

Debbie’s attitude here reflects how many black women who grew up in the townships would feel in a situation like this, with the condescending approach to animals. But note that both Tebogo, and Shasha (who is besotted with Debbie) condemn her attitude; this type of approach is typical of Bolaji’s fiction which tends to be conciliatory and broad-minded.

Remembering Ben Mtobwa

Remembering Ben Mtobwa

Ben Mtobwa, who published several exciting works in Swahili popular literature, died exactly one year ago (9 November, 2008) at the age of fifty. Mtobwa was a Tanzanian, and like the late Cyprian Ekwensi, he was fascinated with the allure of the city (mainly Dar es Salaam)

Ben Mtobwa was quite popular among readers in east Africa (where Swahili is a lingua franca) To put it in continental context, Mtobwa was a writer who appealed to many readers at grassroots level: like David Maillu (of Kenya), the late D.O Fagunwa (and later Kalu Okpi) in Nigeria; Osare Konadu initially, and now Ike Tandor (both of Ghana); and perhaps Gomolemo Mokae of South Africa.

By writing in Swahili, Mtobwa commanded a vast readership in his native Tanzania and in east Africa in general. Quite a number of his works have been translated into English, which further enhanced the popularity of this author.

Ben Mtobwa was bitten by the writing bug since he was a youngster and was already writing extensively whilst in school. His shorter fiction was published in many publications locally, which served as a spur for him to continue to write, experiment with forms, and later become socially conscious through literature. He also wrote non-fiction, and children’s books. His many books ranged from Lazima ufe Joram (1983) to Mtambo wa Mauti (2004)

Mtobwa, as a key Director of Heko Publishers in Tanzania used this opportunity to develop and encourage other writers, publish a newspaper and promote pertinent documentaries. His death shocked his many readers and the literary world in general, but his works (books) remain a monument to his memory.

Remembering Ben Mtobwa at the weekend, Ladybrand literary activist George Rampai said: “Ben Mtobwa was a remarkable, prolific writer; no doubt a born writer. He died young, but the likes of Emily Bronte and D.H Lawrence died even much younger. I think of a popular black African writer like the late Mtobwa, and my mind e.g goes to Leseli Mokhele of Lesotho, who also writes exciting fiction, is an expert with the short story, publishes a popular newspaper, and has had works broadcast on air…Africa must encourage her exciting writers and keep their legacy alive…hence we celebrate Ben Mtobwa’s great legacy”
- Courtesy Eclectic Writers’ Club, Mangaung

"TO DUDU"

“TO DUDU”

A poem by Tiisetso M Thiba

How will I start to say this DUDU?
By the vision eye I could peer through your fissure heart
Even though you didn’t tell my ears about your anguished feelings
When I juggle around the pain of sorrowfulness
And you hoping for a jolly good time
But you encountered some 'wonderings'
My beautiful DUDU I wish I could answer your wonderings
But I’m also wondering like you
I know I’ve shattered your heart
But you kept standing tall above them all
To swear it wasn’t the component of my ideals
When I did not have vigour to kick high like sansei

I know we don’t have abundant era together
We didn’t go far yet we are just beginning
We had a few months together now
Not a year but running close…
But so far you’re an angel sent by God
A flower that keeps blooming every second
You are my light when I wander in the scaring night hopelessly
The moonlight that keeps flashing all the time
We are all fallible humans, not perfectionists
We have our own weaknesses and strong points
But there are other weaknesses uninvited, and will never be
Satisfaction of precarious is not one I intended to tender
Satisfaction of proactive is the one in my mind
But you promised to be my armour when I’m down
And I do believe you will keep your pledge
That’s why I’m saying this: “I LOVE YOU TO DEATH”

When I cascade a tear and make the pillow sludge
You felt hurt and I know you don’t want to see me mar
And also mine I don’t want to see you crying ‘cos it hurts me a lot
In life sometimes other pains are unbearable
And you keep strengthen and revive me all the times
I need to be strong for the future outcome
I’m yearning you only the sunshine on your destiny
I hope you will always wipe tears on my cheeks when I couldn’t
I wish your big heart well-being and cheerfulness
You will always roam in my mind
You are someone who owns my heart, and brought joy to my heart
I will always remember you wherever I head to; remember me too!
The lessons you taught me I will learn them by hear
I will adore you until the end of time “DUDU”!!!

World Class African Author wins prestigious award

Mandla Langa, one of South Africa, and Africa’s most powerful imaginative writers, has been hailed for winning the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. Langa won the Best Book award (African Region) for his novel, The lost colours of the chameleon

The lost colours of the chameleon (2008) is essentially about the vagaries of political power. The author formidably creates an island (Bangula) in the Indian Ocean where plenty of strife and bloodshed take place. As most African countries are well used to over the decades, it is the ordinary man who suffers most during this anomy.

Elinor Sisulu, who chaired the Judging panel for the Africa Region enthused about the novel: “(It) combines allegory and realism. Langa deconstructs the inner workings of a mythical African state laying bare the frailties of leaders too blinded by power to effectively confront the major challenges of their times”

The lost colours of the chameleon came out tops from a very impressive short list of books produced by excellent writers. These included Zoe Wicomb’s The one that got away, and Sindiwe Magona’s Beauty’s gift ( a moving work that confronts the ravages of aids)

Peter Moroe, literary critic, says that Mandla Langa has always led the way with quality works. “Langa is quite simply a world class writer, polished and elevated. He’s one of South Africa’s all time great black writers – like Es’kia Mphahlele, Lewis Nkosi, Njabulo Ndebele or Zakes Mda. Mandla Langa’s writing career, his pedigree, shows he’s always been sublime,”

In 1987 Mandla Langa published the brilliant work, Tenderness of blood. Then followed A rainbow on the paper sky (1989), The naked song and other stories (1996), The memory of stones (2000); and now the acclaimed, award winning The lost colours of the chameleon.

The Best First Book Award (Africa Region) went to Nigeria’s Uwem Akpan for his collection of short stories, titled Say you’re one of them.
- Paul Lothane

KPD Maphalla - a superb Sesotho Writer

KPD Maphalla – a superb Sesotho writer

KPD is one of the all-time greats of Sesotho literature. Still only in his mid 50’s he has already published well over 40 books! The University of the Free State honoured him with an Honorary Doctorate in 2007 thanks to his excellence in writing in his Mother tongue.

For many years (apart from those who knew the man personally) rumours circulated that the author (Maphalla) was a “syndicate”; that there was no way any writer, especially a black African one, could be so prolific. (Perhaps there are parallels here with the English writer Enid Blyton who in her lifetime wrote and published so many books that many wondered whether this was humanly possible). But Dr. Maphalla has been seen physically at literary gatherings, especially whilst being honoured more than a few times. He is certainly not a myth!

Maphalla's works of fiction in the Sesotho language are liberally read and studied in many schools in South Africa. Studies on the man’s works have also been published by scholars. The distinguished writer has not enjoyed the best of health in recent times, but this does not mean he is no longer writing.

Indeed in recent times he published another excellent book in Sesotho, titled Ha Maru A Rwalellana. It is quite a thick book that shows Maphalla is not resting on his laurels. He is already a legend, following in the footsteps of the likes of Thomas Mofolo and JJ Moiloa, distinguished Sesotho writers (now deceased)

Despite the despair of commentators on the general dearth of quality writing in the Sesotho language, in recent times younger writers in the genre – especially Thabo Mafike – have been showing great promise. But of course they have a very long way to go before they can even be mentioned in the same breath as the illustrious Maphalla.

Pule Lechesa, literary critic, who has also published a couple of works in Sesotho (both translation) says: “As a Mosotho I am very happy to see good works published over the years by Sesotho writers. It is sad that recently some sub-standard writers in the language have emerged – lacking the length, breadth, characterization etc needed to produce quality works in the (Sesotho) language. But at least people like Maphalla will always be icons,”

Other works written by KPD Maphalla – who started writing as a young man from his QwqQwa base – include Mohlahlobi, and Ha Ditswere Di Tsanyaola.

KPD Maphalla is also the brainchild behind MoabaSesotho, a national association of Sesotho writers.

Enemy of the State by Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga

Book: ENEMY OF THE STATE
Author: Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga
Publisher: Eselby Jnr Publications

Review by Pule Lechesa

The book, “Enemy of the State” which comprises ten short stories penned by Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga, is a welcome addition to short stories written and published by African authors over the years. As the blurb of the book reminds us:

“Fiction of the shorter variety have been spun out over the decades by distinguished African wordsmiths like Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Ama Ata Aidoo, Dambudzo Marechera, Es’kia Mphahlele, David Maillu, Gomolemo Mokae, Omosei Bolaji, Leboela Motopi, et al.”

The author can not be faulted for his love of books, and acquisition of general knowledge, which can be seen from the short stories. For example he tells us about the life/books of “Mandela, Fredrick Douglas, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi and many others. But the people who really left a big impression in his life were Dr King JR, Mandela and Gandhi. Like these three great men he believed in the philosophy of non-violence”

But as all-time British literary icon Joseph Conrad is often criticised for heightened language and ultra adjectival descriptions, Maxwell ‘s love for words and “grandiose” ideas often go too far. He, many times gets “carried away by the exuberance of his own verbosity”

Examples abound from this collection; including phrases like: “and transform this pending cosmic elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood. And let’s all pray…” We shall look at some of his supposed grand concepts and ideas-debating in some of the short stories soon.

Another issue is the unsatisfactory ending of many of these stories (including the Title story, The Enemy of the State). Apart from the impressive adjectival speech of the Colonel, we are never told what happens in the end. Is he killed too, or does he come into power to help his country and people?

Alas, the grandiose speeches often become ends in themselves without substantial logic and conclusions; apart from the debacle of the Colonel in the title story, there is the “The Prof of Universal knowledge (the title itself is pomposity personified!). He goes on and on examining the ills of society bringing in even old Athens and its philosophy. This might be construed as “overkill” by many readers – the author wanting to show off his knowledge which becomes tedious in the end.

Yet there are germs of truth in the exegesis; eg decrying immorality. “you see five children with the same mother and different fathers”. But there is nothing to show that the protagonists here have done anything to ameliorate such societal ills; in fact by placing so much emphasis on their drinking sprees they seem part of the problem.

Sometimes there is the inadequacy of information in Maxwell’s fiction. In one of the stories, a mother is praised thus: “She did this and that to make sure her children got food and education.” What exactly did she do? What extremes did she go too? Were these legitimate or otherwise?

A story like “The man who rose from the dead” in this collection beggars belief. What is it all about? We know it is about a strange man, Chitakatira but there is limited substance or rhyme or reason in the story. What is the intention of the author in showing us such a man? He is not exactly a bad man, but his demise is clearly unsatisfactory. What is the lesson to be learnt from his life?

There is also the bizarre confession from a guy in one of the stories (The hustler). He says directly: “Anyway, there are two things that I want you to do for me at my funeral. You must buy a bottle of Hansa and a new pant for ladies and put them in my grave, on the other side where there would be my head”. Fiction might mirror life or reality, but this type of colourless, rather shameless character is not to be advocated.

The lure of greener pastures is a very sad story. It is unfortunate enough that Daudi, the man is placed in a position where he has to travel elsewhere for survival…after some travails he seems to have learnt his lessons, is coming back home wiser and ready to be of use to his family. His wife has betrayed him, and as if this were not enough he dies a painful, unnecessary death. The landscape is generally grim with most of these stories.

In Unbridled erotic adventure turns sour! – one at least comes across a very amusing tale. Just desserts for illicit lovers might well be our simplistic verdict. But we might wonder what happens next to the lovers locked together. It’s better not to imagine the fate of the lovers!

* The book, "Enemy of the State", has won the “Mangaung Up and Coming Author of the Year” Award.