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