By Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga
Ideally
African literature is quite superlative for a number of reasons. It is infelicitous that many libraries in
Africa are not productively resourced to unfold this mammoth achievement. Certainly it is hardly knotty to see some of
the profoundly contribution of African authors in libraries; either in the
urban or bucolic setting. However it’s
excitingly prodigious to appreciate the power of technology, in particular the internet
which is fashionably indispensible to provide exquisite details about African
literature.
Since its
world recognition – African literature is burgeoning in a breathtaking
way. So many prolific writers in Africa
are essentially committed in advancing fine creative literary work. Countless books by superb writers can be
found in many different parts of the world and others are also translated in a
range of languages of the world.
Of course
there are unsung literary catalysts and pioneers of African literature whose
works are significantly transcendent.
Recently it becomes habitual that every time when African literature is
mentioned readers would ignorantly think only about big names that are merely
popular in African literary context.
Specifically; Africa has colossal number of authors – famous and
infamous. Another vexation about readers
is when they ignominiously assume that for a book to be published it must
necessarily be written in English or other European languages.
Sublime
writers such as KP Maphalla who originally wrote his books in Sesotho, have
influenced many fine writers in Africa.
Thomas Mofolo also contributed significantly in the world of
letters. His book Chaka which he wrote
many decades ago still attracts the attention of many pundits and it also
constitutes part of discussion and studies by scholars. In fact Maphalla has been central to many
writers like Pule Lechesa! In Nigeria
the charismatic Daniel O. Fagunwa played a very pivotal role in African
literature, especially in promoting African indigenous literature. In fact Daniel O. Fagunwa is one of the
catalysts and pioneer of African indigenous literature in Africa. His literary prowess which he illustrated
with great zeal, definitely has hypnotized great number of African writers in
Nigeria and in Africa too.
Primarily, Amos Tutuola one of early hard-working,
prolific African writers was inspired by
Fagunwa. The sedulous Tutuola in his
writings demonstrated a vivid understanding of the creative art of writing. However, contrary to that in the academic
point of view Amos Tutuola can be viewed in a different way. Tentatively, the stereotypical academics
inevitably wreaked havoc to literature.
Colonial stereotype among African intellectuals and academics convinced
them to probably assume that literature is only the product of the academics -
that those academics can produce fine creative work. Unfortunately, although colonialism is
defeated in Africa albeit, its legacy impacted abysmally among the academics.
I have been fascinated
with O Bolaji one of Africa’s
sons who continues to do excellently in literature. He is an alumnus of the University of Obafemi Awolowo
and a grassroots literary guru. To give
a succinct explanation – his books have formed a principal study among the
scholars and the pundit. Exhilarating
books have been written about him too. But the point here is; Bolaji began to
be fond of the world of letters when he was very young (toddler) before he
could attend school. Specifically, his
Father the late Chief Eselby Bolaji who was a prolific writer too contributed
immensely in his journey of literature.
Simply, the vigour and the passion that his Father had for books was
very delectable and he was able to influence the children in the house.
Therefore, I
believe it is absolutely unbecoming to suggest that authors need to receive
certain training from school in order to become relevant authentic writers. For instance, Amos Tutuola celebrated his
first novel (Palm-wine Drinkard) which was actually published overseas many years
before Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. Tutuola was almost illiterate, yet he
produced great literary works – one need not be highly educated before penning
fine creative works/ books. Job Mzamo
the fantastic Free State (South Africa) based bard remains a veritable,
pragmatic and exquisite writer who produced very superb poems in creative
writing. Like Tutuola, he only attended
primary school but is a highly polished poet, with excellent diction and
imagery.
Furthermore,
Tutuola’s work has been highly acclaimed by both whites and African critics, including
professors like Wole Soyinka. He was a genuine
African writer with inspiration from local folklore, traditions, superstitions
etc. Tutuola was a born story teller;
hence he published about ten books in his lifetime, novels and short stories.
It is quite
important for young African writers to start to read with enthusiasm about
early writers like Tutuola. Imperatively
by reading and studying about such writers this will definitely add more
understanding about early African writers.
The new writers will have an idea of pre – colonial situation, beliefs
and ambience. In fact the tragic reality
is that only few young African writers now take inspiration from rural setting,
villages, forests etc.
Unfortunately, the young generation today generally
lacks stimulation, spirituality and introspection; and they are strongly inclined
towards inane comments on social media.
One needs to be wary of such pernicious situation because if the
situation continues it will eventually obliterate and cause great despair to
African literature. What price for new
Amos Tutuolas to emerge in our modern era?
Works by Amos Tutuola
The Palm-Wine Drinkard (1952)
My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (1954)
Simbi and the Satyr of the Dark Jungle (1955)
The Brave African Huntress (1958)
Feather Woman of the Jungle (1962)
Ajaiyi and his Inherited Poverty (1967)
The Witch-Herbalist of the Remote Town (1981)
The Wild Hunter in the Bush of the Ghosts
(1982)
Yoruba Folktales (1986)
Pauper, Brawler and Slanderer (1987)
The Village Witch Doctor and Other Stories
(1990)
