TEBOGO AND THE HAKA
Book: Tebogo and the Haka
Author: Omoseye Bolaji
Publisher: Eselby Jnr Publications
Cover Illustration by Ntombi Ntakakaze
Review by Peter Moroe
As the blurb of this new (2008) book states: “Four years ago, the last novellete in the Tebogo Mystery series, Ask Tebogo, came out. Now we have another Tebogo Mystery to sink our teeth into! And what a triumph by the “black African master of the unexpected”! Tebogo and the Haka is another exciting mystery thriller by Mr Bolaji, an impressive whodunit. You have been warned - this latest adventure of private investigator, Tebogo Mokoena packs a devastating punch”
The “flamboyant man” who introduces Tebogo to this new case emphatically declares that he does not believe in co-incidences. Yet our Tebogo only gets to solve the case thanks to one or two co-incidences that happen in the book.
But is this not the nature of detective or mystery books? Would Agatha Christie’s old “pussy” Mme Marple or even Hercule Poirot have been able to solve any of their baffling caes if not for some happy co-incidence which conveniently unravel at the end of every adventure?
In her crititique, Tebogo on the prowl where author Petro Schonfeld evaluates the Tebogo Mystery series while focusing on the last adventure, Ask Tebogo she heavily criticises Tebogo for “forgeting his great love Khanyi”; and is that why in the new work Tebogo and the Haka the author goes out of his way to show that Tebogo is still very much in love with Khanyi, always thinking about her, carries her many photos around. etc. But it does seem very forced.
For one thing, it is revealing that Khanyi is completely banished from the action again, in fact we are told she is studying in France(!) leaving Tebogo free to conduct his investigations amidst lovely ladies and shady characters
The narrator (”Tebogo”) stretches credibility by claiming in his latest adventure to be unruffled, “hostile” “distant” etc whenever any of the ladies he meets show affection towards him, including hugging or even kissing him! Is this really realistic?
Bolaji is quite good at swiftly setting the scene for memorable, tender moving romantic set-ups (remember Impossible Love, and Tebogo fails?) Hence readers of this new work must prepare for such a moving scene - but incensed ladies, relax - Tebogo does not cross the line and betray the precious Khanyi!
It is commendable that Bolaji has created a whole novellete around the “Haka performance” of the All Blacks. And as usual, all the action is convincing, down to earth, with the grassroots’ scenery accurately depicted.
Apart from a few incongruities, this indeed is an excellent story - to be read at a go, preferably with a cool drink by your side. At the end of it all, do not be surprised if you have developed a yen for the Haka!
The cover illustration of the new book is done by the award winning Free State (female) artist, Ntombi Ntakakaze.
Also in the Tebogo Mystery series: Tebogo Investigates (2000), Tebogo’s spot of bother (2001), Tebogo Fails (2003) and Ask Tebogo (2004)
February 3rd, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Seems congratulatios are in order again for “Chief” Bolaji. A new Tebogo mystery was long overdue
February 3rd, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Great to be told about this. We hope the book image (cover) will appear soon. Thanks
February 3rd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Tebogo and the Haka
We don’t usually go to internet centre on Sundays, but an internet review of Bolaji’s new book is something to celebrate. Having bought and read the new book, perhaps the most surprising thing is that Tebogo is now happily married - even in absentia!
February 3rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Indeed two ladies who have read this new book told me they were displeased with tebogo kissing another woman
February 3rd, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I almost forgot the comment I had in mind: Tebogo and the haka is well written, on a par with earlier titles in the series, like Tebogo fails
February 3rd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
As a newspaper publisher, I respect and treasure writers (and journalists) like Mr Bolaji. My congrats on his latest imaginative work
- (publisher of seipone News time)
February 4th, 2008 at 8:18 am
My congratulations too! It is not known that when Mr Bolaji was at his weakest and had seemingly quit creative writing, I started writing a Tebogo mystery book too, wrote a couple of chapters. Bolaji read it and said: “This is not the Tebogo I created; your own version is not subtle!”
February 4th, 2008 at 8:34 am
And isn’t it great seeing the cover of the book, here?
February 4th, 2008 at 9:38 am
As regards comment 4 above, it was not Tebogo who kissed the lady - she (Charlotte) kissed him!
February 4th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
The plot of the new book is interesting, and as usual seems simple enough, with a realistic grassroots feel. It is only when one has read the book and reflected on it that one realises the mental effort that goes into the construction. Not to say it’s perfect, but a good read.
February 4th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
After a second reading, maybe it’s true the author is forcing things with Khanyi. For example apart from Khanyi absent from the scenes again, why is it that nothing is said about Tebogo’s wedding (That is the ceremony itself)? In the last adventure (Ask Tebogo) the couple was certainly not married. But maybe we should not be too critical.
February 4th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
It’s good to see another title added to the series!! I have not yet read it, but I’m happy to hear that Khanyi was not a fleeting thought (is Tebogo maturing?)The couple seems to be emancipated, which reflects positively. Truly a book to look forward to…
February 4th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Mr Tila we should not be too critical, yes. Since we read the last Tebogo title four years ago, he got married; Khanyi became a liberated, emancipated career focused lady! Good for them. Unless a baby spoils the investigation process!!
February 5th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Tebogo’s problem is that he’s too sentimental and too much of a gentleman, especially with women. In T
Tebogo’s spot of bother, he nearly dies because he does not want to hurt a woman. The situation is not much different in this latest adventure, Tebogo and the Haka. He (Tebogo) sort of idealises women
February 5th, 2008 at 9:07 am
And when I suggested in my book: The Evolution of Free State Black Literature, that Mr Bolaji is essentially “weak” towards women in his writings, I was castigated…
February 5th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
It’s good to see Bolaji writing the fifth of the Tebogo mystery series. That he wrote it at all should be commended; and it is an interesting story - to be read at a go, undisturbed. I like the authentic township scenes
February 5th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Surely (reading some of the comments here) we don’t really expect Tebogo to endanger his woman by involving her in his potentially dangerous investigations - even if she was around. What man would expose his wife to mix with nefarious, or suspect, individuals?
February 6th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Who wouldn’t envy Tebogo? he’s a bit like James Bond without the suave trappings and fantasy - a man of the people, enjoying the shebeens, mixing with the ladies, generally unpretentious, with dollops of ubuntu. And come to think of it, what does Tebogo look like? Has he ever been described in all the five books?
February 6th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Note that on page 30 of Tebogo and the Haka there is the suggestion that Tebogo is “strong, powerful and jealous”; but then again this is not conclusive.
February 6th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Ag, really Tebogo is just a fictional creation, a peg upon which to hang interesting stories. He seems realistic to us because most of his adventures are told in the first person. Surely nobody out there really believes the character exists???
February 7th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Alas, I feel like a “prize fool” as I type this, as I have nothing illuminating to say! So it’s “cop-out” time - I’ll just thank everybody who has added comments here; and the many more who have bought copies of this book.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
That is the beautiful thing about creative writing - we get absorbed in a convincing fictional world, like Charles Dickens and his wonderful characters. As regards Tebogo we find ourselves wondering about his wife, Khanyi, the possibility of their having a child (see comment 13 above), the potential dangers he might face etc
February 7th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Indeed the whole point of literature is getting us to read and enjoy, not the so called elitist writing beloved only by a few. That’s why I started to write a Tebogo mystery myself, and maybe one day I’ll finish it
February 7th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Im taken by the title
captivated by the picture
And moved by yet another Tebogo series,
Chief bolaji we are in the same struggle
One love,
One heart,
One nation,
I look forward to buying a copy.
Skietreker
February 8th, 2008 at 9:02 am
For those who don’t know, “Skietreker” is actually young Richard Seape who has just published a fine book of poems (written in Afrikaans); a guy who loves literature so much and collects allied cuttings..a young man with a great future in literature
February 11th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I was reading an interview with Bolaji on Chimurenga, where he downplayed his writing, as if publishing over 20 books is nothing. Unlike so many of our writers who preen themselves after a book or two - often self serving poetry, Omoseye Bolaji keeps on churning out imaginative works. Despite big honours, journalistic responsibilities, suspect health, he never becomes complacent - a truly great man.
February 11th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
And don’t forget all the literary gems Bolaji’s discovered and encouraged over the years, including poets whom you (Aaron Sonny) seem to despise!
February 11th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I don’t hate poetry or poets, it’s just that too many clowns are claiming to be poets. When Lesego Rampolekeng came to Bloemfontein he said “don’t call me a poet, everybody is claiming to be a poet!” Lesego is actually a very good poet, like Dambudzo, Lenrie Peters, our Mzamo. But teh majority of so called poets are nothing of the sort. They write prose, boring prose but kid themselves its poetry. But I don’t want to start again please.
February 11th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
No brickbats on poetry again, please! If we can’t comment on this new book, Tebogo and the Haka, it’s better not to write anything.
February 12th, 2008 at 8:26 am
I don’t think Mr Lechesa should take it upon himself to tell us what to write, or not. Mr Bolaji is an icon, but literature is wide and attracts diverse reactions; eg I know Mr Lechesa respects me as a poet, but obviously Mr aaron Sonny does not
February 12th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Great, I’m happy that Mr. Bolaji has managed to come out with yet another great piece of literature. More so because it has generated a lot of interest in reading, judging by the many comments that this book has caused.
There is one thing that bothers me though and I hope I’m allowed to air it here. It has to do with a phrase used by the reviewer above, Where he describes the author as “black african master of the unexpected” I mean why not just ” African master of the unexpected” It’s so iritating.
For goodness’s sake,when will you people cease from referring to this literary giant as a “black african”. as far as I’m concerned,by virtue of being black and of african origin one is already african. Whey then do people go to great pains to insert the word “black” in front of african when describing a son of the soil”ngwana wa moAfrika” One would think that you are unsure of your origins and who you are.
Dont’t get me wrong though, I’m black and proud. I just want you to get things into perspective.
To deviate a little from the subject at hand, comment No 18 above by “Aaron Sonny” has got traces or style of one prolific writer that I once knew some years back that makes me bet that I know this “mysterious sonny” Shall I name you “Sonny” or will you come out and confess your true identity?
February 12th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
As regards comment no 30, I do believe that Ntate Raselebeli is a good poet. Last week i enjoyed your poem “if wishes were horses” published in the paper. It was majestic and sweeping, with your powerful haunting love for Africa obvious. As for my identity, Mr Thaisi (whose book of poetry I liked) should not be absurd. Many of the local writers know me, my photo has been in the paper; i even used to tell Ntate Flaxman that “it seems Mr Thaisi has retired from writing?”
February 13th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Seye,
Congratulations! Please keep your focus on Jesus.
Tunde Remi ladeji
February 13th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I am looking forward to getting my copy
tunde
February 14th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Congratulations Seye on your new book.More greese to your elbow.
February 17th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Comment(31)I greatly respect those who are making an effort in trying to shape and put this blackness or should i say African perspective into the right dimension as people nolonger understand who or what they are for the media/critics have labelled them according to what they see and their statements,
And i also agree with “Aaron” for everybody anybody nowadays is claiming to be a Poet, and that note has become such a cliche only ears & understanding can differenciate.
Dont get wrong for yes literature & poetry make no mistake i love the art,
And truly Mr Bolaji has contributed immensely to this field, with fiction in large chunks,poetry,plays just to name a few…
Omoseye you continue to inspire, for people to talk such, it shows that you are working !
Much love !
Skietreker
February 18th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Really, it’s ridiculous for anybody to take offence about things like “black African writer” etc. It’s petty. When the world refers to Toni Morrison as “great African American writer” (still meaning black) or Achebe as “black African writer” it only shows respect for what we are achieving in a particular genre (literature). The truth is our perspectives are different.
February 18th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Yes, I agree but even those who call people like toni morrison “great african american writer” as you say don’t refer to her as “black african american writer” it sounds like duplication to me that’s all I’m saying here.
February 18th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I have no problem being called a black African writer. In fact I am proud of it. For most of us when we are faced with a book, or author we wonder about his or her background, and this includes colour. There is nothing wrong with this. Identification with an author is very important. If Ngugi wins the Nobel award for literature this year eg, you can bet there will be celebrations all over black Africa!
February 20th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
“A hupane, ka upane
A hupane, ka upane
Whiti te ra, hi!”
Somehow these last lines (of the Haka) are what stick in my mind after reading this book - maybe ‘cos the book swiftly builds up to the brief performance of the haka in the shebeen, and the excitement of it can be infectious. I am not in the literary biz so I can’t say more
February 24th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
If ever one needed proof that writers react to critics, or are even scared of them, Tebogo and the Haka proves it. After re-reading Petro Schonfeld’s Tebogo on the prowl - a critique of the Tebogo Mystery series, where she really went out of her way to castigate Tebogo for forgeting” his love Khanyi in Ask Tebogo (2004), I can see that Ntate Moroe is right in his review to claim that the author tries to show at all costs that Tebogo still loves Khanyi, including the unexpected revelation that that they are now married. Yet as Mr Moroe points out, the author still manages to find a way to ensure that Khanyi does not interfere with the smooth-flowing story line in Tebogo and the Haka!
April 1st, 2008 at 10:51 am
And it was great seeing a full page review of this book - Tebogo and the haka - in the glossy Kimberley magazine, THE WAY.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I grew up in secondary school in Mangaung reading and re reading Mr Bolaji’s books of fiction which I found fantatic. Now am newly married and am working in a big shop. Ntate Bolaji recently came to the shop and I could see he was surprised and embarrassed when I was very excited to talk to him. I have not seen his latest book but I must get a copy at all costs
April 21st, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I have always been a fan of novels and I would like to see this book. Could the publisher please make it easier for us to buy it…Thanks i’ll comment more after i read the book.