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Free State Black Literature is now established and acknowledged world-wide. It is also generally accepted that the main catalyst behind this resurgence is Omoseye Bolaji, a prolific author, and journalist who has inspired many others to write. Here, HiFive’s Jerry Seekoei caught up with him for an illuminating session on the world of writing…

You’ve got a fair amount of recognition as a writer – many books published, reviews, published studies discussing your work…I was quite staggered to see how many references you have on the internet. Your recent awards too have also been well publicized. How does it all feel?

BOLAJI: I have a feeling I’ve heard this question before! (laughter). At the end of the day life goes on, really. From a simplistic point of view I believe that what really pleases a writer most is when a reader comments favourably on one’s works. The other day I met a stranger who just came to me and said: “Mr. Bolaji, I read the Sesotho translation of your play (The subtle transgressor), I could not put it down for a second. It was superb. I give it ten over ten!”

Some other observers also believe that you are lucky to have some people (writers/critics) impressed with your work. Mr. (Pule) Lechesa for example has been described as your “disciple”. Others like Petro Schonfeld and Prof Pretorius also love your work…

BOLAJI: I suppose some people would always be particularly enamoured with one’s works. Some of these people will now go out of their way to ensure that such works are even more publicized or analysed …a very pertinent example is Flora Weit Wild who over the years has done wonders in promoting Dambudzo Marechera’s literary works. It appears she has published more books - studies - on him than he (Marechera) ever wrote! However there are many others who have also promoted my work and written a lot about it…people like the late Pule Lebuso, Flaxman Qoopane, Charmaine Kolwane, Urbain Tila…my thanks to all of them.

Do you have favourites among your published works?

BOLAJI: Really I have said it before, that I am not one of those writers who go on and on reading and re-reading whatever they have published. I believe that a writer should move on after every “literary project”, as it were. Ideally whilst working on a particular book, there should be some excitement about it, but when it’s made available to the public there is no need to cling to the works with exceeding élan! Yes, inevitably there would be some mistakes in the books which the critics would gleefully point out. That is their province. I remember that a certain critic claimed to have detected “hundreds” of mistakes in Wole Soyinka’s The man died. But this did not stop the book being celebrated the world over.

Some other “critics” also claim that throughout all your books you hardly have anything bad or negative to say about whites

BOLAJI: There is no need being confrontational just for the sake of theatrics, or playing to the gallery, or whatever. I did not grow up under apartheid – actually my first years were spent in London (England) and I had a wonderful white Nanny who took care of me. White people have helped me a lot over the years in furthering my writing career. I have a number of very good white friends. I suppose many whites would be “bad” in the same way many blacks would be “bad” too. Recently a top footballer announced that racist jibes against him never worried him “it’s done by a minority and they just need to be enlightened” he said.

There is plenty of ignorance in respect of writers. Are writers “famous” even to themselves or in particular areas?

BOLAJI: We can all be quite ignorant when it comes to literature. As Lechesa pointed out in his book, The evolution of Free State Black Literature when Toni Morrison won the Nobel Award for literature a fellow American commented “Who is he?” As we might know Toni Morrison is actually a very famous black female American writer. What usually happens is that we all have our favourite writers. I have met many writers locally who hardly know icons like Es’kia Mphahlele or Gomolemo Moake or Njabulo Ndebele…such people usually know a lot about Ngugi, Achebe; by the same token most know little or nothing about Wole Soyinka who was the first African to win the Nobel Award. I myself only recently got to read some of the books written by Aryan Kaganof – a very funny, blunt, candid writer. It helps when those who love books – or budding writers – have been introduced to certain writers at school.

So perhaps you mean that we can sort of “specialize” as regards our knowledge or interest in writers/literature?

There are so many writers all over these days that we can be forgiven for some ignorance. Again it’s like football, soccer in a way – you get fanatical supporters of a team, e.g Bloemfontein Celtic supporters here who know EVERYTHING about the team on a daily basis. Many of them will tell you they know little or nothing about international football. Yet you get other football lovers locally who know very little about local teams but can give you daily news on Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid etc! Hence there are writers who know a lot about literature locally, a fair number of them might also have some general knowledge of writers nationally – the Zakes Mdas, Ndebeles, Mzamanes, Tlalis, Ngcobos etc. Then there are some who read only certain Eurocentric writers – others like Caribbean authors…another ilk are those who read only particular type of books, maybe romance, historical, biographies

Or mystery/detective fiction…

Yes. I have a soft spot for that! There are readers who read only the Dick Francis’, Agatha Christies, Sidney Sheldons; and the African works in this wise. You know, there are African writers who also write such (mystery) books; like Kalu Okpi, Victor Thorpe, Bolaji! (laughter all around)

Reproduced here courtesy of HiFive magazine

A short story by Neo Mvubu

I can still remember the day I was swept away by my love and lust for splendor and life. It was 1993, November 31st and the schools had just closed. I can still recall my mother going through financial troubles. Well that’s an incredible woman I tell you, she raised me and my 5 brothers and sisters in a 4 roomed house while my father disappeared in the mines in Johannesburg . My mother, she took in even the poorest of them all into our home, considered the mother of the streets, she practically raised every struggling being she could get hold of. Well, I for one did not understand how she could do that out of her meager domestic earnings, but she did. She said to me that it is through the love of Jesus that she does what she does; now I understand. My mother worked as a domestic worker, a profession I was ashamed of, I wanted the life, she used to talk about it, I did not understand and so did what I had to do.

When I was 18 years old, yes that was the year that I finished my schooling in, the best and somewhat the year that would change my life forever. The day we fetched our results was the day two white men approached me. They told me of an opportunity they were offering to young girls from underprivileged schools and homes. During the whole process, they said they would pay for me to study further and offer me a job while I’m there. (I shall not mention the name of the country here). They called my destination “the best place in the whole world,” They gave me money right there, I had never held so much money in my life and I knew my mother would disapprove so I had to make a plan.

I did not even have a passport, it took a month for me to get it, the week before the departure I decided to write a letter to my mom and here it goes:

To mama
I am a grown woman with responsibilities, I want the best for you mama, that’s why I left. By the time you read this letter I will be on a plane to London , I hope you understand the reason why I decided to leave. I want to get you pounds mama, so that you and my siblings could live a better life, it’s because of my love for you that I did this. I will write to you as much as I can and send money also. They said I could work as a nanny and earn more in a week than there in a month. Hope you understand and send my love to all my brothers and sisters and remember that I will always love you.
Yours in trust
Karabo

Here I am now, holding 2 plane tickets, I didn’t mention this - but they asked me to bring along a friend and so I did, her name is Thuto. She is struggling and has no parents at all, I had to bring her along, I wanted to give her the best experience of her life. We were so excited, the first time on a plane and out of the country for that matter! We were rather excited as we knew we were traveling to the land of milk and honey!

On our arrival, a van came and took us to this beautiful house, a mansion; it had a pool, beautiful gardens and the number of rooms I had ever seen. We were convinced we would be living the life, the life my mother always dreamed about. When we were very young, she would make up stories for us and say how wonderful she would feel if one of her children could reach that dream. They fed us more than we could chew, I had never seen so much food for one family in my life, and they laid it all on a big table and for us. When I saw it I thought of my mother and how I wished she was there with me enjoying the luxuries. Little did I know of what was to come that very night?
We were firstly introduced to “Mr. and Mrs. Dane”; they moved us from where we were and took us to another place not as tasteful as the first but better than my mother’s house. We slept for the night but heard strange men talking; it was as if a plot was made but my friend Thuto told me to relax. Mrs Dane came in and gave us clothes to wear, a lot of them, they were beautiful and stylish. I felt like a queen and changed them over and over to see how they would fit me. Thuto also did the same and further declared that there was nothing to worry about so I agreed and we ended up falling asleep right there with those clothes on.

11 o’clock on the dot, they woke us up, shoved us and told us it was time for work, I thought what type of work we would be doing at that time of day. I was surprised and kept asking questions, telling me to shut up, they hit me hard, harder than I have ever been hit, it was the first time I realized that these people really meant business. Thuto and me were taken into separate rooms but she came out bruised and depressed, I did not understand why she was the way she was. With me the clients I had to serve drinks did not pitch, they said that they did not make it and sent me back, no problem at all. With Thuto it was an absolutely different scenario, she walked in quiet and depressed as if isolated from her body, as if no life in her. I asked her what had happened but she would not talk. I could not understand how a vibrant person like her could fall like that, I even shouted at her for being ungrateful.

The following day, the same thing happened but this time they only took me in, they asked me to get dressed but I wouldn’t, I wouldn’t let them do to me what they had done to Thuto. So they took me as I was and there he was; a fat old white middle aged man, he was waiting for me. From that very moment I knew what my life would be like, I fought him, I really tried, he was too strong, and he ripped off my clothes. I didn’t want to but he pressed me down. I can still remember his sweat and how he pressed down my face onto the bed. I couldn’t move, I was just in so much pain, to a point where all my energy was depleted. The whole night I tell you shoving and pushing and tossing me, I felt dead inside. Even when he saw the blood he continued, he didn’t even try to stop, he felt nothing for me another human being. He just smiled at my misery.

I was then carried to the door of my room and they left me there locking the door behind me. Thuto saw me lying on the ground and carried me up, took me into the shower and washed me clean, she understood, no judgment at all, how could I have been so foolish. I was a virgin when I got there, he broke it, my virginity, I was only 18 but he didn’t see a human being all he saw was a…a receptacle for lust? That’s how I felt, hideous. Continually they raped us 92 days to be specific, I became so numb to the sex that I couldn’t breath, they took away my womanhood. I could not understand why they hated us so much.

I would think of my brother when they called me and how me and my brothers would laugh and play around our neighborhood, I would actually smile at how wonderful it was back home when I was with my family. I guess that gave me hope, hope that someone would find us but it took 3 months. For you it may seem few but for me it felt like years. The police finally waded in but it was 3 months too late for other girls, I never even knew there were other girls until right at the end. Some passed away from diseases, others from pain and others from heartache, it was a painful experience.
To think I had come all the way from South Africa from my family and friends is unbearable and the worst part, the fact that I brought along my friend hurt me even more. I felt horrible because she has gone through so much and I had to make it worse. She had no parents and got raped over and over, that was even worse.
We were finally taken to our homes after a lot of counseling and police interrogation, they took all those girls who also survived back home but we were still hurting and the money and job they promised us, never existed, and as for Mr. and Mrs. Dane, they were the pivots of that operation and got life imprisonment.

We got home finally and when I thought my mother would be upset she held me tight into her arms, took in Thuto also and made us a home cooked meal. I cried and apologized for putting her through that, I also apologized to my friend; they forgave me, that even made me cry more. Their love and understanding overwhelmed me and the worst thing of all is I could not forgive myself, it took some time but I was able to do it.

Now I am 25 years old and I have dealt with the demons of my past, I couldn’t be stronger and more resilient today. Our experiences are what shape us. Today we are heading an organization right here in South Africa for Human Trafficking especially to empower women and men in disadvantaged communities. It is through the Love of God that I live this day courageously.

We argue with ourselves
We begin internal sabotage
And conflict our minds with burdens of the flesh
We enter into battle with our souls
And wonder where the bitterness came

We kill distorted minds
Removing the truth about our lives
We avoid the truth and follow the path
The world has set for us
Conflicting minds
Creating distorted generations
Of false sense of power

Where government raise kids
And values no more
Parental intervention no more
Only beings thirsty for affection
Never satisfied with what is
But thirsty for what is to come
Hungry for more

Never enough power
Never enough money or wealth
Never enough clothes or jewellery
Just people conformed to societal standards

When will it stop?
Will it ever stop?
Or is this just a continuation of what
Our forefathers started

neo mvubu

As I was packing my gun and bullets
I began to kiss them goodbye
My family
I told them I’d be back
They cried and told me to stop
But
I jumped into a foreigner’’s skin
Cut wires and crawled
Cutting my hands and knees
I ran into a foreign land
My heart beat like drums
As fear came from my mind
What if I die
What will happen to my kids, my wife?
What if?
But I had no choice

I had to at least try to save us
From the injustices caused by my country
I thought I would be free
But I’’m still in chains

Chains of my brothers
Calling me names
Worst of all I have no one to turn to
I miss my family, my home, my country
I miss the way it was
But now I’m here AND
They hate us
They throw stones at us
When will all this fighting end?

Is it my accent?
Am I too dark of a shade?
Do you see drugs when you see me?
I am tired
Tired of blacks against blacks
Whites against blacks
The hatred against brothers and sisters

What happened to Ubuntu?

* Neo Mvubu is a young poet and journalist based in Bloemfontein. She is extraordinarily prolific as a poet and has published a series of fine articles on the infamous “Urine repast” episode at the University of the Free State

By Raselebeli Khotseng

A common comment about many of Omoseye Bolaji’s works of fiction is that a lot of the action is often centred in taverns or shebeens! This is particularly true as regards the Tebogo Mystery series. There is plenty of action in shebeens in Tebogo Fails and Ask Tebogo as usual.

Hence it is no surprise that in his latest work, Tebogo and the Haka (2008) a lot of the action takes place at the Club or shebeen, strangely called The Haka itself. We see Tebogo Mokoena the investigator visiting the place every time during his stay in Ladybrand, and he certainly enjoys himself, relaxing, quaffing, drinking, meeting all sorts of people.

Really many might wonder: how important are shebeens- for black people? The answer is obvious enough: apart from so many taverns and shebeens in towns and cities targeting the black people, it is fascinating that in the townships, virtually every street has at least one or two shebeens frequented by so many.

So what are the attractions of shebeens? Obviously the first is the alcohol itself, biri . In the shebeens the alcohol always flows and the sellers often make sure it is ice cold– you can buy at almost anytime of the day, especially during the weekends. Many people go into debt heavily not minding, so long as they can pay their debts at the end of the month or when convenient. I have seen cases of some people owing as much as a thousand rand monthly to settle debts for alcohol.

At shebeens there is always this ambience of excitement and fizz, people throng the places, talk, exchange quips and even share bottles together. During big matches,– especially soccer,– many people gather to support their local team or the national team,– at the 2007 Rugby World Cup many people enjoyed the games at the shebeens.

Then there is the music,– at such places assorted music is played often till late in the night during weekends. The atmosphere is informal and people can also bring their own beloved brands of music. It is an excuse for music unlimited, with loudspeakers blaring forth very loud music with the patrons enjoying; all the while the drinks are flowing.

Needless to say at the shebeens and taverns there are many women who come and add spice to the whole atmosphere. Whilst it is not true that most of the ladies who frequent sheebens are cheap or waiting to be picked up, a fair number of them are. At worst they believe they can get men to buy drinks for them at such places, and if anything happens afterwards? Ladies, after some drinks become liberated and become the heart and soul of such assemblages.

Omoseye Bolaji, time and again uses riveting scenes from the shebeens to make his fiction more exciting. In Tebogo and the Haka, with Tebogo’s wife Khanyi thousands of kilometres away overseas, the protagonist can enjoy the company of ladies at the shebeen or Club, the likes of Brenda, Maki and Charlotte. Of course he still succeeds in solving the mysteries as usual talk of mixing business with pleasure!

Ruffed, rugged and dust beaten
With blistered lips.

From the wilderness
The merchant returns to the city.

Bearing bruises and scars that tell
Of his beleaguered journey.

Lost a few bets, swindled.

But behold the merchant is a lot wiser.

By Lebohang Thaisi
* Thaisi is Sec of Eclectic Writers Club of Free State

BY FLAXMAN QOOPANE

The SABC 2 hosted the writing and performance expression workshops and the poetry competition through Lentswe Poetry Project (L.P.P) at the Gold Reef City in Johannesburg on 2 – 3 February 2008. I was delighted to be present at the occasion to witness those who emerged as the best nationwide.

Thabisa Mangisa, L.P.P. Manager at SABC 2 said “About 35 poets from the Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape were selected in 2007 in their provinces as finalists in the Lentswe Poetry Project.

“The poets came together to attend the workshops on Saturday 2 February and also to recite their poems at the Lentswe Poetry Café on Saturday 3 February where winners were to be chosen”.

Poets in the country were encouraged to write poems in any of our 11 official languages about the celebratory days including the Valentine’s Day, Mothers Day, Youth Day, Aids Day, African Day, Heritage Day, Women’s Day and Family Day.

Lentswe Poetry Project was launched in 2005, a relationship was born between the SABC2 and the Poets. The aim is to give voice and stimulate the nation’s poetic side by promoting all “ Bedroom” poets to give poetry the love it deserves.

The SABC invited Dr. Donato Francisco Mattera – PhD, Journalist, Editor, and Writer & Poet to hold the writing workshop at the Gold Reef City on Saturday 2 February.

Dr. Mattera encouraged the young poets as far as writing poetry is concerned, that they should write their poems from their emotions rather than from their ideas, and to look at what is close to us. He also recited some of his poems from his anthology Azanian Love Song, and other poems of other poets.

The workshop provided a platform for Dr. Mattera and the poets to exchange ideas and experiences.

The poets were each given the opportunity by Dr. Mattera to write a poem from a topic “I am”, he also gave them another opportunity to showcase their poems on stage.

Masoja Msiza a renowned actor, dancer, poet, playwright and the force behind, the Lentswe Poetry Project held also a performance expression workshop.

Msiza mesmerized the audience (poets) with his recitals of English and Zulu poetry during the workshop. He imparted skills to participants about the stage, audience, how to memorize a poem, about performance of poetry. He urged the poets to use the standard language when they write.

On Sunday 3 February 2008, the 35 poets from Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Western Cape strutted their stuff at the poetry competition. The adjudicators were Dr Mattera, Ms Mathe Mosito – Marketing Manager (SABC 2), Ms Gorata Mugudamani, Producer (High Rotation) Buntu Tembani, Poet, Writer, Performer (Gauteng) and Ntando Lekhuleni, Poet & Author (Mpumalanga).

Ms Mathe Mosito announced the eight winners as the following: Henry Lekgoathi from Limpopo. He won with his poem in the Valentine Day category. Other winners are Rahab Mathebula from Limpopo (Mothers Day), Melisizwe Moni from Western Cape (Youth Day), Simbone Qabo from Western Cape (Aids Day).

Gibson Rachoene from Limpopo was the winner in the Africa Day category. The Heritage Day category was won by the teenage poetess Tlhompho Maponya from Limpopo, Caroline Blackburn from Western Cape won the Women’s Day category. And eighth winner is Tshepo Mdluli from Limpopo chosen in the Family Day category.

The lucky winners were each awarded a certificate as the winner of the SABC2 Lentswe Poetry Project, and a book. A poem of each winner would be produced as a 1 minute item to be flighted on SABC2.

Ms Mosito saluted the winners and also congratulated other poets who did not win, although they took part in the competition. She said since the project was launched in 2005, the standard of poetry in the competition has improved tremendously.

The Free State and Mpumalanga were represented by fifteen poets but none of the Mpumalanga and Free State contingent were short listed. However they were praised for their performance whilst reciting their poetry on stage.

I spoke to three winners, Melisizwe Moni said; “This victory is a stepping stone towards activating the currency of word within the South African Cultural Industry. A personal achievement to kick start 2008, Great”.

Simbone Qabo said” I feel great, it’s a desired pleasure to be given a platform to express my inner thoughts, Thanks to Lentswe Poetry Project, I am looking forward to influencing the masses with positive words and instill in men’s minds the desire to live and utilize poetry”.

Gibson Rachoene said; “I feel so humble having been considered as one of the country’s good poets. This definitely says something about my poetry growth and my moving in the right direction. I feel so inspired, I could burst”.

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)

By Flaxman Qoopane

It was a great honour for me to attend the 3rd South African Literary Awards (SALA) ceremony held at the Vodaworld, Midrand in Johannesburg on 8 December 2007, after I was invited by the wRite associates.

Many national writers, poets, literary critics, playwrights, TV stars, publishers, journalists and musicians were at the occasion. I have always been keen to meet some of the writers whose work I had read. Some of those writers that i met for the first time included Dr Gomolemo Mokae, Ahmed Essop, Maishe Maponya, Nape Motana, Prof Stephen Gray, etc.

ahmed essop

Among those writers and poets that i have met before who also attended the event, Included Winston Mohapi, Jessica Mbangeni, Fred Vonani Bila, Chris Van Wyk, Sabata-Mpho Mokae, just to mention a few.

The SALA ceremony was a glittering occasion with many guests including Tselane Tambo (daughter of the late Oliver Tambo, former ANC President) Glenn Cowley (Publisher from University of Kwazulu Natal) Mark De Bito (poet from the USA), Stewart Vambe, Belinda Mbeta (Zimbabwean writers) Dan Robbertse, TV star in Bay of Plenty on SABC 1 on Wednesday and Gita Pather from Ochre Media, Emily Selebano (short story writer), from Bloemfontein, Limakatso Hlalele a poet from Welkom, just to name a few.

There were many books and literary magazines that were displayed; some of the authors signed their books after they were bought by some of the book worms.

After the guests had converged inside the VodaWorld hall, they were entertained by a DVD tribute to the peerless Lucky Dube the late Reggae legend.

Motsumi Makhene, Painter and poet was the Programme Director at the awards ceremony. Morakabe Raks Seakhoa the Executive Director of the wRite associates welcomed every body at the ceremony and he officially opened the ceremony. Martin Dlamini from Nutrend Publishers said that his company is to work in partnership with SALA to publish new books.

Thami Ntetheni from the SABC represented Advocate Dali Mpofu, the CEO of the SABC. He said, “It is an honor that the SABC is Associated with SALA. It is also a great pleasure to sit at the same table with the literary giant Nadine Gordimer (Winner of the 1991 Nobel Prize for Literature), I am also moved by the names that are going to be honored this evening, I am pleased that there is a revival in our literature, and a beginning to instill a culture of reading among our people”.

Jessica Mbangeni, a respected praise-singer mesmerized the guests with her performance. In her poem recited in Xhosa language, she was saluting and praising the writers for playing a great role in alerting the world about crimes of colonialism and apartheid in Africa. And for correcting the distortion written by the colonialists, and the poem was also dedicated to the authors for reclaiming our history.

Prof. Nhlanhla Maake said that “Writing is a Lonely and a painful affair, and we came from a long way as writers we have not been doing well in publishing books in African languages. We need to create critical books that will be classical”.

N.G. W. Botha, Arts and Culture Deputy-Minister told the guests “I congratulate those who were nominated and those who will be given awards this evening, the awards ceremony is part of the nation building. Our country has many stories to tell, it is important that we should tell our stories to the young ones. Our literary industry is developing as we witness the emergence of new writers. Prof. Keorapetse Kgositsile, Poet Laureate 2006, he is engaging young writers in literature in the country, like him I hope we will also involve emerging authors in literature. We want to see more learners taking a career in literature”.

Jazz musician, Themba Mkhize and Friends moved the audience as they strut their staff at the prestigious ceremony.

The Literary Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2007 were awarded to Felix Thuketana, Max Marhanele, Athol Fugard, Stephen Gray, Mongane Wally Serote, Ahmed Essop, Sindiwe Magona, Gladys Thomas, Oswald Mtshali and Mafika Gwala.

Three Literary Posthumous Awards honored Phaswane Mpe, Sipho Sepamla and Dalene Mathee. The legendary writer Nadine Gordimer said “I am delighted to welcome the project the Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award (For writing in African Languages) named after me by SALA. Nadine Gordimer encouraged South Africans to write more books in African Languages and develop a culture of reading. The first recipient of the award is Otty Nxumalo.

Juta Duiker, the father of the late writer K. Sello Duiker, gave a brief background about his family and also about the novels that his son published including 13 Cents and the Quiet Violence of Dreams before he died on 19 January 2005. He congratulated the organizers of SALA for honoring his dead son by naming the K. Sello Duiker Memorial Award (For Young Novelist). Bruce Ngobeni was the winner of the award. Bongani Madondo of the Sunday time and Victor Dlamini of SA Fm both got the Literary Journalism Awards.

Mothobi Mutloatse in his closing remarks urged the electronic and the print media to give coverage to our writers.

*********************

read pallo jordan’s speech given at the inaugural south african literary awards dinner in polokwane on 12/12/05 here

Although his 11-track CD (titled CONFRONTATION) will only be formally launched next week, the name of Free State singing sensation, Seleke Botsime is already on the lips of so many. Strategically, one or two tracks from his debut CD are already being played at diverse pubs, shebeens, taverns (including local radio) across the Free State. The magnificent track, “Zimbabwe” in particular, is being regularly hummed and sung by countless music lovers. Already Seleke is having a taste of stardom: being congratulated, touched, and hugged by many on the streets, including women!

“My dream is getting very close to reality,” Seleke admits. “When my debut CD comes out next week containing all my 11 tracks, it’d be the greatest moment of my life. Music is more than a hobby for me, it is intrinsically part of me. When am performing, strumming my guitar, I become somewhat possessed! The transcendental rhythms and melody of music overwhelm me and am infused with extraordinary energy,”

For the first time ever in the Free State (FS) there will be a special Press Conference/Lunch session where Seleke will mingle with the media and distribute free copies of his CD – and “SLK vests” – to assorted journalists. “It’s the least I can do,” Seleke says, tossing his head in a beautiful gesture typical of him. “The media has contributed a lot to making me, with so many stories on me even before I released! I want my feet to remain firmly on the ground”

Urbain Tila, also a musician and general artist, says: “Seleke has it all! He’s incredibly charismatic, brilliant, articulate, generous, suave, yet humble; well read, an instinctive poet, and morally formidable. His music is superb, per excellence. Seleke is one of the greatest young men South Africa has ever produced,”

CONFRONTATION, Seleke’s debut CD, contains the following tracks: Introduction, A song for Buhle, Freedom song, baile, Zimbabwe, Rebirth, The grass is green, Interlude, Rebirth (acoustic) featuring Judah Ben Hur, Thaba ‘Nchu, and Autro.

By Flaxman Qoopane

My felicitations to everybody here today. I guess our common, consuming love for the Arts – specifically poetry – has galvanized our presence here today. Indeed the Free State teems and throbs with countless accomplished poets, published and unpublished. My thrust today is to delineate the trends of poetry in the Free State here.

Alas my emphasis would have to be on published poets, since it is much easier to hold forth on what is already indelibly published. But let me state that I have fulsome respect for the many poets who are yet to publish definitive anthologies – the likes of Charmaine Kolwane, Raselebeli Khotseng, “Kelebone”, the intriguing Serame Makhele (smile) etc.

This is an opportunity indeed to draw attention to most of the published Free State poets, as few of us hardly know each other. Let us start by paying tribute to the late, magnificent wordsmith of a poet, Gilbert Modise. He was superb. His book of poems, An Eyesore, remains his magnum opus.

Tiisetso Makhele also stands out for his obsessive love for poetry from a very young age. He has written hundreds of poems over the years, and carted off a number of prestigious awards. A modest gentleman, he shies away from exceeding praise, but he is an impressive poet as can be seen from his book, Writings on the palm tree. Examples of his dexterity with words abound in this work, eg:

“Morning winds play guitar with the trees
Skeletons of violets warp
Duet with skies grip at pause
Sprinkles of lavish silence
Strangle their rain of life”

Speaking about dexterity with words two Mangaung poets immediately spring to mind: Job Mzamo and Teboho Mohanoe. Mzamo is a superb craftsman, churning out intelligent rhymes almost effortlessly; this is complemented by a strange sense of humour. His collection of poems, Pride of my Heart remains an inspiration.

Teboho Mohanoe also produces dazzling verses. His own collection of poems – Enter the night – is an accomplished work. I will just refer to a haunting, unforgettable line of his poetry:

“Raging glasing racing rays surface faces”

I must at this juncture also pay tribute to the great Motivator, Sipho Mnyakeni, who incidentally is also a distinguished if rather unsung poet. I was delighted to read glimpses of his brilliant poetry in his book, The Winning Combination. It is indeed a Poetry Bonus!

Sipho produces fine rhyming poems like Stop that Music, The tears of the poet, and I am a poet not a rhymist (also note intelligent ‘internal rhymes’ like the glow of your brow.). I am a poet not a rhymist, is particularly ironic and poignant. It reminds me of the understated brilliance of Sol Plaatje and Njabulo Ndebele’s terse comment on his writings:

“Tactical humility which is consciously undercut by the confident poise of language and style, and whose expressed reservations about its own merits assert the very opposite of inadequacy”

But let us move on to other poets. Let us briefly look at Mme Pulane Moiloa, grand daughter of the illustrious Dr JJ Moiloa. Pulane is still very young, but has published a collection of poems titled THREESOME. It is a promising work which reveals vignettes of potential. She writes without bitterness or rancor and there is a lot of optimism in her poems. I like the part where she writes rather philosophically:

“Life is planted like a seed
Only one can water it with smiles”

Over the last few years, Pule Lechesa has burst onto the literary scene, especially as an activist and has done a lot to put Free State writings on the internet. He is the self-styled “mighty bard from the dorp” a fine poet. He has published a collection of poems, The legacy we leave behind, and I have seen a few of his poems on the internet,

I however agree with ace writer Omoseye Bolaji’s pithy comment on Lechesa’s poetry published in the April – June Free State Libraries journal. Bolaji wrote: “Lechesa’s poetry has an old-world, definitely (black) un-African feel about it”

Incidentally versatile writer, Omoseye Bolaji also writes poems occasionally, but always points out that he does not regard himself as a poet. But let us give Bolaji his due for publishing three books of poetry – Snippets, Reverie, and Poems from Mauritius.

Tanki Phafoli was only 19 when he published his collection of poems titled: Take a look Inside. At best I can only point out that Tanki’s poetry is promising. I have to agree with Pule Lechesa who wrote in his book, THE EVOLUTION OF FS BLACK LITERATURE: “The flip side of publishing so early is immaturity…the likes of Es’kia Mphahlele have harped on this, This immaturity is present in Tanki’s work,”

Lebohang Thaisi was one of the first young Mangaung poets to get published. The name of his book is A Voice from Mangaung. The work has a charming, simple aura. Incidentally in the latest edition of Free State News I have extensively reviewed Thaisi’s book. I have copies here (give copies to them). – which those interested can go through.

Before I round off, let me mention two other Free State poets who have published collection of poems. Leslie Sello Tlhabanelo published Responsibility which contains some interesting poems; Ntate Kgang Abel Motheane published Nowadays Poetry which contains a lot of African wisdom, which is not surprising considering the author is almost 70!

Allow me to end this address by again quoting one of Africa’s greatest literary craftsmen, Njabulo Ndebele. When I was in exile (overseas) Prof Ndebele wrote me, and exhorted we poets as follows:

“Poets must recognize that their major preoccupation is people. Poets recognize the great variety of human beings. But they do not see this variety as a problem. It is for them a source of strength, a challenge to understand all people. That way we may even tragically recognize that sometimes we may come across something of ourselves in the enemy that we condemn…what do we do with that recognition, that knowledge? We ignore it at our peril, for it is such moments that make us feel intensely human…always the poet reaches out towards the ultimate understanding. That is how the poet triumphs over adversity, poverty, oppression, injustice, exile etc…”*

I think my brief is over. Thank you very much.

· This excerpt is taken from the book, LETTERS TO A POET

This speech was delivered by Flaxman Qoopane, on the occasion of “Free State of Verse” held at PACOFS on 24 Nov, 07.

Icebound Productions presents

Spoken Word Performances by Napo Masheane, Mphutlane wa Bofelo, Sipho Mnyakeni, Lesego Rampolokeng, Jah Rose & Band, Icebound and music by Cut Band

Featuring the launch of Caves Speaks in Metaphors by Napo Masheane, The Heart’s Interpreter by Mphutlane wa Bofelo and The Next Great Thing by Sipho Mnyakeni

Date: 24 November 2007
Venue: Lesedi Jazz Room (PACOFS) - Bloemfontein

Admission: R30.00 for the show and R100.00 (inclusive of refreshments and book/DVD/CD) for the launch and Show.

The Spoken Word has been written: 3 books, 3 poets & lots of performers in one night

For more information contact Icebound: 0820429905

His inherent modesty and cultured mien almost belie the fact that he’s one of the pivotal figures in Free State Arts and culture. Thabo Mafike who hails from Bultfontein, continues to make great strides. Richenzo Richard of The Weekly spoke with him …

RICHENZO: You are one the outstanding arts and culture exponents in the Free State , yet many perceive you a sort of dark horse. Firstly, can you outline your general contributions?

THABO MAFIKE: Art and culture is me, it’s my life. It’s like asking me about my life. Way back in 1990 I started martial arts, I was in the then Free State team. I came in fourth in the South African karate tournament (1998) I have published many books as you well know. The motivation book I published inspires and serves as a fillip for even me! When I was at school I started an innovative drama group. The group actually churned out a karate film titled “Youth in corruption”. I wrote, directed and starred in that film. Since 1997 or so I have been composing music, including gospel. I started my own gospel group in 2000 while I was still working at BBT. Today I am a proud promoter of artists. I have supplied the public libraries with assorted CD’s.

RICHENZO: Let us go into some specifics of the books you have written and published.

MAFIKE: Oh Ntate! I am so proud of my books! My first book, about 164 pages is titled The Bo Bophelo. It is a drama book. My book of short stories is titled Motho ke Motho and is internationally recognized. I started it in 1998. I published Lefatshe la dihlooho with a grant from the CCP. I have also written a poetry book, Broken Heart. I have had my drama broadcast on radio, eg Ngwana ka Nkutlwe. I have already told you about the karate film I orchestrated. My book of Motivation is titled “Think big and succeed”

RICHENZO: You are also a publisher. Can you say something about this?

MAFIKE: Firstly, let me point out that getting a market for books is the most important thing and it is a serious problem especially in Africa . But I do publish and I am happy I discovered Mqozele, and my firm published his book of poems. I have published works of Marabane Matabane Tshabalala, a long standing educationist.

RICHENZO: Maybe you’d like to say something about your forays into music…

MAFIKE: I have been in the Church Choir for a long time, especially after I became born-again. At Radio BBT I helped young stars to open music groups. I have invested a lot in the music and sometimes faced lots of disappointment and betrayal from those I helped. I have under my stable now the likes of Tankiso and Sabulelo. I have finished the CD of Tankiso (Titled “Jesus be the centre”)

RICHENZO: You have won many awards thanks to arts and culture, haven’t you?

MAFIKE: (Smiling) There are many, Ntate! Where do I begin? A honorary Leadership certificate from International Assembly as the “best field reporter” (2000); Premier’s Youth Awards and Certificate; First prize in arts and culture; the Japan Karate Association (Diploma) in Martial Arts; SABC Community Builder of the Year (2005) Finalist; Mangaung Rose

jessica mbangeni

It was a memorable day of sparkling performances and conviviality as the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) from Pretoria hosted the Poetry Evening and Gala Dinner at PACOFS in Bloemfontein. The event brought together several renowned poets and many hitherto unheralded burgeoning poets from four provinces in the country under the theme “Celebrating our Poetry during the Heritage Day”.

The line-up for Free State participants included Ramotete Machogo, (one of the youngest practitioners of the old traditional praise singing) Pule Mabusela, Nthabiseng “Jah Rose” Jafta, Serame “ice bound” Makhele, Flaxman Qoopane, Lebogang Motloung etc. Some of the country’s renowned poets who were invited to the occasion were Don Mattera, Napo Masheane, Masoja Msiza, Kgafela Oa Magogodi, Lesego Rampolokeng, Sabata Mpho Mokae (all from Gauteng) and Vonani Bila from Limpopo. The North West Province was represented by a female praise – singer Mandisa Phandliwe. Another formidable woman poet, Jessicca Mbangeni, held sway.

Danny Moleko an official from the Free State Department of Sports, Arts and Culture was the Programme Director during the Gala Dinner. Kingdom Moshounyane’s six piece band composed of Smomo Ndamoyi, Mamickey Mathe and Rinkie Nkati (members of the Women in the Calabash) performed some of the famous songs of Mirriam Makeba, Letta Mbuli, etc. Getrude Mothupi – the Mayor of Mangaung Local Municipality (M.L.M.) welcomed everybody to the Gala Dinner. A praise – singer Machogo rendered poems including Dinonyana (Birds). The audience were moved and inspired as the female poet Nthabiseng Jafta performed her poems including Mme (mother)

ntate flaxman qoopane

“Ice bound” who uses hiphop beat in his poems was the cynosure of the eyes as he performed at the gala Dinner. Flaxman Qoopane captured the hearts of the audience with his riveting poems about “President Thabo Mbeki’ and the “ANC”.

The Premier of the Free State Beatrice Marshoff said that poets have helped the country to get rid of apartheid. And they need to take part in building our democracy.

dr.z

Dr Z. Pallo Jordan, the Minister of Arts and Culture addressed the audience and said; ”Heritage month recognizes aspects of South African Culture both tangible and intangible creative expression such as music and performances, our historical inheritance and most importantly, the language we speak.” The Minister added that the theme for 2007 Heritage Month is celebrating our poetry. “It resonates with initiative undertaken by the Department of Arts and Culture (D.A.C) to revitalized South African languages and literature in their oral and written forms. “As the custodians of South African heritage, the DAC is committed to promoting a culture of reading and writing as well as encouraging equitable development by all South Africans.” he stressed.

napo masheane

A vote of thanks was presented by Ace Magashule – MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture in the Free State. He thanked the D.A.C for organizing the event and every body including poets and poetry lovers for participating remarkably in the event. The legendary Don Mattera was unable to attend the occasion. However many copies of his anthology of poems – AZANIAN Love Songs were distributed among the audience. Poet Napo Masheane, a member of The Feela Sistah: the Spoken Word Collective (other members are Myesha Jenkins, Lebo Mashile and Ntsikki Mazwai) attracted attention with her recital and the women were ululating.

oa

Dreadlocked Kgafela Oa Magogodi, famous for his anthology of his poems Thy Condom Come, and his films – I Mike what I like, Yeoville Blues and Valentines used his poetry to address subjects such as poverty and women’s celebration. Vonani Bila, Poet and editor of Timbila, a journal of onion skin poetry, paid tribute to Gito Baloyi and read another poem in Xitsonga Minga Tlotlomeli (Don’t Rush). He also read some poetry from his new anthology – In the name of Amandla. Poet Sabata-Mpho Mokae from Tshwane said: “I recited three poems including If These Hills Could Scream. In December 16, 2005, I visited the Freedom Park in Tshwane during the Reconciliation Day, I was inspired and I wrote the poem. “On the other side of the Ben Schoeman Highway you see the Voortrekker Monument. In both Freedom Park and Voortrekker Monument (both hills) two different groups tell different stories about the same country”. He also read a poem which was a tribute to the late Moses Molelekoa, Jazz musician.

Masoja Msiza, an actor in theatre and TV and also the creator of Lentswe Poetry Project on SABC2 from Springs encouraged the audience to promote our plays and poems in our indigenous languages. He also performed some poems in Zulu. Mandisa Phandliwe from Mafikeng recited praise – poems in Tswana dedicated to Minister Dr Z. Pallo Jordan, Basadi Bomme (Women Mothers) and Bokone Bophirima (North- West). Jessicca Mbangeni’s performance of her Xhosa poems left the audience calling for more. Praise singer Paseka Mofokeng who was also included in the line – up of poets recited some of his poems in Sesotho. Lesego Rampolokeng, a lawyer and poet who has published many anthologies including Horns For Hondo (1989), Talking Rain (1993), Bavino Sermons, performed several poems which electrified the spell bound audience. Premier Marshoff, Mayor Mothupi, M.E.C’s Joe Mafereka, Neo Masithela and other guests left their tables for the dance floor, as the band enchanted them with South African music.

The audience was palpably impressed with the poetry evening and gala Dinner. Kedisaletse Selebano from Hillside View in Bloemfontein said; “I just want to congratulate the D.A.C for hosting this event in Bloemfontein. To me it was wonderful; I enjoyed and learned from poems of all poets. Thank you Kgafela Oa Magopgodi, Napo Masheane for enriching our souls.” Adam Motaung said: “The event opened my eyes on the role of poets during Heritage Month.”

the above article is an excerpt from “my life and literature” by omoseye bolaji. published by drufoma po box 31645 Fichard 9317

Reviewer: Peter Moroe

What do we make of Omoseye Bolaji’s latest book: “My life and Literature” which although written to celebrate his garnering the Chancellor’s Medal from the University of the Free State, ironically has a melancholy essence about it. The book reads like selected reminiscences of an old man tottering towards the grave, rather than what one would expect from someone just starting middle age!

That Omoseye Bolaji from infancy was sickly and the situation has got worse in recent times is of course not his fault. In the past celebrated European writers like DH Lawrence, Louis Stevenson, Kathreen Mansfield etc had their lives somewhat blighted by illness, but they hardly became as negative as this. It seems psychologically Bolaji has “given up”,succumbing to despair.

There is a detachment in this new work that one would not normally associate with a black African writer. The author writes the book in such a way as to give the impression as if his whole life was only about literature which is of course not true. The early pages (pages 6 to 15) contain excellent analyses of many books and authors which make compulsory reading for lovers of literature. Also, pages 47 to 49 contain interesting notes on “the internet and literature”

The author’s apparent detachment can be disturbing starting from the very first sentence of the book: “Father was a great man…” Is it too much for the author to mention his father’s name in the book? What type of black African writer refers to his father as “Father” instead of “Daddy” or at worst “My father”?

There can be no doubt that Bolaji is a man of integrity but when he looks back briefly at his period as a political editor for a newspaper in West Africa and admits taking “gifts” from politicians: “some might call it bribes or ‘brown envelopes’ but it was nothing of the sort. It would have been a monumental insult to these elderly people to refuse their gifts” (page 19) one gets the impression that no matter how much he tries to whitewash this it was a case of receiving bribes!

Yet , as we learn from the book, Bolaji has never been swayed by the lure of money or material things. Again and again he would leave what were “comfortable” jobs that could give him some security; even when he was completely down and out.

But Bolaji’s “whitewashing” continues as he paints a very rosy picture of his association with the late Sam Leballo a book distributor. Bolaji never mentions the serious crisis caused by Mr Leballo in those days as regards FS literature. The “vendetta” some critics insist is always present in his works is absent here; even his notorious arch enemy is referred to as a mild “crank or crackpot”.

Again in real life many associate Bolaji with a love for sports especially football, or the “gentleman who frequents taverns and shebeens” But incredibly in this book there is no reference to shebeens or taverns.

But even more striking is the absence of any reference to women in this book, in a romantic sense. No early loves, or crushes, no vision of loveliness over the years to serve as Muse, partner, lover or inspiration over the years. We know he is in no way gay, so are we really to believe that throughout his life Bolaji has been celibate, and had nothing to do with women?

And if we are mugs enough to believe this, where then does Bolaji get his impressive psychological insight into women from? How come he highlights the intricacies of men/women relationships so well in his fiction in a manner that even female critics have applauded?

Omoseye Bolaji’s latest book: “My life and Literature” is very interesting, so long as we accept that he’s writing about his love for literature, solely. As a teenage novelist we learn (from the book) that he was told by an expert: “You are very economical in your writing, but your ideas and pace are gripping” The same applies till date. Despite all the books published about his literary works, his own books, including this latest one, Omoseye Bolaji still remains an intensely private person.

THANKS

On an occasion like this, inevitably words fail one; one becomes nonplussed and overwhelmed with transcendental feelings of gratitude, humility and fulfilment. Yet despite my being in the presence of this august and lofty assembly, I shall endeavour to say a few words.

No words can really express my gratitude to the University of the Free State for conferring me with the Chancellor’s Medal. It is a gesture and achievement that will follow me to the end of my days. I earnestly thank the Chancellor for hosting this Dinner, and I am also very grateful to Prof Engela Pretorius for playing a cardinal role in the conferment of this Medal on me.

Kindly indulge me as I briefly thank others who have contributed indelibly to my being here today. My father, SL Bolaji, who instilled an abiding love for literacy and literature in me from infancy; sundry authors worldwide - too numerous to be mentioned here who shaped my work; Free State writers like Mr Pule Lechesa, Mr Flaxman Qoopane and Mr Tila who have always been good friends. Mr - Oom Johan Botha, of Drufoma Publishers, who has over the years been my main Publisher; Ms Jacomien Schimper of the Free State Provincial Library service who has always been excited about grassroots literature; Prof Margaret Raftery for her initial help and interest; Mr Aryan Kaganof and his memorable, exhilarating blogs; and I must repeat that I remain permanently indebted to Prof Engela Pretorius, Prof De Klerk and others that I do not even know about.

My fulsome thanks once again to the Chancellor, Dr Sonn, and the University of the Free State. Thank you. (bow)
Omoseye Bolaji

On September 13 2007 the University of the Free State will confer the Chancellor’s Medal on Omoseye Bolaji. I wish to pay him a special tribute here - Chief!

When Bolaji started to live in South Africa years ago he just did what he loved most: writing and inspiring/helping others with their writing. As the years passed he published more and more books. He did not seek attention, because by nature he’s shy and reserved, and also perhaps because of latent xenophobia. But then, people began to ask: Who is this Omoseye Bolaji? Who is writing these thrilling books? (Fiction)

Perhaps Impossible Love is his most loved work; but others love his thriller, The ghostly adversary. Many also claim his Tebogo Investigates is their firm favourite. Yet others love Tebogo’s spot of bother. For some, People of the Townships is among his best. Others like myself love The Guillotine which contains some striking short stories of his. People from Botshabelo love Tebogo Fails (because the action in the book is based there!)

So people - especially lovers of literature began to talk, talk, about this Omoseye Bolaji. As early as 2003 some people were even saying taht a library should be named after him! Nna - I always call him “the living legend”. We were happy when the honours began to roll in for him. He has inspired so many, including myself, author and publisher. Who can argue that the most important accolade is the Chancellor’s Medal?

To paraphrase a portion from Boney M’s Rasputin which Bolaji loves so much: “The demands for (this outstanding writer) to be honoured became louder and louder and louder…!” Congrats.

thabo mafike

this article was first published in free state libraries journal, april-june 2007, edition

in his preface to this slim volume Mr. flaxman qoopane describes these poems as “glimpses into an idyllic place, and peoples.” the collection is essentially a tourist’s glimpse into the manufactured idea of an idyllic space. kagablog readers know from guy debord’s “society of the spectacle” that “tourism, human circulation considered as consumption, a by-product of the circulation of commodities, is fundamentally nothing more than the leisure of going to see what has become banal.”

and hence these poems, “patently aware / of pivotal role of tourism”, never quite succeed at “having their moment under the / sun”. at his best the gently contemplative mr. bolaji brings to mind somerset maugham in the tropics - there is something terribly english about his way of perceiving and describing the “coruscatin paradise” where “there’s something for everybody” and it is no wonder that Mr. bolaji flummoxes a delighted englishman with his expert knowledge of english football (”step over monsieur”).

in these poems from mauritius our beloved free state literary eminence becomes an englishman abroad, confirming guy debord’s suspicion that “the economic organization of visits to different places is already in itself the guarantee of their equivalence. the same modernization that removed time from the voyage also removed from it the reality of space.”

in a sense tourism’s relatlonship to travelling is analogous to advertising copy’s relationship to poetry. on the surface the two would appear to have a lot in common, but the tourist’s waters are necessarily shallow and from these shallow waters the poet can gain no sustenance. A poet is always a traveller, never a tourist.

ps. i would like to publicly apologize to mr. bolaji for imputing that he was in any way a “colonialist”. this is not only erroneous, it is also foolish, as many of his loyal readers and cadres have pointed out to me. i am sorry.

“there is no point in writing at all if one does not want to be criticized.”

in this 45 page interview Mr. bolaji comes across as an affable literary presence whose tastes run from the african orthodox (achebe, ngugi, bessie head, dambudzo marechera) through to the likes of critically reviled sydney sheldon (!). The most surprising literary analysis in the interview is definitely bolaji’s enthusiastic espousing of the lyrics of Boney M’s “rasputin”. Mr. Bolaji is more than lucky to have the enthusiastic pule lechesa as his disciple - and the lively interview really gives the reader a sense of bolaji’s eyes gleaming with humour and compassion.

there is however, no point in writing at all if one does not want to be criticized and there is one criticism i have to make of this booklet - the bibliography of articles by and about bolaji on the internet really should have included the ip addresses.

you can order the book from Phoenix Press 073-6361686