Besides Jack Mapanje, we had Niyi Osundare, whom we loved because of his allegory, his closeness to Earth, how so attached he was to land. He reminded us of simple pleasures based on things you can touch and feel: the harvest of yams, peeling, cooking, pounding, and savoring the yam. We liked the sexual images […]
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Skipping with Jack Mapanje
Continuing with exile, writing, language, fight for freedom and human rights, it’s not sufficient to mention what an Eastern European poet like Paul Celan has in common with African writing; for instance, Jack Mapanje. The consolation we find in language, however “foreign,” the haunting quality and the brokenness that language and rhythm carry to convey […]
Paul Celan on my mind
Paul Celan has been on my mind, particularly his most known poem, Death Fugue. The Romanian poet and translator wrote in German, but lived and died in Paris. I came to know his writings when I took a class on Eastern European writers, and never looked back because I found a lot in common with […]
Celebrating Okot p’Bitek and the poets of the 60’s
Okot p’Bitek might be the most remembered and known Ugandan poet, born June 7, 1931 – July 20, 1982. His most popular books: Song of Lawino (1969), Song of Ocol (1970), and Two Songs: Song of a Prisoner, Song of Malaya (1971) enjoyed a cherished position for years on Uganda’s syllabus for high school and college. […]
In the spirit of sharing
A review in today’s Monitor For my readers in Ug the book is available at Aristoc Booklex. All my love.
Poetry Book Launch moments
Thought I’d feature some pics of Give Me Room To Move My Feet poetry book launch in Kampala, Uganda. Pics taken by Masaani Art. So grateful to friends, family…who made the occasion memorable. Time to pack up and change station. All my love. To see more pics click here.
Loving the writing & poetry passion in Uganda
I greatly enjoyed meeting my friends, writers and poets during the Author of the month session at Femrite on Monday 19th December 2011. It’s always exciting to find that a love for poetry does exist amidst other things going on, and the poets are utilizing time and whatever opportunities available to gather together and discuss […]
‘Give Me Room To Move My Feet’ Book Launch in Uganda
I’m excited to be going home, catch up with family, friends, read and launch my poetry book: Give Me Room To Move My Feet in Uganda. Two years ago I launched this book in Senegal where it was published and where I was based. It gives me great pleasure that copies are now available in […]
As The Crow Flies: the Red Earth. Veronique Tadjo
French and Côte d´Ivoire: Veronique Tadjo’s novella, As the Crow Flies, led me to her poetry book: Red Earth, first published in French as Laterite. The novella opens and ends like a long poem, is a love-betrayal and migration story, and at the heart of it are personal urban life affairs. But the search […]
Meet Prartho Sereno, the fantastic poet
Coming closer to Thanksgiving makes me think of Prartho Sereno’s imaginative and fascinating poetry book: Causing a Stir: The secret lives and loves of kitchen utensils. Food is involved, you see. And love. The wonderful poems are complemented by paintings, also done by Prartho. What I love about these poems is Prartho’s child-like grace, angelic and […]
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MKB: Dear Nyakisa, Good news! "The Animals of My Earth...
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Nyakisa Beth: Will it be available in Uganda?...
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Wm Epes: Dr. Barya: Hope you are well. Enj...
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