Monday 28 September 2015

MANDLA LANGA





Mandla Langa, a South African writer, belongs to the top drawer where novels and short stories are concerned.         
 
Born in Kwazulu Natal to a distinguished South African family, Langa studied at the University of Fort-Hare (Alice), and before he went into exile, worked as a teacher for some time. Thereafter his stint in exile followed where he was to live in many countries.   
 
Langa was the first South African to be awarded an Arts Council of Great Britain Bursary for Creative Writing. His short stories have been published in many magazines and journals.  

But it is his novels which stamp Langa out as an exquisite literary talent. As critic Leke Giwa says: "What strikes one most is the sheer quality, weight and depth of Langa's works. They are real imaginative works that showcase his immense talent. 

"Just take a look at some of his novels and see how hefty they are, multi-layered and profound - I have in mind works like Memory of Stones, The texture of shadows, Tenderness of Blood, and The Lost colours of the chameleon".  

Indeed The lost colours of the Chameleon "a stupendous work of imagination", won the 2009 Commonwealth Writer's Prize; and continues to be praised by pundits across the board.   

Langa, in his short stories, often combines many intriguing elements: elegant prose, eclectic references, mystery, and some startling violence. He was an activist for years, and this is reflected in his very latest novel, The Texture of Shadows (2014).  

 After returning back to South Africa, Langa has held many pivotal positions, including administrative, in the media and business spheres. He is also an aficionado of music to boot!

Apart from his own books, he has contributed several stories, articles, Introductions, Forewords et al to many other publications; for example he wrote the Foreword to one of the books of another illustrious writer, Siphiwo Mahala.


Books by Mandla Langa.    

Memory of Stones (2000).
Naked Song and other Stories (1996).  

 A Rainbow on the Paper Sky.

Tenderness of blood.

The Lost Colours of the Chameleon.

The Texture of Shadows (2014)

Monday 21 September 2015

MEJA MWANGI





Mega Mwangi, one of Kenya's and Africa's finest writers of fiction, has had a long, successful, and fulfilling career in writing.

This splendid writer, who was born in 1948, is recognised mainly for his novels, although he has done very well in the film industry too. He studied at the University of Leeds, and was also a Fellow in Writing at the University of Iowa.                

Mwangi has published - by African standards at least - an astonishing amount of works of fiction. His themes range from protest (struggle) writing, the Mau Mau movement, to quasi historical novels (like Carcase for hounds).       

He published Kill me Quick in 1973, where he focused on young men, who though possessing adequate education, can not find appropriate employment. Many years later, this is a much familiar problem in Africa!

In Bread of Sorrow (1987) Mwangi produces a gripping thriller; here he harnesses his deft talent and characterization allied with experience to concoct a fine work that deserves even more recognition.

Meja Mwangi's works are marked by their humour and hilarity, despite a canvas of grimness and "struggle". There are always undercurrents of protests and  somewhat stolid spirit. 

Also a personality who has etched his talents on the film industry, Mwangi has many credits in this wise, whether as script-writer or director. Such films include Out of Africa, Gorillas in the mist, and Shadow on the sun.   

He has also written exceptional books for children, and the young generally. They include acclaimed works like The Hunter's dream, and The Mzungu Boy. 

Over the years Mwangi has won, or been short-listed for major awards and accolades - for example, the Jomo Kenyatta Prize; and the Lotus Award. He continues to be active in his niches. 

- Henry Ozogula

Meja Mwangi’s published books include Kill Me Quick, Going Down River Road (1976), The Cockroach Dance , Carcase for Hounds, The Bushtrackers (1979) Bread of Sorrow (1987), Weapon of Hunger (1989), The last Plague (2000), The Boy Gift (2006),  Mama Dudu, the Insect Woman (2007), Gun Runner (2007) and Power (2009)

Studies:

In the shadow of neocolonialism : a study of Meja Mwangi's novels,
1973-1990 by Lars Johansson

Meja Mwangi : writing lively stories set in colonial and post-colonial
Kenya by Harriet McGuire

Sukumasiki : food and drink in the Nairobi novels of Meja Mwangi by
Eleonore Schmitt

Tuesday 15 September 2015

MAXWELL PERKINS KANEMANYANGA (Zimbabwe)





By I. M. Soqaga

Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga has been writing creatively over the years – having published at least three books of short stories that are fascinating.  Without resorting to hyperbole, his contribution to literature is exceptionally great.  Kanemanyanga is Zimbabwean by birth.  He is known as a passionate and energetic essayist.  He has written a number of enthusiastically noteworthy fiction, in particular short stories.

Apparently, writers normally have where they started before they can become rather prolific and recognised. Like any writer in the world, Maxwell initial beginning of being interested in literature is quite enchanting.  Dambudzo Marechera in his early colonial upbringing in Zimbabwe was very affectionate about formal education.  He was, even as a child, exceptionally gifted, and his favourite pastime was reading.  In school he was always top in class.

Maxwell also became passionately keen on literature in his young age, although he was not sure about his ability to be a writer.  He thought he could be a movie star, obviously inspired by the Black African-American actor Denzel Washington.  In fact it was through his friend Mr Garan’anga who essentially identified his literary aptitude.  He frankly told Maxwell that he had the inklings of a writer.  Maxwell was superb in school.  He could precisely know how to write essays at school.  His first story was published in Teen column of the Herald.  

Thereafter he started writing articles to many newspapers like Sunday Mail, Daily and Sunday Mirror, and the Daily news which was later banned.  With the advice from his friend, Phillip Chidavaenzi who was a journalist he enrolled at Christian College of Southern Africa.  In 2006 his piece “Africa needs justice from the west not democracy lessons” was nominated for the Lorenzo Natalie and European commission.  The following year at school, he also published an article “We badly need moral salvation” which was on Zimbabwe Independent and it was nominated for the Lorenzo Natalie Prize.

Of course Zimbabwe has produced many splendid African writers who perpetually displayed appealing world class literature.  It is important to acknowledge that Maxwell like other writers in Zimbabwe never achieved his literary goal in Zimbabwe, despite his ability to contribute colossal articles in different Zimbabwean newspapers while he was living in the country.

Nevertheless, it is a fact that the now entrenched writer of short stories, Kanemanyanga, went on to realise his dream of being a sublime writer in South Africa, in the Free State province.  Maxwell's literary achievement began to blossom in the Free State after he was introduced to Chief O Bolaji.  As is his wont, Bolaji has been one of the sedulous literary pundits who has churned out countless number of books in Free State and he has seraphic heart to inspire others.  Inasmuch Maxwell has candidly expressed “When I came in South Africa I was introduced to Mr Bolaji, a renowned writer.  I was used to write letters and essays, so I did the same with him.  Then one day he told me to diversify as a writer.  He said I could start by writing poems and short stories.  This is how it all started...  now I have published a book of fiction!”. More works were to follow.

Maxwell grew up in a family where he was the only boy; he took to books so early in his life.  This was like a habit to him, and when he grew older he became an avid reader.  His main areas of interest were biographies, and philosophy.  He read biographies of Dr Martin Luther King JR, Gandi, Mandela, Biko, Fredrick Douglas, Bob Marley, Mother Theresa, Tiger Woods and many more.  Besides also read novels of Dambudzo Marechera, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Sydney Sheldon, Jeffrey Archer etc.

Well so far, Maxwell because of his unique literary perspective of short stories has published fine books which have received a lot of recognition and been reviewed by a number of  critics, including Pule Lechesa. Actually, these reviews are very arresting and of course are enthusiastically intriguing.  Let’s take some succinct excerpts from the reviews: 

(Book:  Enemy of the State- Review by Pule Lechesa)

“The book Enemy of the State which comprises ten short stories penned by Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga, is a welcome addition to short stories written and published by African authors over the years.  As the blurb of the book remind us:

“Fiction of the shorter variety have been spun out over the decades by distinguished African wordsmith like Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Ama Ata Aidoo, Dambudzo Marechera, Es’kia Mphahlele, David Maillu, Gomolemo Mokae, Omoseyi Bolaji, Leboela Motopi, et al.”

(Book:  Chapindapasi -Review by Raphael Mokoena)

“This is the third published collection of stories by Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga.  It is reassuring that he has not rested on his laurels, and continues to be creative as a writer.

Reading his new book, one wonders when Kanemanyanga will write/publish his first novel.  This is because his short stories often bear the germs and suggestion that they can be converted into even longer fiction; if the author so desires.  This is obvious from his latest collection.”

(Book:  How do I talk about my ordeal? - Review by Paul Lothane)

“Kanemanyanga started his literary career by publishing two books of short stories.  Many in the literary fraternity will now reckon that his next step should be a novel or at least a novella.  In these days where when imaginative writing is thin on the ground at grassroots level, one can not but wish Mr. Kanemanyanga all the best...”

Criticism

Pule Lechesa has added: “Another issue is the unsatisfactory ending of many of these stories (including the Title Story, The Enemy of the State).  Apart from the impressive adjectival speech of the Colonel, we are never told what happens in the end.  Is he killed too, or does he come into power to help his country and people?

Alas, the grandiose speeches often become ends in themselves without substantial logic and conclusions; apart from the debacle of the colonel in the title story, there is the “The Prof of universal knowledge” (the title itself is pomposity personified!).  He goes on and on examining the ills of society bringing in even old Athens and its philosophy.  This might be construed as “overkill” by many readers-the author wanting to show off his knowledge..."

Raphael Mokoena has also chipped in: “It is almost inevitable that at the end-despite the fact that David is apparently a changed man and travelling back to the wonderful young lady – he loses his life in a tragic accident.  So Maidei’s sufferings continue needlessly, a selfless, idealistic lady and mother, loses all.  One cannot but feel that this conclusion ruins this story.

This is another finely written collection of stories authored by Maxwell Kanemanyanga, but one cannot help but wonder whether there is any real need for the frequent, gratuitous sufferings, tragedies, and pathos he churns out?”

As for Paul Lothane, he refers to the story, “Baby from the plastic”; opining: “It might have been a success, but once again it is marred by the author’s penchant to go on and on –even including a long discourse on football, Arsene Wenger and his regime at Arsenal.  It is clear the author loves football.  But here in this context it comes across as gratuitous, over-stretched ...”

General Conclusion:

The critical attention he has enjoyed is congenial and a candid testimony that Maxwell Kanemanyanga is a well recognised and established writer. His humongous literary works buttress the evidence that he is a talented writer gifted with sufficient literary prowess to produce such heralded books. 

Monday 14 September 2015

CHUKWUEMEKA IKE (Nigeria)





By O Bolaji

Chukwuemeka Ike is an exquisite novelist, having published many excellent works in this wise. He is also a great educator, intellectual, and critic.     

He was educated at Government College, Umuahia, then at the University of Ibadan, and Stanford College in the United States of America. He began writing short stories many decades ago, and never looked back.   

For many of his readers he is associated with having written superb works on university life, campus, and allied politics. Certainly two, three of his most famous works illustrate this.

Toads for Supper, and The Naked Gods ("Songhai" University) attest to this. In the latter, corrupt, clandestine activities at a university rankle. Also, inner workings and nuances of university life predominate in Toads for Supper.

Toads for Supper is an enchanting work that shows Ike operating at his zenith as a creative writer. We live through the lives of undergraduates in a campus, their studies, social life at al. The young man, Amadi, is conflicted with three young women in his life; all with strong claims to his love and fidelity.    

As the work unfolds, we also get to see an excellent portrait of village life as the young man later goes home in disgrace; it seems all the sacrifices of his people have been in vain! One feels particularly for his simple, long-suffering father; his death is particularly heart-rending. The type of pressures/tragedy in Amadi's life is completely at odds with his status as a young man...  

Chukwuemeka Ike also published Our Children are Coming, bringing to the fore issues like youth unrest and strikes; with the young ones in this novel trying to be innovative in nipping sundry problems in the bud.

Other excellent novels written by Ike over the years include - Expo 77, The Search, Bottled Leopard, The Potter's Wheel, Sunset at Dawn, The Chicken Chasers. Recently he published Toads Forever, sequel to the superb Toads for Supper. His reputation is cemented as one of Africa's all-time finest writers.   

Many studies and books have been published globally focusing on, and acknowledging the literary genius of Mr Ike. He has been continuously praised for his dialogue, wit, satire, lampoon, and fine descriptions. 


Studies



Chukwuemeka Ike: A Critical Reader; by K Ugbabe

Towards a consumer-based stylistic framework: the case of Chukwuemeka Ike's non-fictional texts; by G. A Ioratim-Uba 

Chukwuemeka Ike …