By
IM Soqaga
One of the amazing things about African
literature is how its women show indispensable commitment in making sure that
its existence remains apposite. In this
wise, Moraa Gitaa a remarkable lady from Kenya, has produced fine and
imperative piece of literature which are fascinating. Grippingly, her works are rather marvellous
and they encompass prodigious artistic literature. An award winning novelist, Gitaa’s
exhilarating role in African literature is actually dazzlingly inspiring.
One can reminisce at how few bizarre
individuals expressed doubts about perpetual existence of African literature
especially when its own pioneers are getting old and others departing this
world. This was a near-sighted
conclusion about African literary contribution in the future especially in
regard with female African writing, because post-independent Africa has
witnessed many sprouting vivacious African female writers whose exquisite works
diffuse globally. It should be reckoned
that in the past, early female literary pioneers of African literature like
Miriam Tlali, Flora Nwapa, Buchi Emecheta, Ama Ata Aidoo etc illustrated their
sheer passion for literature with profound zeal.
Like in many countries of the world
especially in the West, literature produced by these catalysts of African
writing cannot be shunned. To recall
they wrote during colonial encroachment, at the time when it was difficult for
an African person to be recognised as a writer.
Yet their works flourished and succeeded, and today their works are
enjoyed and admired by oodles number of people in the world.
Currently, there are a number of female
African writers who demonstrate explicitly that the new generation of African
writing are not shiftless but in contrast, are absolutely brisk. It is splendid to read books produced by
them. In fact, Moraa Gitaa enchanting
literary works are very prodigious; glaringly her literary valour provides a
vivid testimony that she is phenomenal.
From the country of her origin Kenya, Africa can count outstanding
writers whose works transcend the continental borders. Africa’s revered literary giants like Ngugi
wa Thiong’o, Grace Ogot, Meja Mwangi to name but few emanate from Kenya. Therefore, it is quite noteworthy to see the
writer of the calibre of Gitaa continues to hypnotize the world in this wise.
Moraa Gitaa’s spellbinding works of
literature, basically involve issues that are earnestly grave and pertinent in
society. Hence she adumbrates what the
early pioneer of women African literature were writing about during colonialism
in Africa. Free and independent Africa
require such writers who are literary imaginative and who are able to portray
African live graphically. Among other
things, her writing focused on societal ills like HIV, vulnerability, the
marginalized, achievement of social justice, inclusion, equity and human
dignity.
Gitaa’s impressive contribution in
African literature deserves comprehensive adulation. Importantly, Africa in the twenty first
century needs writers who will write daringly about it. Of course, it will be absurd for Africa to
anticipate someone outside Africa to write about it especially when Africa is a
free and independent continent.
One famous novel by Moraa Gitaa
“Crucible for Silver and Furnace for Gold” has been described by reviewers as a
re-reading and re-writing of gender in times of HIV.
Patently and significantly, Gitaa like
many other female writers of Africa, such as Grace Ogot, Ama Ata Aidoo, Buchi
Emecheta, Miriam Tlali, Flora Nwapa, Adichie Chimamanda, Noviolet Bulawayo, Yvonne
Vera, Nnedi Okorafor, Okwiri Odour, Maaza Mengiste, Charmaine Kolwane, Jah Rose
Nthabiseng, Matshidiso Taleng etc. will indelible remain sensational in
advocating and expressing breathtaking African literature. Moraa Gitaa is a member of PEN International,
the world association of writers.
LITERARY WORKS:
1.) Hila – Storymoja Publishers, 2015
2.) The Shark Attack – Moran Publishers, 2014
3.) The Con Artist – Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB), 2014
4.) Shifting Sands – Nsemia Publishers, 2012
5.) Crucible for Silver & Furnace for Gold – Nsemia Publishers, 2008
AWARDS /
ACHIEVEMENTS:
1.) 2017 apexart New York City (NYC) Fellow
2.) 2016 Infinity Industrial Park Essay Contest winner on ‘The Need for
Modern Industrial Parks in Kenya to Boost National Productivity’
3) 2014 Burt Award for African Young Adult Literature for Young Adult
novella ‘The Shark Attack’
4) 2010 – Penguin Prize for African Writing, top 5 Short-listed out of
approximately 300 global entries
5) 2008 – National Book Development Council of Kenya (NBDCK) Annual Book
Week Literary Awards, 1st Prize Adult Fiction winner for ’Shifting Sands’