YEMISI OTASANYA (Nigeria)

Africa's first Nobel Laureate in Literature, Wole Soyinka has inspired hordes of writers across the generations, and one of them is Yemisi Aremu Otasanya, who candidly vouchsafes:  

"I was inspired most by Wole Soyinka. I came across his book 'The Trials of Brother Jero' and 'The Lion and the Jewel' in Literature class.  I prayed that (one day) God would grant me the opportunity to meet him in person"

Her wish would be granted later on, just as her dream of becoming a writer would also be realised. She has published books like Perfect Body Perfect Baby After Delivery; and Above the Ether.

Her love for creative writing was stoked as a child. "My passion for writing started at the age of 8. Going down memory lane, she explains:

‘My passion for writing started at the age of 8, when out of boredom, I picked up my pencil and wrote my first poem. Daddy was my first audience. May God bless his soul. He laughed heartily after reading the poem. It was more of a paradox about a frog who could not sing, but was a choir master.

"Rather than hang out with my friends during playtime, I spent most of the time imagining about adventures in space, fighting aliens and conquering colonies. I imagined I was a dashing irresistible warrior princess with no interest in love, a super hero, a secret spy and much more. At the age of 11, while in year 1 of Junior Secondary School, I wrote an adventure script and shared it with my friends. They loved it and pressurized me to write more, but I deterred. 

“As a teenager, I wanted to be a scientist and not pursue writing. I had a secret herbarium where I carried out research on the flora in Abuja city and did a lot of research writing and occasional articles in local dailies. I also engaged in loads of freelance writing and editing for friends, collecting stipends in return.

“I am currently an IT project manager, an author, a mother and wife and I love studying nature, stars and their constellations, elements, history, cultures, managing complex projects, meeting people, dancing (I have my own symphony, lol). I am crazy about science fiction."

She adds: “I do loads of research before embarking on a writing project and I have God as my father. I never make assumptions about people or jump to conclusions without hearing both sides of the story. I believe we all have the chance to be better. My weed is writing. I hope you enjoy reading my books.”

Otasanya who desires to become a "best-selling writer" has healthy respect for African literary icons like Chinua Achebe, and Buchi Emecheta.

DAVID G. MAILLU (Kenya)

By O Bolaji

David G Maillu of Kenya is one of Africa's most prolific writers; some pundits even claim that he has published more books than any other writer in the continent. But then again, a writer like Naiwu Osahon is said to have published up to a hundred works! What we can say is that Maillu's scores of books have straddled some six decades. To latch onto a cliche, ink decidedly runs in his veins!

As South African literary critic Pule Lechesa has stated: "I suppose it is often startling, even to literary pundits when one comes across a writer, especially an African writer who has published 50, 60 books...such writers are patently thin on the ground. There is a writer, Kgang Abel Motheane in SA who has published as much...and of course the internationally recognised, David Maillu"  

Maillu was born in 1939, in Kenya when the country was still far from attaining political independence from Britain. He attended a Salvation Army school, then an intermediate school en route to the then East African Cambridge School Certificate. His formal education again embraced the British Tutorial College where he studied for the High School education. From a young age, Maillu revelIed in the world of writing, and African Art and Sociology.  

His published books over the decades are numerous indeed with some of his early works published in the 70s; including Troubles (1974) and The Kommon Man 1975)

Other popular works by the wordsmith include My dear Bottle, The Ayah, (The Benni Kamba adventures), eg Equatorial Assignment, After 4.30, Our kind of polygamy, and The Survivors (2002). But Maillu's most popular book international is probably For Mbatha and Rabeka.

Published in the erstwhile Macmillan Pacesetter series, For Mbatha and Rabeka struck a chord with many readers for a number of reasons, including its intrinsic humour, a superb seduction scene that never becomes vulgar, a rich cast of main protagonists, etc. It was quintessential Maillu.

But Maillu could turn his hand into virtually any type, genre of writing. The hefty work, African Indigenous political Ideology (1977) for example has intellectual savvy and undulations. Note that Maillu is actually a qualified Doctor of letters.

And he has published a number of books in the Swahili language too, including the well received Laana ya Mkufu.

Again, Dr Maillu has produced works with rather intriguing titles.  What about - How to look for the Right Boyfriend; or/and, PO Box I love you via my heart...?

The list seems endless, but other works by this distinguished writer again include Man from Machakus, Maillu Revolution, Kadosa, The poor child, Dear Daughter, The priceless gift, Untouchable, Unfit for human consumption, The black Adam and Eve, Thorns of life, Broken Drum,  and My dear Mariana. Talk of being prolific!

ES'KIA MPHAHLELE (1919 – 2008)

By I. M Soqaga

The impact of apartheid colonialism has virtually attempted to destroy the talents of oodles number of black South Africans who were so keen in ameliorating the lives of their communities with the craft they have.  To highlight, South Africa’s Es’kia Mphahlele’s essential vim and awesome vision about African literature was wittingly interrupted by apartheid in South Africa.  From the earliest times Mphahlele’s passion in literature was resplendent.

A fervent and prolific African writer began his literary career with an intention to formalized and vivify African literature in order to be studied in schools and universities.  However, his ambition in the height of apartheid was elusive, although he managed with the great stride to start to produce and establish his aspiration.  Eventually, Bantu Education infuriated many South Africans and Es’kia was one of the people who were not delirious with the introduction of the inferior education meant for African person and subsequently he opted to go to exile.

It was in exile where Es’kia 'sliterary aspiration proved to be outstanding.  He was very firm, pragmatic and resolute in contributing literature that is significantly pertinent to African literature.  A professional teacher, literary award winner Es’kia Mphahlele after he returned to South Africa in the late 70s he constantly illustrated his erudition with enormous proficient.  It is actually absorbing to understand that while in exile he was able to connect and work with exceptional prominent early African writers like a Nobel Prize winner in literature Wole Soyinka, poet Gabriel Okara, novelist Amos Tutuola etc in Nigeria.  In Ghana too he met with outstanding African writer Kofi Awoonor, playwright Efua Sutherland and he was fortunate enough to meet with the great Ullie Beir and other Nigerian writers which he eventually seeing himself contributing in Mbari Writers and Arts Club in Ibadan.

Es’kia Mphahlele spent two decades in exile and in that period he successfully travelled the world, doing magnificently great in advocating and disseminating veritable literature.  Moreover, in his entire life beginning in the early days in South Africa, Africa, the world and South Africa again he managed to flourish dramatically in showcases outstanding literary prowess.  A writer that was reliable and enthusiastically committed to offer his literary skill where it was appropriate.  He travelled to Nigeria, France, Kenya, US and to many part of the world. In a career spawning sixty years, Mphahlele received many international awards, among them: several honorary doctoral degrees and the Les Palmes Academiques medal from French language and culture.  In 1968, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature.  In 1998 the first president of democratic South Africa Nelson Mandela awarded Mphahlele the Order of the Southern Cross.

Of course, Es’kia Mphahlele was a very gifted and proud African writer who displayed to the world that an African is also an equal human being who has the brain to produce excellent ideas.   The world in Es’kia can learn a wonderful lesson of a writer who by all means wanted to see his culture be presented and recognized.  De trop racial oppression and the banning of his books never discouraged him to contribute eagerly in promoting African literature.  Es’kia Mphahlele was the catalyst and African literary pioneer who has achieved astronomically in his career as a sublime African writer.  Mphahlele was the illustrious author of two autobiographies, at least three novels (including the acclaimed The Wanderers), more than thirty short stories, two verse plays and a fair number of poems.  In nutshell the hassle of apartheid never vanquished him because his lively vigour for literature motivated him to make certain that African literature is recognized and appears in the institution of higher learning.

To accentuate, Africans need to reckon that Dr Es’kia Mphahlele played a major role to bolster literature in the world and in his country South Africa.  In 1979, he joined the University of the Witwatersrand as a senior research fellow at the African Studies Institute.  He founded the Council for Black Education and Research, and independent project for alternative education involving young adults.  He founded the department of African literature at Wits University in 1983, a significant event in the evolution of literature teaching in South Africa at the time.  

Vitally, Es’kia Mphahlele literary contribution continues to be recognized and acclaimed.  Obvious if oblivion, that can be a daft, destructive guff in particular for African writers to opt to neglect the literary works of Es’kia Mphahlele to plummet. If that can be possible, petrified-that will be a harum-scarum situation for African writers to discard and overlook the colossal literary achievement which Es’kia Mphahlele strove so diligently over the years for African literature to be recognized in the world and in particular in the academic rung.  Lastly it is encouraging to see some of the streets and institutions named after him in South Africa. 

LETLHOGONOLO BRENDICS KESIILWE (Botswana)

By Tiisetso Thiba

The wordsmith Letlhogonolo Brendics Kesiilwe originates from Botswana, a country in Southern Africa, marked by its currency the Botswana Pula, and its dominating language is Setswana, language of Batswana people. 

Kesiilwe’s poetry anthology “Uncaged: Contemporary Poetry Collection” which was published in 2016 continued to make waves. It is one of the works of the bard Kesiilwe, which others comprise “The Flow of My Tears” that was published in 2015.

Why the title, Uncaged? Page 92 of the book answers this poser, with the title book poem placed herein. “My writer’s block is gone, writing came with pain, the very painful words are uncaged”. This phrase tells that, the poet was hindered from writing his thoughts, feelings and happiness and at last he got his groove back to release his inspirational words. Mr Kisiilwe dedicated this intriguing book to his daughter Masa Wendy Rodgers Kesiilwe and her adorable mother Rebo.

I think 65% of poems from the Uncaged is about love, where the poet took us through his love trials whilst he was still at school and post and I believe those who rejected him they are regretting now because he is no longer available for match! And at some point while in high school, he was scared to disclose his feelings to a drop dead gorgeous Sammy on a poem titled

My High School Crush

“She will forever be

 my high school crush,

the beautiful lady

of great African body”

“I never told her i loved her

I will never know if she did

Sammy was a good girl

A girl to steal hearts”

Wordsmith Letlhogonolo in his book touches on religion, happiness, agony, sorrows, gratitude, encouragement, and of course love, as his pen flows freely non-stop when it comes to love. And he expresses his addiction to rhyming as plenty of his poems including stanzas, sonnets includes rhyming words and alliteration.

In one of his poems on pg 87 titled “Mixed”, the poet choose to come out with gun blazing for LGTBI “Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Biosexual” people. Poem in last phrase says “How do you kiss, How do you sleep, How do you love, a person of your same gender”. Yes it’s his opinion and views but the words are sharper than a sable! 

It is doleful that everyday people in this category, are being killed, rape, insulted and feel unsafe in their own communities and countries and some rejected by their families. This act alas is tearing societies apart. 

Mr Kesiilwe is surely a poet going places, never mind the intermittent controversial sentiment. Uncaged is a superb book written by fearless poet. Mr Kesiilwe’s is one of Botswana poet’s that are aiming to grow the literature and inspire emerging poets.  

AKINWUNMI ISOLA (Nigeria)

By O Bolaji

The Yorubas, essentially based in west Africa and ( also around the world), run into millions. The people are noted for their "pride", innovative mien, their hospitable nature,  their industry and their general broad-mindedness.

Yorubas  point to the many  greats they have produced over the years, with the pioneering chief Obafemi Awolowo eg credited with establishing the first t.v. station in Africa, the first skyscraper in west Africa (Cocoa House) etc...More pertinently in the sphere of arts and culture, Wole Soyinka another Yorubaman became the first African to garner the Nobel Award for Literature.

 It does seem rather "cruel " that Akinwunmi Isola, a great writer in the Yoruba language, has just died following on the heels of the distinguished Adebayo Faleti who died  a few months ago - another celebrated writer in the Yoruba language. 

Of course both writers (Faleti and Isola) followed on the heels of the nonpareil Yoruba writer, D.O Fagunwa who continues to be recognised as the original patron-saint of Yoruba creative writing and literature. The recently deceased Akinwunmi Isola was an international academic to boot , who lectured in north American universities, pushing Yoruba literature and sociology to the fore.

Isola was of course revered in the teeming, vibrant Yoruba community as writer, playwright, academic and a pillar of the society. For decades, his celebrated plays  - like Efunsetan Aniwura, and Ole Ku have been put on stage, on tv etc. He has spurred and encouraged other writers, and his passing has been a painful one. 

Henry Ozogula, a young Nigerian aficionado of literature says: "This is another terrible loss in the niche of literature. I do not know the Yoruba language or its intricacies but I do know that the late Isola was a great writer who also wrote wonderful essays in the English language. I celebrate and respect all African writers, hence I realise only too well that this is another dismal exit"

AKINWUNMI ISOLA (Nigeria)

By O Bolaji

The Yorubas essentially based in west Africa and( also around the world), run into millions. The people are noted for their "pride", their hospitable nature  their industry and their general broad-mindedness.

 Yorubas  point to the many  greats they have produced over the years, with the pioneering chief Obafemi Awolowo eg credited with establishing the first t.v. station in Africa, the first skyscraper in west Africa (Cocoa House) etc...More pertinently in the sphere of arts and culture, Wole Soyinka another Yorubaman became the first African to garner the Nobel Award for Literature.

 It does seem rather "cruel " that Akinwunmi Isola, a great writer in the Yoruba language, has just died following on the heels of the distinguished Adebayo Faleti who died  a few months ago - another celebrated writer in the Yoruba language. 

Of course both writers (Faleti and Isola) followed on the heels of the nonpareil Yoruba writer, D.O Fagunwa who continues to be recognised as the original patron-saint of Yoruba creative writing and literature. The recently deceased Akinwunmi Isola was an international academic to boot , who lectured in north American universities, pushing Yoruba literature and sociology to the fore.

Isola was of course revered in the teeming, vibrant Yoruba community as writer, playwright, academic and a pillar of the society. For decades, his celebrated plays  - like Efunsetan Aniwura, and Ole Ku have been put on stage, on tv etc. He has spurred and encouraged other writers, and his passing has been a painful one. 

Henry Ozogula, a young Nigerian aficionado of literature says: "This is another terrible loss in the niche of literature. I do not know the Yoruba language or its intricacies but I do know that the late Isola was a great writer who also wrote wonderful essays in the English language. I celebrate and respect all African writers, hence I realise only too well that this is another dismal exit"