LITERARY FLASHES

  Tribute to Pa Kgang Abel Motheane By M. I Soqaga   Of course the world is reeling with great grief, unremitting tears eventual proverbial pains of the past spawn from what can not be usual invariably startling and dumbfounded heartbroken because of sadness   He is declared deceased in awe the world remains shocked not ready to accept the news inevitable and unpalatable news At his ripe old age constantly revered able to illustrate his awesome skill nothing will stop him to produce such enormous work of literature... Today he is known as dead tearful sad news of the past since millenniums remain with humanity capable to trigger sorrow, melancholic grief compel perpetual emotional mourning He is today declared deceased at his old ripe age the earth can be proud to swallow him at a known last resting place like in the beginning when the womb concoct miracles the beginning of blissful life embryonic ecstatic blessi...

Writer WALE OKEDIRAN has reacted swiftly to the covid-19 pandemic by bringing out a string of quality, pertinent books that serve to conscientise the society, and the youth in particular, about the impact and ramifications of the virus. Okediran has been writing for decades now; here is a profile of the great man: Nigeria's  Wale Okediran  is easily one of Africa's most prolific writers of fiction. Think Meja Mwangi of Kenya, or David G Maillu - you get the idea. Or if you like, since Wale Okediran is also a qualified medical doctor, you might want to compare him with South Africa's Gomolemo Mokae, a revered medical doctor and creative writer. Oh, and by the way, Wale Okediran is also a formidable politician in his own right too!           But of course, here we are mainly concerned with Wale Okediran the award-winning quality writer, who has been publishing his works for decades. The Bibliography of the man can be see...

Victor Thorpe wrote and published a series of brilliant, well-plotted African thrillers. The inherent, spontaneous humour running through these works always stands out, almost undermining the sophisticated language, and polished erudition embedded in these enduring novels. Thorpe's books include The Worshippers, The Instrument, and Stone of Vengeance. Here is a biography of this most intriguing writer: Thorpe was in Calabar, Nigeria, in 1919. After completing his secondary education, he served in the Army as a signaler, clerical officer, method instructor and physical training instructor. He joined the British Council in Ibadan in 1948 and worked as a library assistance and clerk before being promoted to Administrative Assistant. He retired in 1975 and was recalled in 1977 to serve as Acting Librarian. He was the Nigerian Chairman of the Society of Metaphysicians, leader of the Efik community in Ibadan and President of the Calabar Welfare Association. He died in 1994. ...

Book: From Where I Stand Author: George Rampai Publisher: Mbali Press “It is thrilling to see that an authentic ‘township boy’, George Rampai has successfully weaved together an intriguing thriller titled,  From where I stand ; a work that comes close to being a world class novel. On his own admission, Rampai over the decades has been heavily influenced by euro-centric thriller writers; most especially James Hadley Chase. In fact the reader will be forgiven to think that he/she was reading one of Chase’s thrillers transplanted onto the townships, whilst reading this book. Examples of such hackneyed phrases made famous by Chase are found many times in this beautifully written book, to the point of absurdity. Cheap, melodramatic turns of action hit you. Ineluctably, for example, we do not in reality confront black people practically "blushing" as often happens in this book. Even some of the names are not rooted in the ambience of Black township life as you know it, e...

Special tribute by Owei Lakemfa GLOBAL writer, poet and humanist, Odia Ofeimun is from a lineage with close affinity with leopards. There was an unwritten rule between the humans of Iruekpen-Ekum, Edo State and that feline family that neither will attack the other. If today, there are no leopards left in that part, it is not because they betrayed the humans. So Odia is an original “Amotekun” the symbol of those in the Western Nigeria taking the battle to terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and rogue soldiers from neigbouring countries. Odia, like a leopard, has his own time zone; he moves at any time of the day or night harbouring no fears of our quite dangerous highways. Then, bullets from armed robbers near Okada, missed him by the whiskers, hitting the passenger sitting in front of him. It was past midnight! With that nightmare, he pledged to stop travelling at night. But I know he still does surreptitiously. A few months ago, he admitted arriving at the gates of the Obafemi...

Book: AFRIKA MY MUSIC An autobiography by Es'kia Mphahlele There is no gainsaying the fact that the late Es'kia Mphahlele was one of the most eminent, illustrious writers in African history. This book is a continuation of his autobiography, pursuant to his magnum opus, Down Second Avenue. Here he focuses more on his experiences whilst based overseas (far away from his native South Africa) – his achievements as academic, scholar, author, world traveller, and cultural activist. Excitingly he met and mingled with all the early outstanding African writers from diverse countries all over Africa - personalities like Ama Atta Aidoo, Efua T Sutherland, Wole Soyinka, Ngugi, Senghor, Achebe, Kofi Awoonor (he has very warm words for this wonderful Ghanaian writer); among many many others. Mphahlele also explains how being in exile negatively affected many Africans, and cultural conflicts or dissonances experienced abroad; plus of course the effects on one's children - many ...

Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga , South African born writer, literary critic, essayist, poet and Pan-Africanist, has clocked the age of 40. Many literary aficionados and enthusiasts have paid glittering tribute to Soqaga ( above) who has published extensively on African writers, male and female, their works, and vision. Here is a cross-section of some of the felicitations: Lupna Avery: Congratulations on your birthday, Mr Soqaga. I am sure lovers of books etc across Africa appreciate your contributions over the years. 40 years has such a nice ring. Leke Giwa: Hope you have a wonderful day. You have published extensively on African writers. I enjoy reading about you, and other prominent literary personnel on the internet. Madolyn Chukwu: 40 years!! That is  wonderful. Mr Soqaga (South African; eh...) loves literature so much. He writes long engaging essays and profiles on books and writers. I wish him a magnificent Birthday. Henry Ozogula: I am ...