Interview by Bongani Tshabalala
Today Free State News catches up with the young and vibrant Xolelwa Mvumvu who is a Radio Presenter for Motheo Fm. The bubbly lady orchestrates an early slot show of “The Family Breakfast” which is on air from 06: 00 to 09: 00, to the delectation of Motheo Fm listeners in Bloemfontein.
Briefly, tell readers - who is Xolelwa Mvumvu?
Xolelwa is a twin sister even though I’m the first born who hails from Sterkspruit, a 21 year old from Eastern Cape. I came to Bloemfontein in 2004 after studying Journalism in Johannesburg at Media House, as a four year course but I only did two years (2008/09). I have my twin, who is so intelligent studying Accounting at CUT. He is like my best friend. I like him so much!
Where do you live?
I am staying at Vista Park with my father, my twin brother and two little sisters; because my mother is in the Eastern Cape.
When did you develop your love for radio?
I started to develop the love of radio and the media at large way back when I was doing grade 9; at the time one of my friends introduced me to the media. She also went with me to the Radio Station that was there at that time. Alas, she has now moved to Johannesburg. She was my role model, and made me to love radio. Then I started to pave my way up to here.
What do you like and hate about your job?
What I love about my job is that it keeps me on my toes, and I get to know about the happenings around the world. And what I hate about my job is to wake up very early in the morning, as I love sleep! Yet I have to prepare at 3:00 am, especially if I didn’t prepare it the previous day.
What is your most memorable moment in Bloemfontein?
It was in 2005, the MACUFE poetry session. I basked in listening to poetic artists and then the whole week I started to attend all the poetry sessions.
What is your favourite Building in Bloemfontein?
My favourite building in Bloemfontein is ‘Glass Palace’. It is so artistic because it stands out, as I like art.
June is Youth Month, what can you encourage youth of today about?
They must know where they come from, and find acceptance because it is time to stand up for ourselves. Do not depend on government, as the youth of today have got so much power in many things
How do you feel about the country and politics today?
A lot needs to be improved, as we still have corruption in certain quarters. But I am glad that in these days, young people have choices to be leaders of tomorrow.
Thanks Xoli see you next time and good luck in your job!
The next interview is with the ever smiling Radio partner presenter of Xolelwa – the one and only Luvuyo DaDa
Who is Luvuyo Dada?
Luvuyo is the last born of Me Dada. I am 33 years old and I hail from Meloding (Virginia) with three sisters. I am an ordinary guy who loves music, reading, especially motivational books in order to improve and enhance my vocabulary.
Where do you live presently?
Right here in Bloemfontein CBD.
How did you get into your career?
After Matric - even-though way back in grade 8, radio was my passion and one of my friends introduced me to the late Aubery Menong who was an employee of Lesedi Fm who inspired me to pursue a career in the media industry. Though it was difficult, persistence and perseverance got me through, and finally I had the chance to be behind the microphone!
What do you like and hate about your job?
What I love about this job is pressing this button and talking to many people out there, advising and entertaining people! Just to press the button and do my thing, What I dislike about my job is when I am not given enough support from colleagues.
What is your most memorable moment in Bloemfontein?
It was in 1996 when I was 17 years attending Kwaito Festival. I saw celebrities that one always sees on T.V. Now I see them live. It was cold, but full of fun.
What is your favourite Building in Bloemfontein?
Sand Du Plessis Theatre.
It’s Youth Month; what can you encourage youth of today about?
I like this, because we are heading to a conference in Gauteng to elect our leadership who are supposed to represent youth properly, and to move youth forward in matters like Bursaries, Business opportunities and jobs. The youth must believe in themselves.
How do you feel about the country and politics today?
It is sad to see others progressing whilst others suffer and wallow in poverty. We’re all blacks and don’t even need or prepare to share; we need to address issues like unemployment and poverty, especially now in the wake of recent elections. We must prepare service delivery in order to deliver on the promises made to the citizens in times of elections.
Thanks my bra Luvuyo. It was nice talking to you.
* Interviews reproduced courtesy of Free State News
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
MEET JAH ROSE, an exhilarating poet!
Exclusive interview by O Bolaji
BOLAJI: You have done very well to establish yourself as a powerful female poet in the Free State. How did your love for this genre (poetry) start?
JAH ROSE: well it kinda started even before I realised...Bareng Dichaba was the one who actually un-blinded me to say what you’ve been writing is actually poetry, so I was excited to find out that I'm a poet and never looked back. That was back in early 2000.
You have performed/read your impressive poetry at many occasions. Can you tell us about some of these events?
Mostly at home - I perform at are governmental events, to sharing my writings at poetry sessions around, in and out of South Africa...there is nothing more thrilling than being at an event full of art and artists themselves, so poetry festivals have become my church - that’s how much I have dedicated myself to my work.
Allied to this, what would you say was your greatest moment as a poet?
I have so many very beautiful moments as a growing poet... I have met kings and queens through my gift as a writer, I have crossed seas and borders, rivers and mountains, I have and continue to travel the world through my art, so this is one call I’m glad I never missed, for it is a calling.
South Africa is blessed with a crop of powerful female poets. Which ones of them do you admire most, and why?
I love Napo Masheane mainly because I can hear her, I adore Mme Myesha as well thanks to pacofs we have worked together on so many occasions and she is a mother figure artistically so, she is a sweetheart.
In the Free State, how would you describe the awareness of women as regards poetry at grassroots level? What can be done to sensitise even more women to relish poetry?
Fortunately I am a field worker, so I work with most artists especially upcoming poets...so I know for sure that the culture is booming a lot compared to the last five years...and there is real talent out...people who have the ability to tell their generational stories and write tomorrow's history. to women/’wemen’ poetry is a weapon of self discovery, self development and self empowerment and beyond anything else it is a self creation to...you work on sculpting your craft until you shape it to what you want, who you want and anything else that you want out of life,,, so if you have the spirit of writing in you...use it.
Obviously, you have read anthologies, books of poetry published by South Africans – by the likes of Don Mattera, Mongane Serote, Vonani Bila, Lebo Mashile etc. Which of any of these books are you likely to read again?
It will be Napo's - like I said I hear that woman too much, Lindiwe Mabuza and Ntate Don Mattera - he is also very clear in what he wants to say and he is not afraid. You feel it as you go through his work. I love simplicity, so they do it for me.
Internationally, who are the poets that have impressed you most?
I love Asa from Nigeria, I love...''why is it that when Lauren comes from the Hills of India she's always Arie''; for me these ladies sing their poetry.
I understand you are set to publish your first book of poetry. How will you describe the collection?
Yes it is true, I'm hoping to launch it in August this year for it is finished and by the way looking for a publisher, it is called ROOTED FROM THE HEART!, It is an intro of me to the world of literature , who and what I'm about...the high's and he low's, the fears and vulnerability, joys and peacefulness, aspirations and admirations of young woman and how she views and has experienced her environment, emotionally, spiritually, politically and all other ‘cally's’! Basically how I found myself through art and poetry as it has become huge part of me, all these are reflected in this compilation. Thank you…
•This Interview first appeared in Free State News (2010) Jah Rose’s book, Rooted from the Heart has since been launched with fanfare
BOLAJI: You have done very well to establish yourself as a powerful female poet in the Free State. How did your love for this genre (poetry) start?
JAH ROSE: well it kinda started even before I realised...Bareng Dichaba was the one who actually un-blinded me to say what you’ve been writing is actually poetry, so I was excited to find out that I'm a poet and never looked back. That was back in early 2000.
You have performed/read your impressive poetry at many occasions. Can you tell us about some of these events?
Mostly at home - I perform at are governmental events, to sharing my writings at poetry sessions around, in and out of South Africa...there is nothing more thrilling than being at an event full of art and artists themselves, so poetry festivals have become my church - that’s how much I have dedicated myself to my work.
Allied to this, what would you say was your greatest moment as a poet?
I have so many very beautiful moments as a growing poet... I have met kings and queens through my gift as a writer, I have crossed seas and borders, rivers and mountains, I have and continue to travel the world through my art, so this is one call I’m glad I never missed, for it is a calling.
South Africa is blessed with a crop of powerful female poets. Which ones of them do you admire most, and why?
I love Napo Masheane mainly because I can hear her, I adore Mme Myesha as well thanks to pacofs we have worked together on so many occasions and she is a mother figure artistically so, she is a sweetheart.
In the Free State, how would you describe the awareness of women as regards poetry at grassroots level? What can be done to sensitise even more women to relish poetry?
Fortunately I am a field worker, so I work with most artists especially upcoming poets...so I know for sure that the culture is booming a lot compared to the last five years...and there is real talent out...people who have the ability to tell their generational stories and write tomorrow's history. to women/’wemen’ poetry is a weapon of self discovery, self development and self empowerment and beyond anything else it is a self creation to...you work on sculpting your craft until you shape it to what you want, who you want and anything else that you want out of life,,, so if you have the spirit of writing in you...use it.
Obviously, you have read anthologies, books of poetry published by South Africans – by the likes of Don Mattera, Mongane Serote, Vonani Bila, Lebo Mashile etc. Which of any of these books are you likely to read again?
It will be Napo's - like I said I hear that woman too much, Lindiwe Mabuza and Ntate Don Mattera - he is also very clear in what he wants to say and he is not afraid. You feel it as you go through his work. I love simplicity, so they do it for me.
Internationally, who are the poets that have impressed you most?
I love Asa from Nigeria, I love...''why is it that when Lauren comes from the Hills of India she's always Arie''; for me these ladies sing their poetry.
I understand you are set to publish your first book of poetry. How will you describe the collection?
Yes it is true, I'm hoping to launch it in August this year for it is finished and by the way looking for a publisher, it is called ROOTED FROM THE HEART!, It is an intro of me to the world of literature , who and what I'm about...the high's and he low's, the fears and vulnerability, joys and peacefulness, aspirations and admirations of young woman and how she views and has experienced her environment, emotionally, spiritually, politically and all other ‘cally's’! Basically how I found myself through art and poetry as it has become huge part of me, all these are reflected in this compilation. Thank you…
•This Interview first appeared in Free State News (2010) Jah Rose’s book, Rooted from the Heart has since been launched with fanfare
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
"Rebaone deserves a world platform too" - Bolaji
The book MY OPINION, penned by O Bolaji was rather panned this week by well known Free State book reviewer and critic, Rebaone Motsalane who took exception to the work being put together in book form. Your blogger, Jerry, an enthusiastic lover of books was rather taken aback with the attack and spoke to Bolaji about the criticism
JERRY: You have read Rebaone’s views on your book, My Opinion. I was quite shocked, to be honest, when I read the piece (in Mangaung Issue). My first thought was that it was so unfair and a-times ridiculous. The reviewer said that you should write new books, not put your column in book form - since the book was published many years ago and you have published many new books since then, how do you feel?
BOLAJI: That’s not the only absurdity in the review. Rebaone has this crazy idea that there is something wrong with compiling a book consisting of one’s short pieces, columns etc – she is very myopic in her view. Books like this are written around the world every time and valued greatly. I see why Pule Lechesa was so upset with what she had written earlier about one of his books too; Rebaone is displaying great ignorance and short-sightedness in this respect. She thinks the whole world is Bloemfontein, and a few areas of the Free State; whereas the literary world comprises thousands of other towns and cities in South Africa, in Africa, and the world at large. The column I wrote came out in a local paper read by relatively almost nobody by world standards…do we invite the teeming countless outer world to Free State to come to read scattered, disparate columns published years ago? Will people in America or Canada ever read the columns if not for the published book?
JERRY: I thought so too, but there were other problems with her review…
BOLAJI: (Cuts in) Sorry…I was also thinking about some young readers who met me at the library in Bloemfontein city a few months ago and told me how much they enjoyed reading the book, My Opinion. They said: “Oh Mr Bolaji, we were rather too young when you were writing the Column so we are very happy we can still read them in book form now. Which brings in the fact of new generations of readers. Such readers, as the years go on, will never even know I ever wrote a Column - if not for the published form of the book. Just because Rebaone belonged to the generation that could read the Columns as soon as they were initially published, she can not envisage that EVEN LOCALLY countless other readers, new readers will not have had the same opportunity and as time goes on further only the Book will be on record
JERRY: A real problem is that Columns are generally local initially; whilst potential readers are all over the world…
BOLAJI: Lovers of fine writing world-wide enjoy reading the thoughts of others and the only real way they can do so (apart from internet, partially) is through books. Look at the great English female columnist, Julie Burchill for example. We can not fly to England weekly to read her Columns but thank goodness many of her Columns are in book form which are distributed internationally, sent to sundry libraries etc; hence we can read her Columns in the end! The same applies to other wonderful columnists like Brian Glanville, Keir Radnedge etc who have published books. The trick is to try to avoid being narrow-minded and tragically looking at important issues only locally.
JERRY: Additionally, what puzzles me most is that Rebaone suggests that you should write new books, not My Opinion, whereas the latter was published years ago.
BOLAJI: Thank you. My opinion was published in 2005. Early 2005. Since then despite bad health, I have published at least 6, 7 new books, most of them creative! So really I am afraid I’d have to agree with the likes of Lechesa that our beloved Rebaone can be a clown sometimes!
JERRY: I also know that quite a number of local writers are unhappy with Rebaone’s reviews
BOLAJI: Rebaone is doing a very good job, despite the bloomers, the clangers she makes every now and then. An important writer like Flaxman always tells me how much he appreciates her reviews; it’s better than nothing. On my own part I always personally urge her to make a book from her Column – she would be very foolish if she does not do so. At least 99 percent of her potential readers world-wide will not come to Free State to read her column weekly – but in book form, around the world lovers of books, literature, will appreciate her input. Rebaone deserves a world platform too. Reviewers, critics often make mistakes too, and one must always read, examine things carefully. As regards Rebaone she must sometimes remove the blinkers and realize the literary world out there, is gargantuan, not local! But I have no problem with Rebaone, we are good friends!
JERRY: Yes I always thought too that it would be a tragedy if the world out there is denied reading her literary views; after all Free State is a very very small place in African, never mind world terms. Thank you Mr Bolaji
JERRY: You have read Rebaone’s views on your book, My Opinion. I was quite shocked, to be honest, when I read the piece (in Mangaung Issue). My first thought was that it was so unfair and a-times ridiculous. The reviewer said that you should write new books, not put your column in book form - since the book was published many years ago and you have published many new books since then, how do you feel?
BOLAJI: That’s not the only absurdity in the review. Rebaone has this crazy idea that there is something wrong with compiling a book consisting of one’s short pieces, columns etc – she is very myopic in her view. Books like this are written around the world every time and valued greatly. I see why Pule Lechesa was so upset with what she had written earlier about one of his books too; Rebaone is displaying great ignorance and short-sightedness in this respect. She thinks the whole world is Bloemfontein, and a few areas of the Free State; whereas the literary world comprises thousands of other towns and cities in South Africa, in Africa, and the world at large. The column I wrote came out in a local paper read by relatively almost nobody by world standards…do we invite the teeming countless outer world to Free State to come to read scattered, disparate columns published years ago? Will people in America or Canada ever read the columns if not for the published book?
JERRY: I thought so too, but there were other problems with her review…
BOLAJI: (Cuts in) Sorry…I was also thinking about some young readers who met me at the library in Bloemfontein city a few months ago and told me how much they enjoyed reading the book, My Opinion. They said: “Oh Mr Bolaji, we were rather too young when you were writing the Column so we are very happy we can still read them in book form now. Which brings in the fact of new generations of readers. Such readers, as the years go on, will never even know I ever wrote a Column - if not for the published form of the book. Just because Rebaone belonged to the generation that could read the Columns as soon as they were initially published, she can not envisage that EVEN LOCALLY countless other readers, new readers will not have had the same opportunity and as time goes on further only the Book will be on record
JERRY: A real problem is that Columns are generally local initially; whilst potential readers are all over the world…
BOLAJI: Lovers of fine writing world-wide enjoy reading the thoughts of others and the only real way they can do so (apart from internet, partially) is through books. Look at the great English female columnist, Julie Burchill for example. We can not fly to England weekly to read her Columns but thank goodness many of her Columns are in book form which are distributed internationally, sent to sundry libraries etc; hence we can read her Columns in the end! The same applies to other wonderful columnists like Brian Glanville, Keir Radnedge etc who have published books. The trick is to try to avoid being narrow-minded and tragically looking at important issues only locally.
JERRY: Additionally, what puzzles me most is that Rebaone suggests that you should write new books, not My Opinion, whereas the latter was published years ago.
BOLAJI: Thank you. My opinion was published in 2005. Early 2005. Since then despite bad health, I have published at least 6, 7 new books, most of them creative! So really I am afraid I’d have to agree with the likes of Lechesa that our beloved Rebaone can be a clown sometimes!
JERRY: I also know that quite a number of local writers are unhappy with Rebaone’s reviews
BOLAJI: Rebaone is doing a very good job, despite the bloomers, the clangers she makes every now and then. An important writer like Flaxman always tells me how much he appreciates her reviews; it’s better than nothing. On my own part I always personally urge her to make a book from her Column – she would be very foolish if she does not do so. At least 99 percent of her potential readers world-wide will not come to Free State to read her column weekly – but in book form, around the world lovers of books, literature, will appreciate her input. Rebaone deserves a world platform too. Reviewers, critics often make mistakes too, and one must always read, examine things carefully. As regards Rebaone she must sometimes remove the blinkers and realize the literary world out there, is gargantuan, not local! But I have no problem with Rebaone, we are good friends!
JERRY: Yes I always thought too that it would be a tragedy if the world out there is denied reading her literary views; after all Free State is a very very small place in African, never mind world terms. Thank you Mr Bolaji
Sunday, January 30, 2011
UNSUNG LITERARY ICON
PAUL LOTHANE, who originally hailed from the Free State, is one of the unsung literary heroes who have put the Free State on the literary map. His perceptive essays and studies have been published all over the world; with his essay on Saint George Vis’ book – “Indaba with Free State Writers” (2009) being particularly celebrated. He was recently in Mangaung for “some family business” where Jerry caught up with him for a chat...
JERRY: Skhokho! Great to see you after such a long time. Why is it that people like you who have done wonders for our (Free State) Black literature over the years, prefer to be in the background in these days when what we might call “flashy literature”, the love for acclaim, is so much in fashion?
LOTHANE: There is nothing like flashy literature, only ignorance or and immodesty. I don’t know any real great writer who is “flashy” anywhere in the world. Ideally, writers and people like us that you call “critics” – I prefer “reviewers” – should be in the background, with the media seeking us out, not vice versa. But the real focus should be on worthy writers. I mean – we know overseas, Gerald Moore has published great studies on Wole Soyinka, but nobody knows anything about Moore; similarly, Adele King has published one or two great books on Camara Laye, but the world knows almost nothing about King. Here in South Africa, the white scholar, Prof Mackenzie, has published over FIVE books on Bessie Head, but hardly anybody knows who Mackenzie is. That’s the way it is supposed to be. People like myself, Raphael Mokoena, Rebaone Motsalane, etc should be read and not seen!
JERRY: Critics – or reviewers – like Lechesa have expressed unhappiness about what they have called the lure for “cheap fame” by younger writers these days. What do you think about this?
LOTHANE: There is no cheap fame in literature, you can’t deceive the experts. Of course, among people of low mentality in a restricted community who might think seeing a writer in a local paper makes him or her great, one might receive such ”fame”, but it is not the real thing; it is illusory, shoddy, very local, even illiterate. But what Lechesa said is not in any way original; the great Mazisi Kunene said it long ago that what kills young writers these days is “cheap fame”, they get carried away before they have even really started.
JERRY: So how do you feel that a writer like Hector Kunene came miraculously onto the stage, became famous quickly and is now “Free State Author of the Year”? Do you feel any hostility towards him? Can his “fame” last?
LOTHANE: What you mean is, can Hector continue to grow by leaps and bounds? It is up to him if he focuses on what real literature is about, and keeps his feet firmly on the ground as Ntate Flaxman has advised him. There is this crass illiteracy these days amongst younger writers that modern stuff like facebook etc enhances literature, but it is actually the opposite; these are just social networking gimmicks for people who have really nothing important to do in their lives. I can not feel anything negative towards Mr Hector as I hardly know him, and I was happy to have at least THREE essays written by me used in his book on Mr Bolaji. I can’t be jealous of creative writers, as I am not one of them. The simple truth is that Hector has a long way to go before he can get anywhere near real greatness in literature. He must produce some powerful fictional works, for example
JERRY: How important is the role of critics, reviewers etc?
LOTHANE: I have discussed this in the Free State context in my essay on Saint George Vis: Indaba with Free State Writers. Those interested can check the internet! All I’ll say here is that a writer who is ignored by critics etc is not a writer at all, and is wasting his/her time.
JERRY: So you support Lechesa’s robust criticism?
LOTHANE: It’s not about supporting or not. People tend to exaggerate things – Lechesa, as far as I know essentially concentrates on his career as a journalist. In the recent past he did great things for literature by publishing books for other writers etc which we must always commend in this era of greed and selfishness. As far as I am concerned, Lechesa was doing special favours recently by reviewing two or three new FS books – you check the internet, and see how celebrated his reviews or critiques are. You can even say he made such books world recognised; so many writers in Africa have published works which are never properly reviewed for the international market...
JERRY: You have seen the special Chimurenga Online Tribute to Free State Black Literature Online?
LOTHANE: It shows how much FS Black Literature is respected all over the world. Ntate Bolaji, Ntate Flaxman, even the younger Saint George Vis, have done great things for the Province. The Chimurenga website is one of the best in Africa, and the world. And the main reason why FS Black Literature is respected is because of the quality of essays, critiques, reviews etc on these published books.
JERRY: So the writers owe people like you, Lechesa, Ntate Moroe, George Rampai, Rebaone Motsalane etc a great debt; perhaps they do not even realise this. It is part of the ignorance as regards literature locally; writers do not want to be criticised; yet they want to be famous. They can’t have it both ways! By the way, what do you think about Mme NMM Duman’s debut work (Deepest Springs)? I have heard one or two local writers criticising the book in a petty way. And I must stress personally here that I think these writers are much inferior writers to Duman. What do you say?
LOTHANE: I have said it before, and I will say it again – Mme Duman is a world class writer. Her novel, Deepest Springs is actually more than world class. Anybody who has anything against the work is either jealous, narrow minded or completely ignorant; I suspect such people, if they are writers, can never attain even ten percent of the skill and talent of Duman. Bolaji likened Duman to Charlotte Bronte and I can understand why. What made the Bronte sisters so world-famous? What made Charles Dickens so great? The main reason was their fantastic, realistic IMAGINATION which Duman has a-plenty. Forget about fine writing skills, grammar, big words and the other extras. The most important ingredient for any good writer is a wonderful imagination. In Duman’s case she has a great imagination and very fine writing skills...she just needs to be better exposed to the western world and I can tell you she will be regarded as one of Africa’s finest.
JERRY: Thanks so much. I really do feel that people like you, Raphael Mokoena and Pule Lechesa etc who have been the real pivots behind publicising our writing to the great intelligent world out there, should be getting the awards. But as you said earlier, if world class white critics like Gerald Moore and Adele King can be in the background, then we can understand and still appreciate how imortant people like you are
LOTHANE: Thanks. But the creative writers actually do the major work. Let them enjoy the limelight!
JERRY: Skhokho! Great to see you after such a long time. Why is it that people like you who have done wonders for our (Free State) Black literature over the years, prefer to be in the background in these days when what we might call “flashy literature”, the love for acclaim, is so much in fashion?
LOTHANE: There is nothing like flashy literature, only ignorance or and immodesty. I don’t know any real great writer who is “flashy” anywhere in the world. Ideally, writers and people like us that you call “critics” – I prefer “reviewers” – should be in the background, with the media seeking us out, not vice versa. But the real focus should be on worthy writers. I mean – we know overseas, Gerald Moore has published great studies on Wole Soyinka, but nobody knows anything about Moore; similarly, Adele King has published one or two great books on Camara Laye, but the world knows almost nothing about King. Here in South Africa, the white scholar, Prof Mackenzie, has published over FIVE books on Bessie Head, but hardly anybody knows who Mackenzie is. That’s the way it is supposed to be. People like myself, Raphael Mokoena, Rebaone Motsalane, etc should be read and not seen!
JERRY: Critics – or reviewers – like Lechesa have expressed unhappiness about what they have called the lure for “cheap fame” by younger writers these days. What do you think about this?
LOTHANE: There is no cheap fame in literature, you can’t deceive the experts. Of course, among people of low mentality in a restricted community who might think seeing a writer in a local paper makes him or her great, one might receive such ”fame”, but it is not the real thing; it is illusory, shoddy, very local, even illiterate. But what Lechesa said is not in any way original; the great Mazisi Kunene said it long ago that what kills young writers these days is “cheap fame”, they get carried away before they have even really started.
JERRY: So how do you feel that a writer like Hector Kunene came miraculously onto the stage, became famous quickly and is now “Free State Author of the Year”? Do you feel any hostility towards him? Can his “fame” last?
LOTHANE: What you mean is, can Hector continue to grow by leaps and bounds? It is up to him if he focuses on what real literature is about, and keeps his feet firmly on the ground as Ntate Flaxman has advised him. There is this crass illiteracy these days amongst younger writers that modern stuff like facebook etc enhances literature, but it is actually the opposite; these are just social networking gimmicks for people who have really nothing important to do in their lives. I can not feel anything negative towards Mr Hector as I hardly know him, and I was happy to have at least THREE essays written by me used in his book on Mr Bolaji. I can’t be jealous of creative writers, as I am not one of them. The simple truth is that Hector has a long way to go before he can get anywhere near real greatness in literature. He must produce some powerful fictional works, for example
JERRY: How important is the role of critics, reviewers etc?
LOTHANE: I have discussed this in the Free State context in my essay on Saint George Vis: Indaba with Free State Writers. Those interested can check the internet! All I’ll say here is that a writer who is ignored by critics etc is not a writer at all, and is wasting his/her time.
JERRY: So you support Lechesa’s robust criticism?
LOTHANE: It’s not about supporting or not. People tend to exaggerate things – Lechesa, as far as I know essentially concentrates on his career as a journalist. In the recent past he did great things for literature by publishing books for other writers etc which we must always commend in this era of greed and selfishness. As far as I am concerned, Lechesa was doing special favours recently by reviewing two or three new FS books – you check the internet, and see how celebrated his reviews or critiques are. You can even say he made such books world recognised; so many writers in Africa have published works which are never properly reviewed for the international market...
JERRY: You have seen the special Chimurenga Online Tribute to Free State Black Literature Online?
LOTHANE: It shows how much FS Black Literature is respected all over the world. Ntate Bolaji, Ntate Flaxman, even the younger Saint George Vis, have done great things for the Province. The Chimurenga website is one of the best in Africa, and the world. And the main reason why FS Black Literature is respected is because of the quality of essays, critiques, reviews etc on these published books.
JERRY: So the writers owe people like you, Lechesa, Ntate Moroe, George Rampai, Rebaone Motsalane etc a great debt; perhaps they do not even realise this. It is part of the ignorance as regards literature locally; writers do not want to be criticised; yet they want to be famous. They can’t have it both ways! By the way, what do you think about Mme NMM Duman’s debut work (Deepest Springs)? I have heard one or two local writers criticising the book in a petty way. And I must stress personally here that I think these writers are much inferior writers to Duman. What do you say?
LOTHANE: I have said it before, and I will say it again – Mme Duman is a world class writer. Her novel, Deepest Springs is actually more than world class. Anybody who has anything against the work is either jealous, narrow minded or completely ignorant; I suspect such people, if they are writers, can never attain even ten percent of the skill and talent of Duman. Bolaji likened Duman to Charlotte Bronte and I can understand why. What made the Bronte sisters so world-famous? What made Charles Dickens so great? The main reason was their fantastic, realistic IMAGINATION which Duman has a-plenty. Forget about fine writing skills, grammar, big words and the other extras. The most important ingredient for any good writer is a wonderful imagination. In Duman’s case she has a great imagination and very fine writing skills...she just needs to be better exposed to the western world and I can tell you she will be regarded as one of Africa’s finest.
JERRY: Thanks so much. I really do feel that people like you, Raphael Mokoena and Pule Lechesa etc who have been the real pivots behind publicising our writing to the great intelligent world out there, should be getting the awards. But as you said earlier, if world class white critics like Gerald Moore and Adele King can be in the background, then we can understand and still appreciate how imortant people like you are
LOTHANE: Thanks. But the creative writers actually do the major work. Let them enjoy the limelight!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
PULE LECHESA BOUNCES BACK
After a considerable silence, Pule Lechesa, the powerful Free State literary critic has again hit the limelight with his publication of the article ‘Fatal flaws in Hector Kunene’s Through the tunnel’. The article is already making waves around the world. Jerry caught up with Mr Lechesa and probed him why he finally broke his silence, so to speak…
(Image) One of Lechesa's books
For years you were known for robust, even tough literary criticism. Why were you silent for so long?
I’ve had strenuous journalistic responsibilities recently, and I also kept quiet deliberately, watching the so-called literary scene. I have been shocked at how some new wave young writers think they are special, so arrogant, not knowing what literature is about
But surely you must agree that this year is the best ever for Free State black literature with emergence of so many writers, like Hector Kunene, Teboho Masakala, NMM Duman, Jah Rose etc –
I don’t agree. As Shakespeare would say, it’s just a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing! The only great work has been Duman’s Deepest Springs...she took her time, never praised herself, never put even one photo of herself in her brilliant book; she went through literary agencies etc. The newcomers must learn first about the world of literature, read, study dozens of great writers; respect established writers, before they even announce themselves to the world. But having said this, I must add that Teboho Masakala, though very young, has the talent and imagination. If he remains modest he will do very well in the future
Are you not worried the new writers will dislike you for criticising them?
No true critic worries about telling the truth. I have already made my name as an international critic, and I can’t be afraid of newcomers. I am helping them anyway by telling them the truth. Yes I am aware that all over the world we blacks in particular dislike criticisms. Lewis Nkosi suffered a lot because he rightly criticised other writers. Achebe, Ayi Kwei Armah etc fought themselves over criticism – whilst they are great critics too!
How do you identify mistakes most others do not see?
The simple truth is that most of us do not even read…we take a look at the blurb of a book, admire how pretty or lovely the cover is and we start praising the book. This is pure illiteracy and we also destroy our black writers by doing this. The true reader becomes excited or otherwise with what is actually written, not the frills and decorations. I can’t take egotistical writers seriously
What do you mean?
The greatest writers around, white or black – eg Ngugi, Hemingway,Morrison, Achebe – never praise themselves; not in their own books. You can not see more than one moderate photo of theirs in their books. You see young writers putting 3, 4, 5 or more photos of themselves in a book nowadays. It’s absurd. That’s why no real perceptive reader takes them seriously; that’s why the real critics do not even bother writing about their books, as things like egotism irritate them
So why are so many new writers doing these wrong things?
They just want quick fame, instant acclamation, without going through the ropes. A writer like Flaxman Qoopane has been writing internationally for decades, many of his books are digitised on the internet from overseas universities – these things don’t happen overnight. We must learn how to crawl before we can walk, not to talk of sprinting with gusto!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
THE MAN AT THE HELM, KAYA MNTSANTSTA
The Sports Eye, since its inception in early 2008 has carved a niche for itself in the genre of sports publication. Now, the Sports Eye will be published in tabloid format. O Bolaji caught up with Kaya Mntsantsa, the proud publisher whose dream of publishing a riveting monthly sports publication is already gathering shape.
OB - Firstly, I must commend you for the success of The Sports Eye, it really made an indelible mark when it was in its magazine format, can you summarise some of its achievements?
KM- My Chief this was a road well travelled, I will always remember our website launch (www.sportseye.co.za), The Sports Eye Launch Cup that saw about 26 teams participating with Public Works team emerging as winners and the famous Caddies Golf Tournament we hosted at the Dewetsdorp Golf Course giving game time to caddies who sometimes are only tasked with the duty of carrying bags for professional golfers. It was indeed the beginning of the much bigger things that came later.
OB- Now you have decided to go tabloid. What informed you to make this decision? Won’t you alienate most of your readers?
KM – The new tabloid version will be bigger and better, we are not new to the tabloid version as The Sports Eye Northern and North West have always been in the tabloid format. This is a continuation of a job well done where we will print one edition for the three provinces.
OB - South Africans are vibrant, fanatic sports lovers, why is it that there are so few sports-specific publication?
KM - I would like to agree with you entirely on this one and the challenge is upon us as publishers especially in the community media to roll up our sleeves and tap into this uncovered market. I must mention the fact that exclusive publications are difficult to maintain as advertisers including government departments are not all centred around sports.
OB - South Africa hosted a superb, World Class event the FIFA World Cup 2010 recently. We are now highly respected internationally for this. What do you think are the positive spin-offs from the tournament?
KM - We are very proud to have been publishing during the time of the World Cup; it was a fantastic moment for us. Our emails were flooded with emails from foreign people wanting to learn more about our publication. It was indeed a moment of glory. It was also significant in the sense that it changed the whole perception of the western world about Africa and truly we showed our best in all forms.
OB – How does a publication like yours delicately balance reporting on grassroots, local, provincial, national and international sporting events?
KM – We always concentrate on local sporting activities including profiling unsung local heroes as you can see in this edition. It is also our belief that local is lekker.
OB -Will you say your publication is mainstream-catering for most people, or mainly for the black market?
KM - We cater for every sporting code and we believe that through sport we can achieve the much needed unity amongst all races, remember the vibe during the World Cup, let’s build from that legacy.
OB- We know that in modern journalism/media, marketing makes or breaks a publication. Are you prepared to ensure that in this field, you are not found wanting?
KM - Printing the first copy of a publication is a daunting task on its own, there are enormous challenges that one needs to overcome on daily basis. However, we are already in our 18th edition and the support has been great thanks to our Free State Provincial government.
OB- How do you see Sports Eye in the long term? Maybe four years from now? How do you intend to grow further?
KM.-The printing of the tabloid version is one of the many initiatives geared towards growth. We are also focussing on brand awareness through community initiatives we have been part of recently. Surely in a year’s time there will be no mention of any sporting activity without our name being mentioned in the areas we are currently covering.
OB -You are well known to many in the publishing fraternity, but how will you describe Kaya Mntsantsa the sports publisher to the world at large?
KM - I have been engaged in printing and publishing for many years’ now. I was one of the pioneers in this field in the Free State and I have always forged ahead. It’s a challenge I took since the inception of the publication that a true publisher is the one who puts the readers first before any revenue can be generated. To me the most important thing has been to see the magazine on the street, I must well appreciate the support especially from the Free State Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, they have made the road less rocky and its my belief that together we can do more.
OB -Good luck in this new endeavour hope it becomes the success it’s meant to be.
KM - We will need all the luck my chief, we have also assembled a good team that will be knocking on many doors. We sincerely hope that they will open. Thanks for the opportunity.
OB - Firstly, I must commend you for the success of The Sports Eye, it really made an indelible mark when it was in its magazine format, can you summarise some of its achievements?
KM- My Chief this was a road well travelled, I will always remember our website launch (www.sportseye.co.za), The Sports Eye Launch Cup that saw about 26 teams participating with Public Works team emerging as winners and the famous Caddies Golf Tournament we hosted at the Dewetsdorp Golf Course giving game time to caddies who sometimes are only tasked with the duty of carrying bags for professional golfers. It was indeed the beginning of the much bigger things that came later.
OB- Now you have decided to go tabloid. What informed you to make this decision? Won’t you alienate most of your readers?
KM – The new tabloid version will be bigger and better, we are not new to the tabloid version as The Sports Eye Northern and North West have always been in the tabloid format. This is a continuation of a job well done where we will print one edition for the three provinces.
OB - South Africans are vibrant, fanatic sports lovers, why is it that there are so few sports-specific publication?
KM - I would like to agree with you entirely on this one and the challenge is upon us as publishers especially in the community media to roll up our sleeves and tap into this uncovered market. I must mention the fact that exclusive publications are difficult to maintain as advertisers including government departments are not all centred around sports.
OB - South Africa hosted a superb, World Class event the FIFA World Cup 2010 recently. We are now highly respected internationally for this. What do you think are the positive spin-offs from the tournament?
KM - We are very proud to have been publishing during the time of the World Cup; it was a fantastic moment for us. Our emails were flooded with emails from foreign people wanting to learn more about our publication. It was indeed a moment of glory. It was also significant in the sense that it changed the whole perception of the western world about Africa and truly we showed our best in all forms.
OB – How does a publication like yours delicately balance reporting on grassroots, local, provincial, national and international sporting events?
KM – We always concentrate on local sporting activities including profiling unsung local heroes as you can see in this edition. It is also our belief that local is lekker.
OB -Will you say your publication is mainstream-catering for most people, or mainly for the black market?
KM - We cater for every sporting code and we believe that through sport we can achieve the much needed unity amongst all races, remember the vibe during the World Cup, let’s build from that legacy.
OB- We know that in modern journalism/media, marketing makes or breaks a publication. Are you prepared to ensure that in this field, you are not found wanting?
KM - Printing the first copy of a publication is a daunting task on its own, there are enormous challenges that one needs to overcome on daily basis. However, we are already in our 18th edition and the support has been great thanks to our Free State Provincial government.
OB- How do you see Sports Eye in the long term? Maybe four years from now? How do you intend to grow further?
KM.-The printing of the tabloid version is one of the many initiatives geared towards growth. We are also focussing on brand awareness through community initiatives we have been part of recently. Surely in a year’s time there will be no mention of any sporting activity without our name being mentioned in the areas we are currently covering.
OB -You are well known to many in the publishing fraternity, but how will you describe Kaya Mntsantsa the sports publisher to the world at large?
KM - I have been engaged in printing and publishing for many years’ now. I was one of the pioneers in this field in the Free State and I have always forged ahead. It’s a challenge I took since the inception of the publication that a true publisher is the one who puts the readers first before any revenue can be generated. To me the most important thing has been to see the magazine on the street, I must well appreciate the support especially from the Free State Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, they have made the road less rocky and its my belief that together we can do more.
OB -Good luck in this new endeavour hope it becomes the success it’s meant to be.
KM - We will need all the luck my chief, we have also assembled a good team that will be knocking on many doors. We sincerely hope that they will open. Thanks for the opportunity.
Monday, August 2, 2010
WORLD CUP FOR LADIES...
LET’S ENJOY THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINALS!
The World Cup has come and gone – an outstanding success for South Africa. Yet immediately on the heels of the tournament has come the Fifa Under- 21 Women’s World Cup finals going on now. Why is it that the spotlight on the current tournament is so limited; almost non-existent? Lebohang Masisi spoke to Maria Mohanoe, Free State female football enthusiast and pundit, on this
MASISI: There is a World Cup on now, for women. Why it is that apart from the very limited coverage, there is hardly any enthusiasm about it?
MARIA: Let’s get one thing straight first – millions of women and men love female football not only in this country, but all over the world. The women’s World Cup is big – being beamed live around the world to many countries too. And we all remember the great days of South African women’s football, the days of Desiree Ellis, etc. But we must remember that the euphoria over the 2010 men’s World Cup was extraordinary; it was history for us, for Africa, hosting the world. It was just too much. There was some sort of anti-climax after we successfully staged it…it’s like we needed a break; but immediately the tournament was over, Fifa began to stage the World Cup finals for women too. For people like me I have watched more or less all the women’s games live from Germany.
MASISI: Some people say that because South Africa did not qualify for the finals of the women’s World Cup, the interest is not just there…
MARIA: I’m afraid I can not agree. See how during the men’s World Cup we totally supported countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast. Right now Ghana, together with Nigeria, are playing at the women’s World Cup finals, representing Africa (in Germany). We support them. The problem is that the coverage has not been really there on popular TV, not everybody has DSTV. How many people know that Ghana and Nigeria have been doing well at the women’s World Cup now?
MASISI: What about the general standard of football for women? Many say again that it’s not up to scratch
MARIA: Those are the ignorant ones; the people who criticize without even watching the ladies playing. Just watch the games yourself and you will see how wonderful the girls have been playing. In some ways they are much better than the men playing (football). The ladies are very skilful, but most important they do not play in a brutal, nasty, dirty way like men do many times. They respect each other. Clean football at its best. Let’s enjoy the Women’s World Cup!
NOTE: The Nigerian soccer side made it to the very final of the wmen's World Cup, defeating USA and Columbia along the way. The final match was won by Germany who beat Nigeria 2-0
The World Cup has come and gone – an outstanding success for South Africa. Yet immediately on the heels of the tournament has come the Fifa Under- 21 Women’s World Cup finals going on now. Why is it that the spotlight on the current tournament is so limited; almost non-existent? Lebohang Masisi spoke to Maria Mohanoe, Free State female football enthusiast and pundit, on this
MASISI: There is a World Cup on now, for women. Why it is that apart from the very limited coverage, there is hardly any enthusiasm about it?
MARIA: Let’s get one thing straight first – millions of women and men love female football not only in this country, but all over the world. The women’s World Cup is big – being beamed live around the world to many countries too. And we all remember the great days of South African women’s football, the days of Desiree Ellis, etc. But we must remember that the euphoria over the 2010 men’s World Cup was extraordinary; it was history for us, for Africa, hosting the world. It was just too much. There was some sort of anti-climax after we successfully staged it…it’s like we needed a break; but immediately the tournament was over, Fifa began to stage the World Cup finals for women too. For people like me I have watched more or less all the women’s games live from Germany.
MASISI: Some people say that because South Africa did not qualify for the finals of the women’s World Cup, the interest is not just there…
MARIA: I’m afraid I can not agree. See how during the men’s World Cup we totally supported countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast. Right now Ghana, together with Nigeria, are playing at the women’s World Cup finals, representing Africa (in Germany). We support them. The problem is that the coverage has not been really there on popular TV, not everybody has DSTV. How many people know that Ghana and Nigeria have been doing well at the women’s World Cup now?
MASISI: What about the general standard of football for women? Many say again that it’s not up to scratch
MARIA: Those are the ignorant ones; the people who criticize without even watching the ladies playing. Just watch the games yourself and you will see how wonderful the girls have been playing. In some ways they are much better than the men playing (football). The ladies are very skilful, but most important they do not play in a brutal, nasty, dirty way like men do many times. They respect each other. Clean football at its best. Let’s enjoy the Women’s World Cup!
NOTE: The Nigerian soccer side made it to the very final of the wmen's World Cup, defeating USA and Columbia along the way. The final match was won by Germany who beat Nigeria 2-0
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