The movie, Sugar Man is now being seen in the townships of the Free State. Already well known internationally, the movie is written, edited and directed by Aryan Kaganof. Urbain Tila the first black man to produce a movie based on Bloemfontein city spoke with Jerry Seekoei about “Sugar Man”
JERRY: You’ve now watched the movie, Sugar Man. What was your general impression about it?
TILA: You know the interesting thing in our townships is how so many people can gather together to watch, exchange the DVD in question; so it has been with Sugar Man. There was one particular viewing session where over 25 people were watching the movie in a private house! To be honest, I think Sugar Man is very well produced, never mind its being shot by cell phone. It’s professionally done, with fine angles of shooting. That it was done in Jozy heightens the interest.
JERRY: But virtually all our black people who watched the movie have expressed anger and frustration that the black men could not sleep with such attractive white ladies in the movie.
TILA: Yes, that aspect, from our point of view, is unconvincing. We know that most black people – especially those virile young looking blacks in Sugar Man – will in reality be very excited about those women and will easily sleep with them. And these white women were very seductive, dancing, exposing their boobs etc. So why couldn’t those blacks rise to the occasion?
JERRY: And they (the blacks) paid Sugar Man a lot of money to sleep with those ladies…
TILA: That’s another thing (laughing) You know many of our people whilst watching the movie say something like: ‘If it was me I won’t waste such large money on a pimp. Even in Bloem here we know the many places where you can pick up an attractive white prostitute for 200 rand or even less! You don’t need the services of a pimp for that!'
JERRY: What about the portrayal of Sugar Man himself in the movie?
TILA: I thought there was something strange about it. Maybe because we are blacks…I mean, we know quite a few “pimps” locally and they are “jolly” fellows, not remote like Sugar Man; they (local pimps) in fact get intimate with their “girls” so to speak, they protect their monetary interests but they are passionate people!
JERRY: Did you read Bolaji’s review of the movie?
TILA: Of course. I read it very early this morning. But the “review” was not really a review; you know Bolaji is always trying to be fair. What he did was that he just largely published the comments and opinion of Aryan Kaganof on his movie!
JERRY: Are you saying there is something wrong with the writer, producer of a movie coming out to express his own thoughts, inspiration, on producing a book or movie?
TILA: No, I am not saying that. I mean – we have seen writers like George Orwell during his time coming out to confront reviewers, critics, of his classics like Animal Farm and 1984; with Orwell insisting that he did not like the way many of these commentators were misunderstanding what he had published…what I remember from Bolaji’s “review”; his own personal comment, is briefly that the movie, Sugar Man is sensuous!
JERRY: But Sugar Man is definitely sensuous
TILA: Of course it is! Great seductive scenes which come to nothing in the end in most cases! I love the part of those white ladies when they engage in love play, erotic scenes. It is very gripping. Tender, and…I know they’ll call me crazy – but the scenes look somehow decent. Like the ladies really like each other, are fond of each other…I don’t know how to explain it.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
TIME FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AFRICA!
Time for the United States of Africa!
Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga is very passionate about issues of Pan-Africanism. Here, he talks to Jerry about the prospects of Africans uniting for a common course…
JERRY: What is the background to this firm beliefs, credo, of yours?
ISHMAEL MZWANDILE SOQAGA: Post independence Africa has introduced a new era of hope for the African continent, it brings about significant change for the survival of the continent and Africans today are enthusiastically cheerful to the cause of African continent. Actually I believe African governments are seriously determined to usher in the unity and sustainable development of our continent. I am aware that Africa boasted enormous civilization in the past and I am ferociously conscious that in the past neither Africa was a Dark Continent nor was forgotten.
Primarily before the arrival of the white man, Africa was a continent unique in its own the indigenous people were largely enjoying the life as it was and they never complained or wished to embark in so-called revolution. They were having their own civilization of which was the best and appropriate to their context. Nevertheless, the impact of the white man in this continent caused a thorn and burden to the hearts and lives of the Africans and the African continent. The white man was conscious that Africa is utterly different from Europe. Therefore, they sought ways and means to divide Africa and the Africans.
These methods included cheating our ancestral kings to sign agreements that allow them to possess land and to teach Africans the “new and the good” religion, which is Christianity. Christianity was used as the way to convert the Africans to the more advanced (technologically at least) culture of the Europeans. Eventually Europeans established themselves as colonial masters and they unfairly mistreated indigenous people of Africa. In fact, the scramble for Africa ensued after the Berlin international conference in Germany in 1885-86 the conference was all about to reinforce and to formalize colonial policy. This policy was very destructive to the Africans, it never considered the welfare of the Africans, but rather its concern was to use Africans as laborers and slaves in the land of their own birth
But white presence in Africa dates back to centuries ago, doesn’t it?
Actually, before the aforementioned conference Europeans’ presence in Africa was very strong. In South Africa in 1652, the Dutch and East Indian Company under the leadership of Jan Van Reebeck settled in Cape peninsula. Most of the European countries were occupying most of African lands, in Namibia and Togo Germany was in control. Britain, France, Portugal, Spain embarked on the brutal, heinous, barbaric Atlantic Slave Trade where thousands of Africans were exported to the new world. It was very terrible for the life of the black African man and women in the hands of the white man. The purpose of colonizing Africa and other parts of the world was motivated by the sentiment of greed and material gains of which white man sought most. The colonizers looted and exploited Africa’s minerals to the larger extent they never showed sympathy and remorse for the development of indigenous people of Africa.
Africa was not passive then. There were pockets of resistance?
The Europeans encountered fierce opposition from Africans and they never practised their despicable and obnoxious acts so comfortably. For many centuries, Africans fought so hard for the liberation of the African continent. The fight against inimical colonial rule was both physical and intellectual. The Africans engaged in physical attacks and diplomatic tactics against the intruders. In addition, Europeans never conquered Africa completely; they were unsuccessful to take over Ethiopia and Liberia. In Ethiopia alone, Emperor Menelik inflicted an even greater defeat on the Italians, at Adowa on March 1, 1896, forcing them to capitulate. Subsequently a treaty was signed at Addis Ababa recognizing the absolute sovereign independence of Ethiopia. In South Africa, King Cethswayo of the Zulus humiliated the British in the battle of Isandlwane in 1879. All the wars of resistance that were fought against colonial rule throughout African continent served to promote common vision among the Africans. These wars are part of our history and they inspire Africans to work together for the common vision of African unity among the Africans.
You are a great admirer of Kwame Nkrumah, aren’t you?
In 1957 something colossal took place in Africa Ghana triumphed over British colonial rule. The independence of Ghana as the first country in Africa to gain independence says a lot about the future of the African continent. It sent the message of hope and ever-anticipating dream for the liberation of
African continent from colonial rule. Kwame Nkrumah “Osagyefo” – which means “redeemer” in the Twi language, led Ghana’s independence. Nkrumah was an intellectual and an inspiring lecturer in political science.
Professor Nkrumah when he assumed the role of president never ignored the fact that Ghana “was not free until the rest of the continent became free”. Nkrumah was also perhaps best known politically for his strong commitment to and promotion of Pan- Africanism. Having been inspired by the writings and his relationships with black intellectuals like Marcus Garvey, WEB DuBois and George Padmore, Nkrumah went on to himself inspire and encourage Pan-Africanist positions amongst a number of other African independence leaders such as Edward Okadjian, and activists from the Eli Nrwoku’s African diaspora.
Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga is very passionate about issues of Pan-Africanism. Here, he talks to Jerry about the prospects of Africans uniting for a common course…
JERRY: What is the background to this firm beliefs, credo, of yours?
ISHMAEL MZWANDILE SOQAGA: Post independence Africa has introduced a new era of hope for the African continent, it brings about significant change for the survival of the continent and Africans today are enthusiastically cheerful to the cause of African continent. Actually I believe African governments are seriously determined to usher in the unity and sustainable development of our continent. I am aware that Africa boasted enormous civilization in the past and I am ferociously conscious that in the past neither Africa was a Dark Continent nor was forgotten.
Primarily before the arrival of the white man, Africa was a continent unique in its own the indigenous people were largely enjoying the life as it was and they never complained or wished to embark in so-called revolution. They were having their own civilization of which was the best and appropriate to their context. Nevertheless, the impact of the white man in this continent caused a thorn and burden to the hearts and lives of the Africans and the African continent. The white man was conscious that Africa is utterly different from Europe. Therefore, they sought ways and means to divide Africa and the Africans.
These methods included cheating our ancestral kings to sign agreements that allow them to possess land and to teach Africans the “new and the good” religion, which is Christianity. Christianity was used as the way to convert the Africans to the more advanced (technologically at least) culture of the Europeans. Eventually Europeans established themselves as colonial masters and they unfairly mistreated indigenous people of Africa. In fact, the scramble for Africa ensued after the Berlin international conference in Germany in 1885-86 the conference was all about to reinforce and to formalize colonial policy. This policy was very destructive to the Africans, it never considered the welfare of the Africans, but rather its concern was to use Africans as laborers and slaves in the land of their own birth
But white presence in Africa dates back to centuries ago, doesn’t it?
Actually, before the aforementioned conference Europeans’ presence in Africa was very strong. In South Africa in 1652, the Dutch and East Indian Company under the leadership of Jan Van Reebeck settled in Cape peninsula. Most of the European countries were occupying most of African lands, in Namibia and Togo Germany was in control. Britain, France, Portugal, Spain embarked on the brutal, heinous, barbaric Atlantic Slave Trade where thousands of Africans were exported to the new world. It was very terrible for the life of the black African man and women in the hands of the white man. The purpose of colonizing Africa and other parts of the world was motivated by the sentiment of greed and material gains of which white man sought most. The colonizers looted and exploited Africa’s minerals to the larger extent they never showed sympathy and remorse for the development of indigenous people of Africa.
Africa was not passive then. There were pockets of resistance?
The Europeans encountered fierce opposition from Africans and they never practised their despicable and obnoxious acts so comfortably. For many centuries, Africans fought so hard for the liberation of the African continent. The fight against inimical colonial rule was both physical and intellectual. The Africans engaged in physical attacks and diplomatic tactics against the intruders. In addition, Europeans never conquered Africa completely; they were unsuccessful to take over Ethiopia and Liberia. In Ethiopia alone, Emperor Menelik inflicted an even greater defeat on the Italians, at Adowa on March 1, 1896, forcing them to capitulate. Subsequently a treaty was signed at Addis Ababa recognizing the absolute sovereign independence of Ethiopia. In South Africa, King Cethswayo of the Zulus humiliated the British in the battle of Isandlwane in 1879. All the wars of resistance that were fought against colonial rule throughout African continent served to promote common vision among the Africans. These wars are part of our history and they inspire Africans to work together for the common vision of African unity among the Africans.
You are a great admirer of Kwame Nkrumah, aren’t you?
In 1957 something colossal took place in Africa Ghana triumphed over British colonial rule. The independence of Ghana as the first country in Africa to gain independence says a lot about the future of the African continent. It sent the message of hope and ever-anticipating dream for the liberation of
African continent from colonial rule. Kwame Nkrumah “Osagyefo” – which means “redeemer” in the Twi language, led Ghana’s independence. Nkrumah was an intellectual and an inspiring lecturer in political science.
Professor Nkrumah when he assumed the role of president never ignored the fact that Ghana “was not free until the rest of the continent became free”. Nkrumah was also perhaps best known politically for his strong commitment to and promotion of Pan- Africanism. Having been inspired by the writings and his relationships with black intellectuals like Marcus Garvey, WEB DuBois and George Padmore, Nkrumah went on to himself inspire and encourage Pan-Africanist positions amongst a number of other African independence leaders such as Edward Okadjian, and activists from the Eli Nrwoku’s African diaspora.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Getting Businesses off the ground
Luthando Teyise is publishing editor of SMME Business friend. As the New Year tapered to an end he spoke to Lebohang Motse about his new publication…
LEBOHANG: Why is it so difficult for so many black companies to get off the ground?
TEYISE: Alas, statistics have revealed that many newly established close corporations seldom survive beyond the first six months. Only recently, Cipro which is the registrar for intellectual property rights has lamented the fact that of the five thousand new businesses which are registered each month, only around 10 percent survive the first twelve months of operations. This has the result of making thousands of c.c’s to lie dormant at any given point in time. This really is a shocking state of affairs and something drastic obviously needs to be done to reverse this trend. This and other factors gave birth to the idea of publishing informative newsletters to assist the emerging and existing SMMES. My publication is appropriately titled “SMME BUSINESS FRIEND” and is a small contribution towards addressing the above problem.
LEBOHANG: What will you be reading during this festive season?
TEYISE: I always read anyway, no matter how busy I am. I will be reading some good books once again during the break. I was lucky enough to get a copy of Bolaji’s new book, Tebogo and the pantophagist. It was very nice of him to dedicate the book to the late journalist, Gloria Marobele. It was such a tragedy when she died so young, as she was so promising.
LEBOHANG: I presume you are planning great things for your publication next year?
TEYISE: Of course. A good publication is predicated on adequate marketing, and I have quite a lot of experience in this wise throughout South Africa. I believe the sky is the limit for my SMME Business Friend…
LEBOHANG: Why is it so difficult for so many black companies to get off the ground?
TEYISE: Alas, statistics have revealed that many newly established close corporations seldom survive beyond the first six months. Only recently, Cipro which is the registrar for intellectual property rights has lamented the fact that of the five thousand new businesses which are registered each month, only around 10 percent survive the first twelve months of operations. This has the result of making thousands of c.c’s to lie dormant at any given point in time. This really is a shocking state of affairs and something drastic obviously needs to be done to reverse this trend. This and other factors gave birth to the idea of publishing informative newsletters to assist the emerging and existing SMMES. My publication is appropriately titled “SMME BUSINESS FRIEND” and is a small contribution towards addressing the above problem.
LEBOHANG: What will you be reading during this festive season?
TEYISE: I always read anyway, no matter how busy I am. I will be reading some good books once again during the break. I was lucky enough to get a copy of Bolaji’s new book, Tebogo and the pantophagist. It was very nice of him to dedicate the book to the late journalist, Gloria Marobele. It was such a tragedy when she died so young, as she was so promising.
LEBOHANG: I presume you are planning great things for your publication next year?
TEYISE: Of course. A good publication is predicated on adequate marketing, and I have quite a lot of experience in this wise throughout South Africa. I believe the sky is the limit for my SMME Business Friend…
Monday, November 23, 2009
"Why I cut my locks" - Seleke Botsime
Interview by Thato Nkatswang
Seleke Botsime, the well known Free State muso, painter and writer made waves this week when the controversial muso cut off his dreadlocks that had been his trademark fo r almost ten years! Thato Nkatswang spent time with Seleke Botsime, the man behind hits like Zimbabwe and A song for Buhle, and The grass is green on his first album Confrontation.
What’s new and happening now about you?
I have taken some time out and learnt and about the man that I am, growing and most importantly listen since to me listening is a skill. Another thing is that I was conceptualizing spending more time writing my first book that I released in June 2009- called “Blasphemy”.
Are you happy about the sales of the first album?
Yes indeed! Considering the fact that I signed it under my label(blue print production) with limited knowledge of music industry ! I didn’t do much of the marketing for it. I just got in the studio after dealing with so many emotions and now when I think back I wanted some therapy and music was my way out. I was so unhappy with so many things, my life and including the loss of someone that I loved so much, even in the studio I was crying a lot while doing the project. “Confrontation” to me was to say to the music industry “Hear I am- make a space for me”.
That is quite deep; do you think you can give me some clarity about that?
Let’s leave it for another day! It was just one of those moments when you wanted to shut the door and stay in bed for the rest of the day if not all your life, if you know what I mean.
Tell us about the new project? And about the new look??? We heard that you had some offers for your hair!
I am working on the new album called Resurrection! I know that people will think that it is still soon. But I decided to go back in the studio, and let’s call this project “reloaded” I do my very best to create music that will linger and it was not a mistake for me to find myself in the studio the first time. I write music to express my inner self and it’s about words not forgetting that my music is scripture orientated. And about my new look I thought about cutting my locks for sometime now and I believe it’s a time for growth ,and what I can promise my fans on the new project is a sound that is more stable and grounded than before, so my sound will compensate my looks!. To all those that thought that I will eventually sell my locks I just wanna say it’s against everything that I believe in, sorry!!.
So it’s not easy to be able to sell a lot of albums without having a record company. I believe that in due time I will be signed. I think most of the so called artists get in the industry for the money, and when it’s not coming they feel disappointed I realise that a lot of junk is what sells lately and really good music is not on the shelf anymore. A famous artist once said “What good is a song if it doesn’t inspire” One has to do it just for the love of it, but if the money comes let it be a bonus and beside the album I am working on a biography of the great musician called Gideon Selebano “Magiva”.
What do you think needs to be changed in the music industry, and how?
I don’t think there is really much that can be done, but I want people to know that there is only a fraction of artists who are really making money in the industry. Then for the rest of us we are just trying to survive. There has to be a way of making extra money for one to put food on the table and pay the bills.
I still much believe that the radio stations must start giving us more air play than overseas one’s, and to appreciate us more as local artists, and lastly the artist must polish their material if they want to be taken seriously in this industry. There is really no room for clowns.
PEOPLE OFTEN SAY THAT YOU HAVE A SERIOUS TEMPER AND YOU ARE VERY CONTROVERSIAL, WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THAT??
Okay! I don’t like it when people forget that I have my life to live and I deserve some privacy too irrespective of being a musician. . I expect to be treated like any one else. Its true that some time I happen to loose it , and being controversial I will say I think people misunderstood me and at the end of the day that cause a serious problem.
Any spiritual belief that you live with, an album that you are playing now, and last word to your fans.
“God is never far” and the album that I am listening at this moment is of Simply red album called “stay”. And to those who believe in me from day one “Ndiya bonga kakhulu” May God be with you always.
I was very sceptical about the interview, but all I can say now is that I finished it being a fan of this handsome, artist of Bloemfontein and Free State news wishes him good luck in this cut throat industry!
Seleke Botsime, the well known Free State muso, painter and writer made waves this week when the controversial muso cut off his dreadlocks that had been his trademark fo r almost ten years! Thato Nkatswang spent time with Seleke Botsime, the man behind hits like Zimbabwe and A song for Buhle, and The grass is green on his first album Confrontation.
What’s new and happening now about you?
I have taken some time out and learnt and about the man that I am, growing and most importantly listen since to me listening is a skill. Another thing is that I was conceptualizing spending more time writing my first book that I released in June 2009- called “Blasphemy”.
Are you happy about the sales of the first album?
Yes indeed! Considering the fact that I signed it under my label(blue print production) with limited knowledge of music industry ! I didn’t do much of the marketing for it. I just got in the studio after dealing with so many emotions and now when I think back I wanted some therapy and music was my way out. I was so unhappy with so many things, my life and including the loss of someone that I loved so much, even in the studio I was crying a lot while doing the project. “Confrontation” to me was to say to the music industry “Hear I am- make a space for me”.
That is quite deep; do you think you can give me some clarity about that?
Let’s leave it for another day! It was just one of those moments when you wanted to shut the door and stay in bed for the rest of the day if not all your life, if you know what I mean.
Tell us about the new project? And about the new look??? We heard that you had some offers for your hair!
I am working on the new album called Resurrection! I know that people will think that it is still soon. But I decided to go back in the studio, and let’s call this project “reloaded” I do my very best to create music that will linger and it was not a mistake for me to find myself in the studio the first time. I write music to express my inner self and it’s about words not forgetting that my music is scripture orientated. And about my new look I thought about cutting my locks for sometime now and I believe it’s a time for growth ,and what I can promise my fans on the new project is a sound that is more stable and grounded than before, so my sound will compensate my looks!. To all those that thought that I will eventually sell my locks I just wanna say it’s against everything that I believe in, sorry!!.
So it’s not easy to be able to sell a lot of albums without having a record company. I believe that in due time I will be signed. I think most of the so called artists get in the industry for the money, and when it’s not coming they feel disappointed I realise that a lot of junk is what sells lately and really good music is not on the shelf anymore. A famous artist once said “What good is a song if it doesn’t inspire” One has to do it just for the love of it, but if the money comes let it be a bonus and beside the album I am working on a biography of the great musician called Gideon Selebano “Magiva”.
What do you think needs to be changed in the music industry, and how?
I don’t think there is really much that can be done, but I want people to know that there is only a fraction of artists who are really making money in the industry. Then for the rest of us we are just trying to survive. There has to be a way of making extra money for one to put food on the table and pay the bills.
I still much believe that the radio stations must start giving us more air play than overseas one’s, and to appreciate us more as local artists, and lastly the artist must polish their material if they want to be taken seriously in this industry. There is really no room for clowns.
PEOPLE OFTEN SAY THAT YOU HAVE A SERIOUS TEMPER AND YOU ARE VERY CONTROVERSIAL, WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THAT??
Okay! I don’t like it when people forget that I have my life to live and I deserve some privacy too irrespective of being a musician. . I expect to be treated like any one else. Its true that some time I happen to loose it , and being controversial I will say I think people misunderstood me and at the end of the day that cause a serious problem.
Any spiritual belief that you live with, an album that you are playing now, and last word to your fans.
“God is never far” and the album that I am listening at this moment is of Simply red album called “stay”. And to those who believe in me from day one “Ndiya bonga kakhulu” May God be with you always.
I was very sceptical about the interview, but all I can say now is that I finished it being a fan of this handsome, artist of Bloemfontein and Free State news wishes him good luck in this cut throat industry!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
"My unbridled love for poetry" - Skietreker
Interview by Gloria Marobele
Richard (“Skietreker”) Seape is one of the most dynamic young Free State writers around. A powerful poet, he writes in both English and Afrikaans – and also in Setswana! His debut book was titled Apartheid ek gaan jou boks. “Skietreker” was one of the frontline writers honoured by the Mangaung Local Municipality/Bloemfontein Public Library recently. Here, Gloria Marobele finds out what makes him tick…
GLORIA: You are still quite young and already recognized and honoured as a writer. How did you feel being honoured by MLM/ City Library the other day?
RICHARD: Picture a train moving at a very fast pace
Don’t look back and don’t think twice
Close your eyes
And picture a baby learning how to talk and walk for the first time
On the Inside it feels like Heaven when small efforts are appreciated
But it pushes and inspires from within
And makes one want to kneel down and say a prayer work harder
And keep on doing it only with love
God is a fact
(Modimo are mesebetsi ya hao e tlao latela)
GLORIA: How do you explain your great passion for the world of literature?
RICHARD: We hear and see things but with words
We create a picture
A symbol of the past and present
Something that is part of us
Defined by those who speak art
Even when they are sleeping
How about we change and value literature
Play with words like jazz
Sit and converse
Until we reach an agreement that says
POETRY AND LITERATURE IS HOUSE
The same budget the same length
Equal speech
GLORIA: Your specialty is of course poetry. Are there any African or South African poets you admire?
RICHARD: My inspiration starts at home with writers of mind like Delazi, Infinite motions, Shasha, PMZ, Kagiso, McKenzie (Shups), Pule Lechesa, Kgosietsile Dinthoane, Bareng Dichabe, Thabo Mafike, Seleke Botsime and from there the pen takes me to the heights of Maya Angelou, Bessie Head, Antjie Krog, E’skia Mphahlele,Buchi Emecheta, Kgafela oa magogodi, Hymphatic, Kwani E, Lebo, Napo, Saul Williams and I will need another two pages! (laugh).
GLORIA: Who are the writers who have encouraged your writing?
RICHARD: I believe that most of the time it is not
How you write but what you write, not necessarily what you say
But how you say it,
So along my journey I had the privilege to meet
Great writers who each played a role in lifting my weight and spirit
So even when the sun is not shining because of them I write,
Mr. Bolaji has given me so much as a writer and is certainly an icon an inspiration, and Charmaine Mrwebi my sister with a conscious mind.
GLORIA: I understand you have a great collection of articles on literature, how did you build or collect it?
RICHARD: It all began with a dream inspired by what I saw. I began cutting pages which I felt were close to heart. The actual dream was to see myself one day amongst those who will go down in history. When coming generations read and embrace the spoken word.
GLORIA: You have already published a book of poetry in Afrikaans, why did you decide to write it in that language?
RICHARD: Writing in Afrikaans came as a blessing for I never knew I could write until I realised I had actually published a book. It was too late to walk away. I tried but I fell in love.
GLORIA: What are your future plans in the writing career?
RICHARD: I’ve never really considered that I would ever take writing as a career, but to march as I can… the war is far from over so I shall continue to read and learn from those who came before us so that I can also leave something for the next us.
Richard (“Skietreker”) Seape is one of the most dynamic young Free State writers around. A powerful poet, he writes in both English and Afrikaans – and also in Setswana! His debut book was titled Apartheid ek gaan jou boks. “Skietreker” was one of the frontline writers honoured by the Mangaung Local Municipality/Bloemfontein Public Library recently. Here, Gloria Marobele finds out what makes him tick…
GLORIA: You are still quite young and already recognized and honoured as a writer. How did you feel being honoured by MLM/ City Library the other day?
RICHARD: Picture a train moving at a very fast pace
Don’t look back and don’t think twice
Close your eyes
And picture a baby learning how to talk and walk for the first time
On the Inside it feels like Heaven when small efforts are appreciated
But it pushes and inspires from within
And makes one want to kneel down and say a prayer work harder
And keep on doing it only with love
God is a fact
(Modimo are mesebetsi ya hao e tlao latela)
GLORIA: How do you explain your great passion for the world of literature?
RICHARD: We hear and see things but with words
We create a picture
A symbol of the past and present
Something that is part of us
Defined by those who speak art
Even when they are sleeping
How about we change and value literature
Play with words like jazz
Sit and converse
Until we reach an agreement that says
POETRY AND LITERATURE IS HOUSE
The same budget the same length
Equal speech
GLORIA: Your specialty is of course poetry. Are there any African or South African poets you admire?
RICHARD: My inspiration starts at home with writers of mind like Delazi, Infinite motions, Shasha, PMZ, Kagiso, McKenzie (Shups), Pule Lechesa, Kgosietsile Dinthoane, Bareng Dichabe, Thabo Mafike, Seleke Botsime and from there the pen takes me to the heights of Maya Angelou, Bessie Head, Antjie Krog, E’skia Mphahlele,Buchi Emecheta, Kgafela oa magogodi, Hymphatic, Kwani E, Lebo, Napo, Saul Williams and I will need another two pages! (laugh).
GLORIA: Who are the writers who have encouraged your writing?
RICHARD: I believe that most of the time it is not
How you write but what you write, not necessarily what you say
But how you say it,
So along my journey I had the privilege to meet
Great writers who each played a role in lifting my weight and spirit
So even when the sun is not shining because of them I write,
Mr. Bolaji has given me so much as a writer and is certainly an icon an inspiration, and Charmaine Mrwebi my sister with a conscious mind.
GLORIA: I understand you have a great collection of articles on literature, how did you build or collect it?
RICHARD: It all began with a dream inspired by what I saw. I began cutting pages which I felt were close to heart. The actual dream was to see myself one day amongst those who will go down in history. When coming generations read and embrace the spoken word.
GLORIA: You have already published a book of poetry in Afrikaans, why did you decide to write it in that language?
RICHARD: Writing in Afrikaans came as a blessing for I never knew I could write until I realised I had actually published a book. It was too late to walk away. I tried but I fell in love.
GLORIA: What are your future plans in the writing career?
RICHARD: I’ve never really considered that I would ever take writing as a career, but to march as I can… the war is far from over so I shall continue to read and learn from those who came before us so that I can also leave something for the next us.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
"How I wrote my debut book: Enemy of the State" - Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga
"How I wrote my debut book: Enemy of the State” – Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga
Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga is a new author; yet he is already an award winning author. His debut book, ENEMY OF THE STATE has garnered the “Mangaung Up and Coming Author of the Year (2009) Award”. Here he speaks to S Botsime on his love for the world of writing…
How do you feel to have your first book published?
I feel very happy because it has been really a long walk. I have published stories in newspapers before but ‘Enemy of the state’ is my first imprint in the literary world, which is a very humbling experience for me because many great men and women have travelled this path before me.
How long does it take you to write your short stories?
It does not take long at all. It took me about a month to finish these ten stories and already I have stories that would be in my next book hopefully by next year.
You are based in Bloemfontein, who are the writers who have impressed you here?
I have not been here for very long and I am still learning about many writers. I like the mind boggling columns and articles of Seleke Botsime (smiling; as he’s referring to the Interviewer) who has just published his first book, ‘Blasphemy’, the writings of Pule Lechesa and others. However the writer who impressed me most is Mr O Bolaji. I really love his book, Thoughts on Free State writing where he bemoans and laments the lack of reading culture among black people. To quote from the book: “For many [black] Africans formal education is a means to an end. If I can get a tertiary certificate, better still a university degree, it is an open sesame to a good job and comforts. Hence it is in no way unusual to see many well educated Africans whose ignorance is frightening. Many of them have read only prescribed text books along the line and have hardly broadened their minds” Africans are rich people but all these years we are just beggars standing our mineral and other resources. We have to change our way of thinking and living. The first resource of any nation is its people. Take for instance DRC, it is very rich in Coltrane used to make laptops and cell phones but its people its people are refugees scattered all over the world. Our education is not fulfilling its purpose. The purpose of education is to teach us to think intensively, critically and to equip us with the power to think objectively not just read prescribed text books and boast about certificates hanged
What inspired you to write?
Growing up in a family where I was the only boy, I took to books so early in my life. This was like a habit to me, and as I grew older I became an avid reader. My main areas of interest were biographies and philosophy. I read biographies of Dr Martin Luther King JR , Gandi, Mandela , Biko , Fredrick Douglas , Bob Marley , Mother Theresa, Tiger Woods and many more. I read philosophy and my favorite philosopher is Socrates. Besides these two areas I also read novels of Dambudzo Marechera, Ngugi Wa Thiong’o, Sidney Sheldon, Jeffrey Archer and many others. One day I was coming from Blackstone Primary School when to pick my young brother Prince when I met Mr. Garan’anga. He stopped me because I was holding a book. We talked and then he showed me his work place. I went back to see him and he gave me books to read. This became our routine until one day he asked me a question I could not answer. “After all this reading what do you want to do?” Really I didn’t know. I told him I will become an actor like my hero Denzel Washington. Mr. Garan’anga told me that I was a writer. I only knew how to write essays at school. However he told me not to fight myself, “just cool down”. I did like that till one day I woke early in the morning and wrote my first story that was published in the Teen Column of the Herald. I then started writing articles to many newspapers like Sunday Mail, Daily and Sunday Mirror, and the Daily news which was later banned. With the advice of my friend, Philip Chidavaenzi who was a journalist I enrolled at Christian College of Southern Africa. In 2006 my piece “Africa needs justice from the west not democracy lessons” was nominated for the Lorenzo Natalie and European Commission. The following year in my last year at school, I also published an article: “We badly need moral salvation” in the Zimbabwe Independent that was nominated for the Lorenzo Natalie Prize.
How did you get in touch with literature?
When I came in South Africa I was introduced m to Mr. Bolaji a renowned writer. I was used to writing 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 or short stories. This is how it all started…now I have published a book of fiction! Great!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Spotlight on Mokwena Arts...
Spotlight on Mokwena Arts and Cultural Group
Interview by Neo Mvubu
Mokhele Ben Makatu spoke to Neo Mvubu about the arts and cultural group that he and his fellow members started years back, the challenges and achievements and what they have in store for us in the future. He spoke of the input the group has had on the development of arts and culture in his community. Now let’s take a look at what he has got in store for us …
Q. When was the group established and by whom?
A. The group was established in 1997 and registered as a Non-Profit Organization by Mokhele Ben Makatu with 10 other members
Q. What has the group done so far?
A. We have traveled to the Malapo National Festival in Pretoria, we have won many competitions and awards in the Free State, we have attended the Macufe Arts festival many a-time and the Grahamstown Art Festival.
Q. What has your organization done for the community?
A. We have built a hall in Thaba Nchu for the community to use it; the elderly use it for when they receive grants and the children use it as a cultural centre. The same hall is also used for Abet students to learn in. The organization has been developing the arts in the community of Thaba Nchu and creating awareness of culture in children to further regain people’s pride in our heritage.
Q. Where did you get the money to build the hall?
A. We, the management decided to dedicate all our salaries to building the hall, some of the money came from sponsorships from the National Lottery and Motheo Local Municipality.
Q. What are you planning to do next?
A. We are planning to go to the Vita FNB Dance Umbrella which will take place at Wits University.
Q. What have been your major challenges as a group?
A. We have been having transport problems and the hall we have built has leakages. We have received sponsorships that we have allocated, we have distributed the funds to help our community but the government has been struggling to help with the little needs we have.
Courtesy of Free State News
Interview by Neo Mvubu
Mokhele Ben Makatu spoke to Neo Mvubu about the arts and cultural group that he and his fellow members started years back, the challenges and achievements and what they have in store for us in the future. He spoke of the input the group has had on the development of arts and culture in his community. Now let’s take a look at what he has got in store for us …
Q. When was the group established and by whom?
A. The group was established in 1997 and registered as a Non-Profit Organization by Mokhele Ben Makatu with 10 other members
Q. What has the group done so far?
A. We have traveled to the Malapo National Festival in Pretoria, we have won many competitions and awards in the Free State, we have attended the Macufe Arts festival many a-time and the Grahamstown Art Festival.
Q. What has your organization done for the community?
A. We have built a hall in Thaba Nchu for the community to use it; the elderly use it for when they receive grants and the children use it as a cultural centre. The same hall is also used for Abet students to learn in. The organization has been developing the arts in the community of Thaba Nchu and creating awareness of culture in children to further regain people’s pride in our heritage.
Q. Where did you get the money to build the hall?
A. We, the management decided to dedicate all our salaries to building the hall, some of the money came from sponsorships from the National Lottery and Motheo Local Municipality.
Q. What are you planning to do next?
A. We are planning to go to the Vita FNB Dance Umbrella which will take place at Wits University.
Q. What have been your major challenges as a group?
A. We have been having transport problems and the hall we have built has leakages. We have received sponsorships that we have allocated, we have distributed the funds to help our community but the government has been struggling to help with the little needs we have.
Courtesy of Free State News
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