Namibian poets feature in continental publication
A collective of Namibian poets is flying the country's flag high in the spoken word sector as they grace “The Griots of Ubuntu”, an anthology of contemporary poetry from Africa.The book consists of 150 poets from 24 African countries, with seven of those coming from Namibia, namely Carmelita M. Dentlinger, Axaro Werner Thaniseb, Prince Kamaazengi Marena I, Wilhelmina Ndapandula Haggai, Kuhepa Tjondu, Maria-Oo Haihambo and Keamogetsi Joseph Molapong.
They collectively showcase 21 bodies of work, including ‘Katutura Blues’, ‘Modified Idiot’ and the inspiring ‘Finding the Strings’.
Edited and compiled by Kenyan author and academic, Christopher Okemwa, the book is published by Kistrech Theatre International, who are also hosts of the annual Kistrech International Poetry Festival.
The compilation serves as a powerful medium through which the poets voice their political, historical, social, economic and cultural concerns, with the aim to use poetry to positively affect and transform the African society in which they live.
Keamogetse Joseph Molapong, the founder of Township Productions, expressed his excitement about the impact this opportunity has on local poets on the continental and international scene.
“It’s important that Namibia becomes visible within the international community. It is my personal goal to see that Namibian literature is accepted and appreciated and thus can influence the literary world,” he said.
He added, “This is but one of the many platforms that we, as Township Productions, are exploring to bring more poets and voices from Namibia to the global village of poets and writers”.
In the meantime Township Productions is working on a third poetry anthology titled “A Conversation: the African in ME” and is extending an invitation to poets in the country to submit unpublished and original poems for consideration, with those residing in Namibia, irrespective of their origin, being eligible to participate in the project.