African Sketches 2nd Edition

By Njabulo Moyo

The extracts from the second edition contain fresh produce from the heart of this fast growing poetic calabash whose style of writing is uniquely contemporary, cross- cultural with a touch of motivation that not only speaks to your heart but engages and captivates one to continue reading. It is a thought provoking account of the authors’ experiences, which makes it more interesting and poetry to look forward to. –Nqobani Tshabangu
“Sketches” is an apt description of these laconic poems, which range in content from domestic issues such as family relationships, through a meta-textual awareness of words (the tools of the poet) to the sensitive, and sometimes dangerous, issue of Zimbabwean politics.
These sketches are deeply African, not only in content but in form, since the chief influences of the poet’s style are praise poetry (connecting us to our oral tradition), and rap: a style created by Africans in the Diaspora, in particular the West Indies and the USA.
Njabulo Moyo is one of a group of talented young poets from Bulawayo who dare to be noticed. We, the older generation of writers, are very proud of them. John Eppel

African Sketches is a book with a lot of marks and traces. It meanders with different themes which exude the theme of hope and motivation. The poems are written in a unique manner which is simply but imbued with intellectual sophistication that seeks to speak to you and all.
"Because poetry is a language" Bhekumusa Moyo -The Protest Poet

“The poems are sketches of the modern African psyche” Chris Mlalazi

Njabulo Moyo’s debut Poetry collection African Sketches is a social commentary as well as a political commentary. The language is highly accessible which a good thing is as the modern poet tries to shrug off the centuries old stereotype of poetry: That it is difficult and therefore not for the ordinary man on the street. African Sketches is a good first effort from Njabulo and we look forward to more of his work. Mgcini Nyoni -Creative Director, Poetry Bulawayo

• Language: English
• Publisher: Njabulo Moyo
• Release date: Jan 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301156207

Njabulo Moyo

Raised in the dusty and chaotic streets of Mzilikazi, right in the midst of the Okapi lifestyle, a young man with a different vision has emerged and today he shares his vision with the world. He uses poetry as a motivational tool that challenges and encourages, provokes and prunes. His poetry has a unique style that is inspired by contemporary affairs and the need for society to see opportunities in challenges. The anthology signals the birth of motivational poetry. Through this anthology Njabulo vividly demonstrates his belief that poetry is a language that needs to be guarded fiercely and practised on a daily basis to ensure that it survives for ages. Moyo is not new in poetry circles as he was featured as a performing poet in the Action Youth “Listen to Youth Project 2010” DVD compilation, which was done by Jermaine Ndlovu under the British Councils Global Change Makers. He has participated in the Premier Festival of Intwasa as a performance poet since 2009 under the British Councils Echoes of Young Voices youth group, which promotes the arts and creativity. He was a finalist in the Power in the Voice 2006 High Schools competition where he competed with the young talent of Bulawayo. Moyo's writings have been read in the Sunday News poetry corner, and his passion, knowledge and experience in poetry, leadership and motivation have seen this inspirational young man represent his country in Sweden, Denmark and Lebanon.

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