by Zeblon Nsingo
The second in a series of yearly publications of African Stories, African Roar 2011 is an anthology of short stories by African writers, which have been selected from the best of the Story Time literary magazine, and then further edited by Emmanuel Sigauke and Ivor Hartmann.
While African Roar 2011 does not attempt to be an absolute mirror of Africa, it gives an insight into the African way of life. The opening tribute to Ruzvidzo Stanley Mupfudza by Memory Chirere and ‘A Writer’s lot’ by Zukiswa Wanner take us into the hearts of the writers themselves as we follow their adventures, or misfortunes thereof. The narrator in Wanner’s tale struggles to cope with his new found fame after publication of his book. In addition to international journalists who set up interviews so they can sell a story of who they think he is, he has to contend with women who suddenly go after him, feigning interest in his work.
Witchcraft is a part of African life, perceived or real. ‘A witch’s Brew’ by Ruzvidzo Stanley Mupfudza highlights how hard it is to live with someone who has been labeled a witch. Will the innocence of childhood break the stigma? Emmanuel Sigauke’s ‘Snakes Will Follow You’ tells the story of a young man whose education and future is threatened by witches, as proclaimed by a village Prophet. Will the witches succeed in their ploy to bring him down?
What happens in our houses when the lights go off? Find out in Ivor Hartmann’s ‘Diner Ten’. Radic and his kin eke out a living in and around man’s habitat. Danger lurks. Radic and his kin have to escape the deadly means employed by man to get rid of them. Survival is of the utmost importance in this tale.
In ‘Longing For Home’ by Hajira Amla, Grace Chirima tries to pursue an education in England but it’s not easy since the rest of her family is languishing in Zimbabwe. Her grandfather suffers a stroke and with that goes her tuition fees. Will she continue with her education or go back home to be with her family? This story encompasses the challenges faced by people in their pursuit of a better life.
Modern life, its scandals and hypocrisy; African Roar 2011 covers all this in a number of entertaining stories which highlight African controversies. ‘The Times’ by Dango Mkandawire seeks to show how influential people will go to great length to hide their mischief, but the press gives them hell as it seeks to expose them. In ‘Snake of the Niger Delta’ by Chimdindu Mazi–Njoku, the atrocities caused by mismanagement of ministries are brought to the spotlight. A young man loses his parents in a car accident caused by bad roads in Nigeria. Later on he gets back at the corrupt ministry by getting Tunde arrested for faking documents for a road maintenance contract.
‘Chanting Shadows’ by Mbonisi P Ncube shows the impact of intolerance. Ncube’s story is an in-depth look at the subject of ethnic and political divisions, and how people’s different opinions can lead to violence.
There is yet another look at the traumatic experiences of African women in ‘Silent Night, Bloody Night’ by Ayodele Morocco Clarke. A gang of armed men terrorise Osadolor and his family at night. His daughter, the narrator, is humiliated as she is given to one of the gang to do as he pleases. Does she have to suffer for whatever misunderstanding her father has with these men?
While this Anthology brings together diverse writing skills, perhaps the most vivid descriptions are found in ‘Main’, a story by NoViolet Bulawayo the 2011 Caine Prize winner. Here the street comes alive and events unfold in a breathtaking realty which is almost tangible.
The hardships of life can be comical sometimes. The last story, ‘Water Wahala’ by Isaac Neeaquaye is a humorous look at the water crisis in Adentan Housing Bottom neighborhood in Ghana. This situation is now commonplace in most African environs.
Overall, African Roar 2011 makes a good read, whether you are reading for pleasure or for literal purposes. Grab your copy now!
First release now available in eBook format at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TBUFA0
