Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Nile Guide Seeks Travel Writers

Nile Guide wants writers who are passionate about their hometown to write travel guides for them and become their Local Experts. You need to be web-savvy and able to write in the distinctive Nile Guide voice.  Local Experts receive a monthly sum of $250 for the first two months while they're getting their destination up to
speed. After two months, performance will be assessed and Local Experts will move to a traffic-based payment structure. Their hope is that Local Experts will be able to earn far more money than at current work-for-hire rates. Click here for more details.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

The Wyn Harness Prize for Young Journalists

he Independent on Sunday is pleased to invite applications for the annual Wyn Harness Prize for Young Journalists, following the third anniversary of the death of Wyngate Harness, assistant editor of our sister paper, The Independent, and one of the most important and best-loved figures in the newspaper's history

For more than 20 years, Wyn was a huge influence on The Independent. He cared deeply about the quality of writing and reporting in its pages, and how these were presented to the world. He was a guide and mentor to dozens of young journalists who began their national newspaper careers in its newsroom, many of whom went on to reach the top of the profession. His death from an inoperable brain tumour, at the age of 47, was a huge shock to his colleagues and friends on the paper, and he continues to be much missed by those who worked with him. Everyone who knew Wyn appreciated his dry, irreverent wit and his affection for the quirkier and more bizarre aspects of British life. And it is this that inspired the format of the Wyn Harness Prize for Young Journalists. 

The competition is open to anyone aged 25 or under who is embarking on a career in newspaper journalism, either in training or in their first paid employment. To take part, candidates must write a news report of between 500 and 700 words about an aspect of Britain or British society that rarely makes the headlines. The judges will be looking for a subject that is unusual and eye-opening. Entries must be accurate, well researched, and stylishly written. 

The winner will receive a cash bursary of £1,000. They will have their story published in The Independent, and they will be offered a two-week work placement in the paper's London newsroom. 

RULES...
Eligibility The prize is open to young journalists of any nationality who will be under the age of 26 on 31 December 2010.
Submission of entries Entries should be emailed to features@independent.co.uk by midnight on 6 December 2010.
Selection and notification The judging panel will include Sue Royal (Wyn Harness's widow, also a journalist), Simon Kelner (editor-in-chief of The Independent), Helen Boaden (director of BBC News, and friend of Wyn Harness), and national newspaper journalists Martyn Palmer and Jason Burt. The winner will be notified by email before 31 December.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Dark Discoveries Open to Submissions

Dark Discoveries is looking for short stories from 500 to 6,500 words.  Stories must be in the horror/dark fantasy/dark sci-fi and dark mystery veins. They are looking for powerful, well-written original ideas and new twists on old horror conventions. Payment is $0.05 per word and is paid 90 days after publication. For more
information click here

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Umaisha, Omalicha Offer November Literary Treat

Two emerging writers, Sumaila Umaisha and Ifeyinwa Omalicha, will feature at the 28th edition of the Abuja Writers’ Forum’s Guest Writer Session, which holds on November 27 by 4pm at the Pen and Pages Bookstore, White House Plaza, Plot 79, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 2.

Sumaila Umaisha, literary editor of the Kaduna-based New Nigerian, is a short story writer and poet. His stories and poems have appeared in several journals, anthologies and online publications. He has also won several awards for literary journalism including the Literary Journalist of the Year Award by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), which he won in 2004 and 2007. Earlier this year, he was a participant in the Farafina Writing Workshop, facilitated by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Umaisha’s debut collection of short stories, Hoodlums , appeared recently and is attracting attention for its focus on the violence perpetrated in the country in the name of religion, politics and culture.

This collection, notes Yahaya Ibrahim in a review, “paints (in seventeen short stories) a graphic picture  of physical and psychological violence …(and)  focuses on ethno-religious conflicts to militancy and other violent crises, Umaisha unveils scenes of savagery that have become the trademark of the Nigerian nation …. One of  the major strengths of Umaisha is his ability to craft harsh realities into simple metaphors. On the surface is the story, but between the lines is the heart of the story itself – story that involves or implicates everyone. In the story even the reader stands accused without knowing it.”

Ms Omalicha is a post-graduate student of Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She is also a Poet and Performance artist. She performed at the maiden event of the Nigerian Prize for Literature endowed by NLNG.

She has three published collections of poetry: Amidst the Blowing Tempest, They Run Still and Now that Dreams are Born. She was Resident Poet at the ABTI Academy, Yola, where she worked as a teacher and Literary consultant.
 
The  popular monthly literary event hosted by the Abuja Writers’ Forum and regarded as the most consistent in the country, will also feature music, performance poetry, a mini visual arts exhibition and a raffle with book prizes at stake.

Umaisha and Omalicha  appear in the wake of the October  edition which featured the Abuja-based poet, Kabura Zakama. The Guest Writer Session which started in June 2008  has become the inspiration for similar literary interventions in some of the nation’s major cities, a testimony of its success.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The Fela! Musical lawsuit and Cassava Republic Press

Sections of the Carlos Moore autobiography “Fela: This Bitch of a Life,” which the author claims were used without his permission in the successful Broadway musical, “Fela!” are available only in the Nigeria edition published by Cassava Republic Press. 

The two sections entitled “Afa Ojo,” more commonly known as the “Black Pages,” are a mystical aside of Fela’s mother calling her son to continue the struggle. Moore is suing the producers of the musical on the grounds that the Black Pages were lifted almost verbatim from the original book even though Moore is not acknowledged as one of the writers of the production, nor is he part of the royalty pool. The Cassava Republic Press version of the biography is the only edition which features the Black Pages. Other versions sold in the United States and the United Kingdom do not.

The court case
Earlier this month, Moore asked the courts to close the show, claiming playwright Jim Lewis and director Bill T. Jones stole his work. In the $5 million copyright suit, the author says in 2007 he was offered $4,000 for the rights to his biography, but rejected the sum as "grossly insufficient."

Moore says he was asked to consult on the show in 2009, and believed that he would be compensated for this work. But, according to court papers, after he demanded "an advance and participation in the pool," no other offers were made. Moore claims that his book was to create the musical without his "knowledge, authorisation or consent." The lawsuit also said Moore also was never compensated for a videotaped interview he did to support the show.

The story of the Black Pages
Carlos Moore wrote the official biography of Fela Kuti in 1982 after extensive interviews with the “Abami Ede” at home in Lagos.  At the time, Fela had confessed to Moore that he felt suicidal.  Years of police beatings and attacks by the authorities had taken their toll.  On his return to Paris to write up the tapes, Moore decided to include two mystical sections where he imagined Fela’s mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, speaking to her son and urging him to continue living.  We will never know whether these deeply spiritual pages encouraged Fela to keep on – all we know is that he was ecstatically happy with the finished work.

The Cassava Republic Press version of the re-published biography (available in Nigeria) is therefore a collector’s item for those fortunate to be able to get hold of this version.  The book includes a brilliant introduction and a moving and frank epilogue by Carlos which contextualise the 1982 story in light of a reassessment of Fela’s legacy.

To buy the book, go to www.cassavarepublic.biz.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Young Writers issue of Sable LitMag.

We invite young writers of colour from all over the world to submit work from all genres and styles, for our Young Writers issue of Sable, including Fiction, poetry, memoir and essays written by writers between the ages of 16-25.

The editor for this issue is Warsan Shire, a 22 year old writer and poet based in London. Her poetry has been translated into Italian and Somali. She has performed internationally in North America, South Africa and all over Europe. Her first collection Teaching mother how to give birth is soon to be published with Flipped Eye. Her work will appear in the forthcoming Black British edition of Wasafiri magazine.

Final extended Deadline for submissions - 3 December 2010.

SABLE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

· All work submitted must include a short bio (maximum of 150 words) and a High resolution photograph.
· Work submitted must be attached in the email and not found in the body of the email.
· ALL work must be labelled clearly with your full name and the title of work.
· Work must not exceed the word limit.
· All work must be in this format or will not be accepted
· Times new roman font
· size 12 font
· double spaced
· Your full name must be on each page of your work (Header or footer)



Fiction

Short stories, extracts from a novel or flash fiction.

Other styles within fiction also welcome.

Length- 2500 words



In Translation

All veteran and budding translators or writers who produce work in

their native language and in English, (fiction or poetry) should send

translations and other information including a brief write up on

author and translator. For translators, what qualities attracted you

to the work? We will give ten pages to each writer featured to publish

some of their best pieces along with a photo, biography and any other

images that illustrate their work. A sample of your work will also

appear on the SABLE website in the future. In Translation submissions

should follow the same guidelines for poetry and prose in both their

chosen languages of submission and in English.



Memoirs

Memoirs of home, family, or country. Childhood memories, coming of

age, change of life. Complete pieces or excerpts. Stimulating,

exciting, informative, experimental. Any or all of these are welcome

within your piece.

Length: 2500 words.



Travel Narratives

(Travel Narrative submission closed)



Essays

We are looking for contributions on historical, contemporary aspects and future projections

of literature or culture. The work should reflect original thoughts.

Length: 2500 words



Expressions

(Expressions submissions closed)

Length: 1000 words (flexible)



Classic Review

What's in a classic? We're seeking submissions of literary reviews for

this review essay section of classic reviews. If you've read a body of

work by a writer of colour that has moved you, we are interested in

receiving a piece on it - even if they are not 'famous'.

Sable Classic Reviews are opinionated, critical, and to the point. Poetry, fiction and Non-fiction are all

acceptable. For completed pieces, we need you to supply titles of books featured, their ISBN's and publisher details.

Length : 1000-1500 words

(Poetry / travel/ Expressions submissions closed)

Note: Please email if you would like to present something new and exciting in creative writing. If you are a photographer or artist who also writes, we welcome your work in the form of comic strips, anime, photo journalism etc.

All Submissions and queries should be sent by email to sableten@gmail.com by Friday 3 December.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Society of Non-Fiction Authors opens for business

As part of activities geared towards a successful inception, the Society of Non-Fiction Authors of Nigeria (SONFAN), held its first press conference at their National secretariat on October 25, 2010.

SONFAN, the umbrella body for anyone in Nigeria engaged in writing academic and non-fiction works, was incorporated in earlier this year and began operation on October 1.

On hand for the SONFAN briefing were: the group’ss interim President Osa Egonwa; the treasurer, Fidelia Omusopa; the Executive Director, Inyang Ekanem and other officials.

About SONFAN
In his address, the president (also a professor of Art and Art History and Human Development at Delta State University, Abraka) outlined the reasons behind the establishment of the association and its aims and objectives.

“There arose the need to organise writers of academic and non-fiction works in Nigeria into an umbrella organisation that would serve their common and professional interests,” he said.

“This became even more pressing because writers in other fields have been organised and the strength of the organisation has become evident in the vibrancy of not just the associations but also in the activities they engage in,” he added.

“Consequently, SONFAN was incorporated to nurture, advance and promote intellectual endowments, aspirations and pursuits in Nigeria as well as protecting the intellectual property rights of authors locally and internationally, individually and in collaboration with governments, agencies, institutions and international partners,” Egonwa declared.

The president decried the ignorance of many writers about the importance of knowing and protecting their rights, especially in relation to intellectual properties.

He argued that it is not enough to publish a book or release an album and be paid a token amount of money. Monies in the form of royalties ought to accrue to the creator each time his work is used as a copyright material, Egonwa insisted. So the job of the association is to enlighten people that once you are an author of a non-fictional works, you have rights.

Read the rest here.
TBB credits Bunmi Ajiboye of 234Next.com for the piece.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

The AGNI Portfolio of African Fiction

The AGNI Portfolio of African Fiction edited by E.C. Osondu and William Pierce.This landmark gathering of stories from Djibouti, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, the Gambia, and elsewhere creates an unexpected portrait of the African continent—political, sexual, religious, commercial, and literary—by writers such as Abdourahman A. Waberi, Henrietta Rose-Innes, Helon Habila, Doreen Baingana, Chuma Nwokolo, Jr., and Monica Arac de Nyeko. The portfolio connects AGNI’s two venues: half of the stories appearing in AGNI 72, the fall 2010 print issue, and half here at AGNI Online. Read more here.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Abuja Book Club Presents Toni Kan's Nights of a Creaking Bed

The Abuja Book Club, powererd by Abuja Literary Society, presents Nights of a Creaking Bed, a gritty collection of short stories by Toni Kan and published by Cassava Republic.

Date: Friday, 19 November 2010

Venue: Salamander Cafe, 72 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II (between Mama Cass and Mr Bigg's), Abuja

Time: 7pm prompt

Anchor: Kabura Zakama (0803 257 7934 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0803 257 7934      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, fulanipoet@yahoo.com)

Copies of the book are available at Silverbird Entertainment Centre, Pen and Pages Bookshop and other leading bookstores in Abuja. Come and kickstart the weekend over a feast of feisty stories with other literary enthusiasts!

The Abuja Book Club reading comes up every third Friday of the month.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

BBC National Short Story Award 2010

The 2010 shortlist has been announced. You can find more details here.
The five shortlisted stories are:

  1. Tea at the Midland by David Constantine
  2. Haywards Heath by Aminatta Forna
  3. Butcher's Perfume by Sarah Hall
  4. If it Keeps on Raining by Jon McGregor
  5. My Daughter the Racist by Helen Oyeyemi

ABOUT THE AWARD

The BBC National Short Story Award celebrates the best of the contemporary British short story. Now in its fifth year, the Award continues to raise the profile of the short story. The inaugural Award went to James Lasdun for his short story An Anxious Man; in 2007 it was awarded to Julian Gough for his comic tale The Orphan and the Mob; and in 2008 the winner was Clare Wigfall for Numbers which appeared in her debut collection, The Loudest Sound and Nothing, published by Faber in 2007.
The short story continues to hold its own on Radio 4, and is enjoying a resurgence in print. The Award aims to maintain the genre´s prestige across the literary world.

Previous winners, shortlisted writers and their stories

2009

  • Winner: The Not-Dead and the Saved by Kate Clanchy
  • Runner up: Moss Witch by Sara Maitland
  • Shortlisted writers
  • Other People's Gods by Naomi Alderman
  • Hitting Trees With Sticks by Jane Rogers
  • Exchange Rates by Lionel Shriver
Kate Clanchy, winner of the 2009 BBC National Short Story Award said:
'The Not-Dead and the Saved was only the third short story I'd finished - though I should point out that I'd been working on the form for a couple of years - so I was amazed that it should be shortlisted for the BBC National Short Story Award, and utterly dazzled that it won. The effect on me was simple and immediate: I went home and started writing several more stories'.

2008

  • Winner: Clare Wigfall - The Numbers
  • Runner up: Jane Gardam - The People on Privilege Hill
  • Shortlisted writers
  • Richard Beard - Guidelines for Measure to Cope with Disgraceful and Other Events
  • Erin Soros - Surge
  • Adam Thorpe - The Names
Clare Wigfall, recipient of the 2008 Award:
How can I measure the impact the BBC National Short Story Award has had on my life? Of course, most obvious might be the attention my work has since received - what a gift for a writer so early in their career, especially when you've chosen a literary form so often neglected! My collection, for example, was one of Faber's most-reviewed paperbacks last year, and I'm certain that without the award such success would have been almost impossible for a book of stories by a debut writer. But on a more personal level, the award also gave an incredible boost to my confidence as a writer. To be confronted with the knowledge that my story had moved others, that it had gripped them, given them an insight into another world and perhaps also made them think afresh about their own, well, that was undeniably something quite extraordinary. It's an honour to know that my stories have enriched the lives of others. It makes me want to write more, to reach more people. I owe everyone on the award committee and all those involved a huge thanks.

2007

  • Winner: Julian Gough – The Orphan and The Mob
  • Runner up: David Almond – Slog's Dad
  • Shortlisted writers
  • Jonathan Falla – The Morena
  • Jackie Kay – How to Get Away With Suicide
  • Hanif Kureshi – Weddings and Beheadings
Julian Gough, winner in 2007:
Winning the BBC National Short Story Award changed my life. A couple of years ago, I was unpublished, broke, recently evicted, and homeless. Then I won the Award, which not only saved my writing life, but also perhaps my actual life. It allowed me to pay off my back rent and other debts, and it banished the despair I had felt, as my work grew better, and the rewards worse.
As publishing grows ever more conservative, trying to write something different, something new, can be lonely, dispiriting, and financially disastrous. Being awarded such a prestigious prize, by such highly-regarded judges, changed the way my work was read, and created a new space for it. Work previously considered "brilliant but unpublishable" has since been published to great acclaim, translated, and shortlisted for other prizes.
This Prize makes a huge difference, and I´m very grateful to it. By shining a bright light on the short story, it ensures more writers will step onto that small but daunting stage, and that a great performance there will be properly rewarded.

2006

  • Winner: James Lasdun – An Anxious Man
  • Runner up: Michel Faber – The Safehouse
  • Shortlisted writers
  • Rana Dasgupta – The Flyover
  • Rose Tremain – The Ebony Hand
  • William Trevor – Men of Ireland
James Lasdun, the 2006 inaugural winner:
I was honoured and delighted to win the first ever National Short Story Prize. I think it´s fantastic that the award is finally helping to bring the short story the recognition it deserves in the UK.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

'StoryTime' annual anthology 'African Roar 2011' Selections Announced

Johannesburg, November 11th, 2010. It gives us great pleasure to announce the selections for the next annual 'StoryTime' anthology 'African Roar 2011' to be published next year. The annual African Roar fiction anthology is initially drawn from the very best stories published over a year from August-August, in the StoryTime weekly literary ezine dedicated to publishing new fiction by African writers.
 
Edited by Emmanuel Sigauke & Ivor W. Hartmann, 'African Roar 2011' it will feature: Mbonisi P. Ncube, Dango Mkandawire, Emmanuel Iduma, Thamsanqa Ncube, Ivor W. Hartmann, Abigail George, Isaac Neequaye, Hajira Amla, Emmanuel Sigauke, Delta Law Milayo Ndou, Chimdindu Mazi-Njoku, Anengiyefa Alagoa, Joy Isi Bewaji, Damilola Ajayi, Zukiswa Wanner, Stanely Ruzvidzo Mupfudza, Masimba Musodza, Ayodele Morocco-Clarke, Uche Peter Umez, Murenga Joseph Chikowero, Kenechukwu Obi, and Sarudzai Mubvakure.

Considered a critical success, the début 'African Roar' anthology was edited by Emmanuel Sigauke & Ivor W. Hartmann, published by StoryTime Publishing in June 2010. It featured: Ayesha Harruna Attah, Ayodele Morocco-Clarke, Beaven Tapureta, Chuma Nwokolo Jr., Christopher Mlalazi, Emmanuel Sigauke, Ivor W. Hartmann, Kola Tubosun, Masimba Musodza, Nana A. Damoah and Novuyo Rosa Tshuma.
 

Friday, November 12, 2010

David T. K. Wong Fellowship & Charles Pick Fellowship

Know of a  writer who'd like time, support and a conducive environment to work on their prose?

The David T K Wong is open to both published and unpublished writers, and the Charles Pick Fellowship is for new writers.

So if you're interested yourself, or think someone else you know could benefit, please pass the news below on. We have got to know many of the fellows over the last few years and they have all seemed to benefit greatly from their time at the world renowned School of Literature and Creative Writing.

The David T. K. Wong Fellowship is a nine-month residential Fellowship, with an award of £26,000.  The Fellowship will be awarded to a writer planning to produce a work of prose fiction in English about some aspect of life in the Far East.  Established published and unpublished writers are welcome to apply.

Deadline for applications: 17 January 2011

The Charles Pick Fellowship is a six-month residential Fellowship, with an award of £10,000.  The Fellowship will be awarded to a new writer of fictional or non-fictional prose.  This competition is open to unpublished writers only, for the purposes of completing a major work.

Deadline for applications: 31 January 2011

For application documents and full terms and conditions visit: www.uea.ac.uk/lit/awards, call the Fellowship Administrator on +44 (0)1603 592286 or email: charlespickfellowship@uea.ac.uk  davidtkwongfellowship@uea.ac.uk

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Regency Romance Wanted by Publisher

Aspen Mountain Press launched its new Aurora Regency imprint on October 15, 2010. Aurora Regency at Aspen Mountain Press is a line devoted to Regency romance. Traditional Regency romances, as
exemplified by Georgette Heyer's work, are first and foremost historical fiction about a very specific (and short) era.

The Aurora Regency line is published by Aspen Mountain Press, a royalty-paying e-publishing company.  We do not charge fees for set-up or charge for editing your story once it has been accepted for publication. Our contracts request rights to the contracted work, including digital and print formats as we will provide some
of our titles in print later this year.  Aurora is looking for well-researched Regency romances between 35,000 and 70,000 words, although we will bend on the upper word limit if the story merits it. For complete guidelines click here.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Ken Saro Wiwa Poetry and Writing Competition Winners Named

Winners have emerged in the maiden Ken Saro Wiwa poetry and writing competition organized by the United States of America- based non-governmental organisation, Niger Delta Restoration of Hope.

The winners are a crop scientist and a Lagos-based Information Technology (IT) cum brand consultant, Mr. Kenechukwu Obi and an author, Mr. Uwaoma Eizu.

The founder of NDRH, Catherine Dimon who disclosed this in statement said Obi and Eizu won the poetry and short story segments of the competition respectively.

The founder of NDRH also disclosed that two other persons, Mr. Uche Uwadinachi and Ogwo Chinedu came second in the poetry and short story competition respectively and that they will receive certificate of merit in Houston. Dimon also disclosed that Chinedu and Abuja-based Sylva Ifedigbo won a joint award.

According to Dimon, Uwadinachi's poetry entry was "Rain, Ken Saro Wiwa" while Chinedu's entry was "Road to Martyrdom" just as Ifedigbo’s entry was "Life before Death”.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Golden Baobab Prize Winners Named

Accra, November 9, 2010 - The 2010 winners of the Golden Baobab Prize, a leading African literary award, have been announced. This year Lauri Kubuitsile of Botswana, Mirirai Moyo of Zimbabwe and Ahmed Farah of Kenya were selected as the distinguished winners by a prestigious panel of judges. They join the growing circle of promising authors chosen by The Golden Baobab Prize, which is the only prize of its kind: it is awarded annually to inspire the creation of quality African literature to be enjoyed by youth readers all around the world. The prize offers a monetary award to its winners and connects outstanding stories with an array of African and international publishers. 

This year, Kubuitsile's Mechanic’s Son won her the Golden Baobab Prize for the best story written for ages 12-15 years.  Moyo’s Diki, the Little Earthworm was named the Golden Baobab Prize for the best story written for ages 8-11 years and Farah's Letters from the Flames, earned him the Golden Baobab Rising Writer Award which is given to young writer 18 years and below who shows exceptional literary promise for his/her age.

The 2010 Golden Baobab Prize shortlist for Category A (stories targeted at readers 8-11 years) features:
·       Dorothy Dyer (South Africa), War Stories  
·       Gothataone Moeng (Botswana), The Rainmakers of Botalaote
·       Lauri Kubuitsile (Botswana), Lightning and Thunderers 

The 2010 Golden Baobab Prize shortlist for Category B (stories targeted at readers 12-15 years):
·       Jenny Robson (South Africa), Only the Stones Still Cry
·       Patrick Ochieng (Kenya), Neighbours

Among the renowned Golden Baobab Prize panel of judges sit esteemed Ghanaian publisher Nana Ayebia Clarke, critically acclaimed Kenyan author Muthoni Garland, two-time former President of the Hans Christian Anderson Award jury Jay Heale, multi prize-winning children’s author and illustrator Meshack Asare, highly regarded Nigerian publisher Bibi Bakare-Yusuf and Global Fund for Children Books Director Cynthia Pon.

 This is the second time Kubuitsile has won the Golden Baobab Prize: in 2008/2009 she was selected to be the winner for her story Lorato and her Wire Car. Last year   Ivor W. Hartmann won as well for his story Mr. Goop. Vivilia Publishing in South Africa has since published both of these winning stories. In that same year, 18 year-old Kenyan Aisha Kibwana won with her story The Strange Visitors That Took Her Life Away, earning her the Golden Baobab Rising Writer Award. She shares the honor now with fellow Kenyan, 16 year-old Farah.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Poetry Digest Magazine

The PoetryDigest Magazine, the 1st poetry magazine in Nigeria, new issue is out, kicking and alive. You can get copies from the following outlets:

Terrra Culture
Quintessence
Jazzhole

Abia State, call Shayo on 08060336271
UI and UCH, call Zaynab on 08036060091
OAU, call Funmi Fagbade on 08033784795 or 07051384940

More OUTLETS soon.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Anthill 2.0 - Nigeria at 50


Anthill 2.0 was formed in 2008 and is a group of like minded individuals who come together once every two months to share poetry and live acoustic music. 

Time: Sunday, November 7 · 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Venue: GET Arena, Oniru Estate, Off Ozumba Mbadiwe Ave, Lekki Exp way, Lekki, Nigeria

Friday, November 5, 2010

Taruwa’s new edition: It’s all about The Future!

Taruwa, the arts and culture magazine, grown out of the bi-monthly event Taruwa for performers and artistes, has unveiled its October edition. 

The Independence Issue has on the cover the two guys behind RedSTRAT, the content and communications firm that owns the popular The Future Awards – Adebola Williams and Chude Jideonwo. RedSTRAT also owned new youth culture brand Y!, which includes Y! magazine, TV and radio shows and online platform. RedSTRAT is also communication company to a range of brands including the Nigeria LNG, Storm 360, Harambe Nigeria, amongst others.

“The interview centers on the work that they have done over the past five years, the hot brands they have introduced to the market, their inspiration, where they get their strength and what plans they have for the future,” Lydia Sobogun, founder of Taruwa and publisher of the magazine, said. “Most times, they are busy celebrating others and giving platforms for others to shine and it was pleasure to have this in depth conversation with them.” 

This edition also has an exclusive interview with the legendary gospel singer Panam Percy Paul as well as an article by singer Christine Ben-Ameh on 50 years of Nigerian music, and what the future holds. 

Taruwa is an idea to promote the arts and culture in Nigeria and to retain pride in our common heritage. Its flagship is the bi-weekly event Taruwa, which grew out of Lagos and has now spread to Abuja and Kaduna – holding monthly.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Lagos Book and Arts Festival (LABAF)

THE 12th Lagos Book And Art Festival, scheduled for November 12, 2010, will open with a Publishers Forum, according to the organizers. “The Publishers’ Forum is to provide a concentrated space for key publishers in Nigeria to collectively appraise their current operations within the context of the challenges facing their industry”, according to the Festival spokesman Ayo Arigbabu. “It is a ‘focus group’ or a strategy session where the facilitator(s) serve as umpires in a series of brainstorming sessions. The forum is targeted at principals of publishing houses who seek to grow their market and are willing to engage in creative thinking towards identifying strategies that can make this possible for them whether within a collective or through their individual operations”. The expectation is that “cogent strategies would emerge from the session which are immediately implementable or could be built upon in future”. Arigbabu explains that the forum should aid the publishers in collectively identifying key steps that can be taken as individual businesses or as a collective to improve their bottom line”. In his own words: “CORA (the orgainisers), sees itself as a midwife to the different facets of the creative industries in Nigeria. Therefore what we hope to achieve through the publisher’s forum is to provide a platform for Nigerian publishers to collectively brainstorm on how to improve their business”. Within the four hours marked up for the business forum, participants to add value to their businesses through critical feedback on their processes, input on the most challenging areas they have to deal with and useful networking”.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Farafina Book Review

The Farafina book review is here again! On the 6th of November, 2010 at TerraKulture, we would be hosting Eghosa Imasuen, the author of To Saint Patrick. Ace journalist, Toyin Akinosho will be reviewing the book while Wana of 92.3 Inspiration FM would be moderating.

To Saint Patrick is a work of alternate history. Set in Benin City after elections, Hadiza and Ayo, police officers are investigating a murder. They soon find themselves embroiled in a set of larger and more dangerous intrigues that could cost them all they have worked for.

What to expect?! Expect to be entertained as well as enlightened! Expect to receive writing tips from accomplished writers! Expect to discuss pertinent issues about African writing with intellectuals! Expect to win free copies of To Saint Patrick and buy your favourite Farafina titles at reduced prices! I bet you wouldn’t miss this! See you there!

*Event starts at 3pm at TerraKulture, Tiamiyu Savage, V/I on Saturday, November 6 and is free to attend.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The Lagos Jazz Series

 “The whole idea behind the Lagos Jazz Series is to have that jazz floating in the air, out of park; something to cool the city down a little.”
 - Oti Bazunu, founder Lagos Jazz Series

  Lagos is a wonderful city, full of life and energy. But it can get a bit franctic. So we conceived of The Lagos Jazz Series to cool things down. The first ever Lagos jazz series will hold from November 5-7, 2010 across three primary stages in Africa's most populous city.       We're
   inviting some of our favourite Jazz musicians from all over the world to come and play for us in intimate and exciting venues. Since they're coming, we might as well put on a bit of a show and invite all of you, our favourite people, to attend.

    The Lagos State government has kindly offered us the beautiful Muri Okunola Park. Our friends at the Sofitel Moorehouse are hosting the musicians and the opening event. The Federal Palace Hotel has opened their lush waterside grounds to us and the German Consulate is hosting a jazz breakfast. Noble Hill is providing great wines and Lufthansa is flying in the artists. The show is coming together and it's going to be wonderful.

     The Lagos Jazz Series is kindly sponsored by MTN Enterprise, Constant Capital and Petrolex. Partners include Noble Hill Wines, Mercedes Benz, Bang&Olufsen, ZK Advertising, Classic FM, NEXT
 and Bella Naija.

 Some of the artists we're excited about seeing perform include:

  Morrie Louden, a California native, lit up radio, hogged the jazz charts and attracted high praise from jazz legends with the release of his album Time Piece. Louden stunned listeners with his technical virtuosity, melodic improvisations, and composition skills, with tunes encompassing burning post-bop, sensitive ballads, and bossa novas. 

Somi: Born in America, the Rwandan-Ugandan singer Somi has been described as glistening with the sheen of an almost impossibly perfect cosmopolitanism." Singing in English and three East African languages, Somi’s vocal delivery is subtle yet the power she exerts is enormous. Often compared to the likes of Miriam Makeba, Sarah Vaughn and Cassandra Wilson, Somi is a performer to behold.

Mike Aremu is one of Nigeria’s biggest saxophonists, who has been able to create a sound that represents both his creative passion and the deep elements of his culture. He has made a fan out of everyone who has seen him perform, living up to his billing as a world class performer.

 Jimmy Dludlu has earned his popularity as a guitarist within the music industry. His albums compelled his audiences to call him a “guitar maestro” – naming him amongst the best guitarists in the world. His albums have earned him some of South Africa’s most prestigious awards. In 2006 Jimmy won two of the highest accolades in South African music - the SAMA awards for Best Male Artist of the Year and Best Jazz Album of the Year for his album Corners of My Soul.

 Ayetoro  is an internationally acclaimed 12-piece Jazz band led by one of Nigeria’s most talented composers and pianists Funsho Ogundipe. The collective’s members are all established musicians in Lagos, Accra and London, with a rhythmic fluidity that bridges the gap between Afrobeat and Jazz with reflections on the past and present of both genres.

 Bez makes alternative soul, an understated and unusual hybrid of Jazz, Soul and R&B music that sets him well apart from the mainstream Afro hip-hop movement. His songs of love and heartbreak are modern acoustic gems that fit right beside the music of singers like Michael Buble, Amy Winehouse and John Mayer. A natural performer with a charismatic and playful stage presence, Bez is a performer to behold.

 Karen Patterson's performances have entertained and inspired audiences throughout the world. Her repertoire is varied and unique. She has been a featured performer in vastly dynamic venues. She has performed at the GLOBAL FORUM in Rio De Janiero, Brazil. Also, she has performed with the Dayton Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra bringing Jazz, Classical repertoire and a commissioned 21st Century Classical Cello Concerto, “The Invisible Bridge” by the esteemed Egyptian Composer, Dr. Halim El-Dabh, conducted by Neal Gittleman. Karen Patterson’s music celebrates cultural diversity, the dynamic beauty of artistic expression and the strength of community.

Chinaza is of Nigerian heritage but based out of Germany. Before launching a solo career, she sang background for hot international acts like Joy Denalane, Hattler, Della Miles and Cunnie Williams. In 2004 she produced her first solo album together with pianist Sebastian Weiss.

 LAGOS JAZZ SERIES LINEUP
Nov. 5th - Sofitel Moorhouse Hotel - 7:00 PM
Karen Patterson
Chinaza
 Morrie Louden
 Tickets - N12,000 per person (N65,000 for a table of 5)
 Tables come with wines courtesty of Noble Hill

Nov. 6th - Federal Palace Hotel - 7:00 PM
Mike Aremu
Morrie Louden
Somi
N12,000 per person (N90,000 for a table of 7)
 Tables come with wines courtesty of Noble Hill

Nov. 7th - German Consulate (Sunday jazz breakfast) - 11:00 AM
Karen Patterson
Chinaza
 Bez
By invitation only

Nov. 7th - Muri Okunola Park - 5:00 PM
Bez
Ayetoro
 Somi
 Jimmy Dludlu
 N5,000 per person

 TICKETS
 Sofitel Moorhouse - N12,000 per person (N65,000 for a table of 5)
 Federal Palace Hotel - N12,000 per person (N90,000 for a table of 8)
 Muri Okunola Park - N5,000 per person

 Tickets can be purchased online at lagosjazzseries.com or at the following locations:
 The Hub Media Store at the Palms, Lekki
The Jazz Hole (168 Awolowo Road Ikoyi, Lagos. Tel. 07025595697)
 Bang & Olufen (Plot 1626B, Saka Jojo Street, VIctoria Island. Tel.  23412707244)
The Wine Cellar (61 Abimbola Awoniyi Close, off Kasimu Ekemode Street, off Bishop Oluwole street, VI, Lagos.)
 (For corporate bookings and tables, please call 08056237969)

 The Lagos Jazz Series is kindly sponsored by MTN Enterprise, Constant Capital and Petrolex. Partners include Noble Hill Wines, Mercedes Benz, Bang&Olufsen, ZK Advertising, Classic FM, NEXT
 and Bella Naija.

 For more details about performers, tickets and locations, please visit lagosjazzseries.com.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Writing Experiences: Turtle Bags Earn Writer First Clip

What better way to start the penultimate month of 2010 with a story of cheer and encuoragement.

Turtle Bags Earn Writer First Clip
By Abby Williams
It sounds egotistical but most of my early printed articles were about me and my life.  I'd always read 'write about what you know' and in the beginning my personal experiences were all I had to offer.  Once I'd run out of personal stories I was forced to look outside myself (no bad thing!), and got my first 'real' commission, and proper payment, when by chance I hit upon a topical issue - saving the environment.

Enjoying a coffee one day back in 1996 I noticed the cafe owner was selling 'turtle' bags.  Intrigued by the 'turtle' part, I read that often turtles mistake discarded plastic bags floating on the water for jellyfish.  They eat them, choke and die.  While obviously being very tragic, this also sounded like a great opening for an article to alert readers to our overuse of plastic bags and the havoc they potentially wreak on our environment.

I sent off a pitch to My Weekly, a UK women's weekly magazine who I'd heard were especially supportive of new writers.  The editor responded positively and asked me to submit the full article.  I had to do quite a bit of research and get some 'expert' quotes, but in March 1996 I received a letter saying the editor liked my piece very much and it was duly published 3 months later.  That first feature was heavily edited and I was rather disappointed, but with each new piece (I went on to write a further 15 features for them, mostly commissioned) my style improved and gradually I began to cultivate the art of cutting out needless words.

I was lucky to find the right type of feature at the right time for the right kind of magazine.   After my success with My Weekly I thought it would be just as easy to find new ideas, submit to new magazines and get acceptances.  I have had a few other successes but still consider myself a fledgling writer and still have to work hard to find ideas and compose pitches.  It's a constant challenge especially in today's competitive writing market but I still enjoy it and I still keep trying, and I still get excited by it.  So, never give up and always keep writing.  Sometimes it's just a case of finding the right angle at the right time.
Abby Williams is a UK-based freelance writer. She has contributed features to My Weekly, Collect it! magazine, and Scottish Home & Country as well as written many advertorials for her local county magazine. Although a published writer she still considers herself a newbie and is continuously learning the art of pitching and writing.  www.abbywilliamsfreelancewriter.com

TBB credits the Newbie e-newsletter for this piece. Find out more here.