Kenyan author Ngugi Wa Thiong’o arrives Friday

By Kadijey Sesay Esteemed multi-award winning Kenyan author, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, nominated three times for a Nobel Laureate Prize is arriving in The Gambia tomorrow Friday 13 January. Ngugi wa Thiong’o is a luminary of African literature who’s classic novel, Weep Not Child, was one of the biggest sellers of the Heinemann African Writers Series. He has been invited to be the guest of honour for the Mboka Festival of Arts, Culture and Sport being held from 7 – 17 January. One of his fellow writers was the father of Gambian literature, novelist and poet Dr. Lenrie Peters. Ngugi will be paying a homage to his deceased friend and fellow writer. One of the highlights of his visit to The Gambia is the publication of his short story, ‘The Upright Revolution’, a fable translated into Gambian languages, especially produced for the Mboka Festival. For many decades of Ngugi’s writing life, he has been an advocate for the translation of literature into African languages and from one African language to another. Profits from the book will be donated to the building of Roots Pre- School in Sambuyang. Another highlight of Ngugi’s visit is the production of his play, ‘The Black Hermit’, to be staged by Ebunjan Theatre which will be performed in the presence of the writer on Saturday 14 January at 8pm. The founders of Mboka Festival (Camp Africa, Global Hands and SABLE Publications) said that Ngugi has been stalwart in his support of this inaugural festival. For more information on the Mboka Festival call: 768 0368. www.mbokafestival.org]]>