BOOK REVIEW: Noise by Tsepo Gumbi
Title: Noise
Author: Tsepo Gumbi
Genre: Illustrated Poetry
Pages: 33, A5 size
Publisher: Botaki Self-Publishing
Year of Publication: 2009
ISBN: 978-0-620-45117
Review by Fezekile Futhwa: Noise
Noise - Illustrated Anthology by Tsepo Gumbi
Noise is a self published work that is both art and poetry in one volume. Tsepo proves to be quite a gifted artist, having illustrated each poem in the book with wonderful art. The artistic side alone makes for a great work, well done.
Noise the poem is liberating, for it captures the essence of being an artist(or poet). We are reminded that thought is the most treasured gift a person has. An unthinking mind is a waste.
The Dream Is Not Dead veberates with hope. It is premised on the truth that the struggle for a better life continues, that the past is not yet dead, the people shall once again rise. For our collective dreams are a future upon which the hope for this country lie.
In Chained Brain, as phrophecising, Tsepo cries for freedom. With the Freedom of Information Bill looming, one wonders how long it is before we cry for freedom. Freedom to think, to express, to dream and to make noise. Freedom of expression must therefore be a basic human right!
Many of the poems in this anthology are captivating and provoking. Noise is indeed what poetry is about: entertainment, lucid, gripping, moving.
A revolution is the stuff born out of non confirming. Revolt urges the young of our society to take up arms, armed in thought. Thinking is the revolutionary engine. Zabalaza, for those on top can never keep us down. We are the uprising, we are the REVOLUTION.
As in Scars, start a new story. Write a new history.
14 September 2011
10 September 2011
September 2011 Newsletter
Progressive greetings friends!
With arms open wide we welcome the regenerative season of Spring! Animals are coming out of hibernation, flowers blossoming decorating the soil in myriad of colour. Time to spring clean our homes and our hearts too by letting go of toxic relationships.
September in South Africa is set apart to celebrate “heritage month”. During these celebrations let us not forget the spirit, life and work of Steve Bantu Biko (18.12.1946 - 12.09.1977), the father of Black Consciousness. He was last seen alive on the 18th August, and was declared dead on 12 September 1977 whilst in police custody. One of my favourite quotes from this giant is: “in time, we shall be in a position to bestow upon South Africa the greatest possible gift - a more human face”
And we have managed to show our human face, as South Africans, by collecting and donating food, supplies, human aid and money towards the famine relief in Somalia. Whilst we do good, let us not turn a blind eye towards the scourge of Afrophobia, disguised as xenophobia. Afrophobia is only destroying us as Africans, let us all unite as one people.
What’s new with the blog?
1. You can subscribe by email l to the blog so that when a new post has been made, you will be the first to receive it conveniently delivered to your personal email address. (Your email address will remain private; your details are secure and will not be shared.)
2. YOU have the power to make a change. Please check out the September National Imbizo (SNI), the first imbizo was held in September 2010. This year it’s happening on the 23-25 September 2011, in Durban.
What is the SNI? It is an active group of citizens based all over South Africa. Where individuals and groups are invited to participate in bringing about change in our beloved country, because the democracy we received in 1994 changed nothing. These discussions are held in person, at different regions, you can join the conversation on Facebook by searching “September National Imbizo”
http://www.facebook.com/bookmarks/groups#!/groups/septembernationalimbizo/
The SNI is by the people, for the people, holding politicians accountable.
Read more on the People’s Manifesto here: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/08/tuesday-may-31-2011-peoples-manifesto.html! This manifesto is available in English/Zulu/Tswana/Afrikaans.
The registration period for the 2011 Imbizo is open, check this link out: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/08/sni-2011-registration.html
3. National book week is scheduled to take place at various spots around South Africa from 5 to 10 September. National Book Week aims to promote literacy and celebrate reading.
4. On the heritage month theme, Fezekile Futhwa in his piece explores the Sotho language, read more from him here: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/09/why-lesotho-lexicology-is-incorrect.htm
5. Peter Mahase reviews the AfroConscious Journal 2010: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/09/afroconscious-journal-review-peter.html
6. Make sure to check out the poetry posted on the Afrikan Poets and Writers group wall by Ohene Ampofo Anti: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/08/born-free-ohene-yaw-ampofo-anti.html
What are you reading? What are YOU reading? Do you have a book you would like to recommend? Share!
What are you writing? If YOU are not reading are you atleast writing? This month’s challenge is to pen a piece that is centered on HERITAGE and NATURE.
If you have any literature centred news/event/project you want to spread to many, you can post it to the Facebook group wall: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=65172951976
YOU can also become a contributor to the UWWUL blog and share with multitudes, contact me for that.
Thank YOU all for the support on this blog, page views so far 4454. To the new members: I would like to welcome YOU home!
Literally yours,
Vuyokazi
With arms open wide we welcome the regenerative season of Spring! Animals are coming out of hibernation, flowers blossoming decorating the soil in myriad of colour. Time to spring clean our homes and our hearts too by letting go of toxic relationships.
September in South Africa is set apart to celebrate “heritage month”. During these celebrations let us not forget the spirit, life and work of Steve Bantu Biko (18.12.1946 - 12.09.1977), the father of Black Consciousness. He was last seen alive on the 18th August, and was declared dead on 12 September 1977 whilst in police custody. One of my favourite quotes from this giant is: “in time, we shall be in a position to bestow upon South Africa the greatest possible gift - a more human face”
And we have managed to show our human face, as South Africans, by collecting and donating food, supplies, human aid and money towards the famine relief in Somalia. Whilst we do good, let us not turn a blind eye towards the scourge of Afrophobia, disguised as xenophobia. Afrophobia is only destroying us as Africans, let us all unite as one people.
What’s new with the blog?
1. You can subscribe by email l to the blog so that when a new post has been made, you will be the first to receive it conveniently delivered to your personal email address. (Your email address will remain private; your details are secure and will not be shared.)
2. YOU have the power to make a change. Please check out the September National Imbizo (SNI), the first imbizo was held in September 2010. This year it’s happening on the 23-25 September 2011, in Durban.
What is the SNI? It is an active group of citizens based all over South Africa. Where individuals and groups are invited to participate in bringing about change in our beloved country, because the democracy we received in 1994 changed nothing. These discussions are held in person, at different regions, you can join the conversation on Facebook by searching “September National Imbizo”
http://www.facebook.com/bookmarks/groups#!/groups/septembernationalimbizo/
The SNI is by the people, for the people, holding politicians accountable.
Read more on the People’s Manifesto here: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/08/tuesday-may-31-2011-peoples-manifesto.html! This manifesto is available in English/Zulu/Tswana/Afrikaans.
The registration period for the 2011 Imbizo is open, check this link out: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/08/sni-2011-registration.html
3. National book week is scheduled to take place at various spots around South Africa from 5 to 10 September. National Book Week aims to promote literacy and celebrate reading.
4. On the heritage month theme, Fezekile Futhwa in his piece explores the Sotho language, read more from him here: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/09/why-lesotho-lexicology-is-incorrect.htm
5. Peter Mahase reviews the AfroConscious Journal 2010: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/09/afroconscious-journal-review-peter.html
6. Make sure to check out the poetry posted on the Afrikan Poets and Writers group wall by Ohene Ampofo Anti: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/08/born-free-ohene-yaw-ampofo-anti.html
What are you reading? What are YOU reading? Do you have a book you would like to recommend? Share!
What are you writing? If YOU are not reading are you atleast writing? This month’s challenge is to pen a piece that is centered on HERITAGE and NATURE.
If you have any literature centred news/event/project you want to spread to many, you can post it to the Facebook group wall: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=65172951976
YOU can also become a contributor to the UWWUL blog and share with multitudes, contact me for that.
Thank YOU all for the support on this blog, page views so far 4454. To the new members: I would like to welcome YOU home!
Literally yours,
Vuyokazi
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