In the spirit of this festive season, we are using this to inform our readers that the KSR site is taking a break with effect from the 18th of December, 2019 to the 8th of January, 2020. So, in advance, we say happy Christmas and may the new year be kind to us.
After assuming work as the managing editor of the African Poetry Press, Konya Shamsrumi, I come to learn that there’s a need for serious conversations about poetry in Africa. In observance of this crucial need, the KSR family has resolved to make the online portal of the press the African Poetry board room where every African is a stakeholder.
There’s need to sit and discuss the future of poetry in Africa. It’s a common knowledge that, however used, poetry will always be political. But to what essence? In this time of anger and decline of criticism in arts, what purpose will poetry serve us? Is it okay to stop writing about our “absolutely corrupt” politicians and begin writing deeply about our spoons; about the fate of the crumbs of bread that fell on the floor during the last breakfast; about the pair of shoes we love but had to change because they can no longer carry us; about the new barber shop in the neighborhood; about rooftops and staircase; about blades and the need/needlessness of shaving our pubic hair, and all have you? Let’s meet next year.
As you all know, bringing poetry back to the African home is the responsibility sacred to the KSR family. In respect to this obligation, the #KSRCollective is ready to bring you chapbooks by Rasaq Malik Gbolahan and Funmi Gaji in the first quarter of 2020. Leave your doors and windows open, poetry will meet you in your bed. So, anticipate.
SAI Sabouke
For
Konya Shamsrumi.
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