LONDON GIVES POST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO SHAABAN ROBERT

Shaaban Robert's grand-daughter, Amina Wazir, collects award for her genius grand-dad from  Mr Frederick Sumaye. On the right, seated is His Excellency High Commissioner of Tanzania, Hon. Peter Kallaghe.   

 Pic by Jestina George

The writer Shaaban Robert, who died aged 53, in June 1962 was a very  “popular read” during the 1960s and early 1970s. Somewhere along the line, he was almost forgotten. Early 1990s, the newly launched Mkuki na Nyota revived this eminent Kiswahili genius, and thanks to the hard work of its founder Walter Bgoya,   many of Shaaban Robert’s masterpieces are readily available in bookshops across East Africa today.  For those unfamiliar with the author, I would recommend “Maisha Yangu Na Baada ya Miaka Hamsini” (My Life After 50).  The book sums most of the Tanga born thinker’s qualities:  essays, personal recollections, poetry, thoughts on life, racism in Tanganyika of the 1930s and 1940s, TANU and Nyerere, duty to society, role of writers, etc.

Kusadikika, his most famous novel which is said to have partially inspired late President Nyerere's Ujamaa  policies.

ADAM LUSEKELO-TRIBUTE TO A VERY SPECIAL TANZANIAN WRITER

When people  die we tend to focus on their good sides and forgive the horrible.  Adam Lusekelo made us laugh and think at the same time. He was one of the funniest, cleverest guys. No wonder when I heard his passing, instead of tears I reflected on his jolly character.

Last time I sat with Adam at Nyumba ya Sanaa (May 2009) with blogger Michuzi muffling down Ugali (while avoiding chocking himself with laughter); the humorous columnist kept blowing his nose starring disgustingly at his handkerchief.
"That is a lot of snort,” he said grinning; it was his way of mocking his disease.

Yes. Adam had diabetes for many years, he was thin and I could not believe how emaciated he had become.

(Adam "Njinja" Lusekelo, inside Nelson Mandela's famous cell at Robben Island)
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