MEDIA RELEASE
05 September 2023
Media Release
We delighted to present the sixth edition of Imbiza Journal for African Writing. This edition has a special focus on anniversaries and historic moments, while simultaneously recognising new talent.
The year 2023 marks the 200th anniversaries of both the founding of Lovedale Press as the first publishing house in South Africa, and the 200th anniversary of isiXhosa as a written language. The legacies of literary greats like our cover star, Sindiwe Magona, who turned 80 on 27 August, and William Bloke Modisane, who would have turned 100 on 28 August, are celebrated in this edition. In recognition of these important milestones, a number of articles critically engage with the works of these writers and highlight the significance of the historic moments. The works of these luminaries are juxtaposed with that of the new generation of authors like Lebo Mazibuko, Tshidiso Moletsane and Lebohang Masango, among others. We also pay tribute to departed artists and public intellectuals like Gloria Bosman, Eusebius Mckaiser and Kole Omotoso.
The literary feast in this edition also features writers from other countries on the continent, including Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Lesotho. The regular menu of book reviews, interviews, poems, short stories, and essays is enhanced by new aesthetics. We have added the new element of pinup posters, wherein we feature large images of writers designed to be kept for posterity. Imbiza is intentional about creating space for literary voices and profiling writers as both the chroniclers and interlocutors of the truths of our historic moment. Copies can be purchased in some of the leading bookstores nationwide.
For more information, please email info@imbizajournal.co.za or visit www.imbizajournal.co.za
Siphiwo Mahala, PhD.
Editor-in-Chief
15 MARCH 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Imbiza Mourns the Passing of Gloria Bosman
Imbiza Journal for African Writing received the news of the passing of one of its most consistent contributors, Gloria Bosman with shock and sadness. Although primarily known for her music, in the past two years she established herself as a writer of very thoughtful and profound pieces. She contributed to all the five editions of Imbiza since inception in April 2021.
Bosman’s musical talent is well-known and widely recognised. She was one of the most versatile South African artists with a wide repertoire. Born in Pimville, Soweto, Bosman started singing in a church choir and was later introduced to theatre. A theatrical performance at the Market Theatre earned her a scholarship to study opera at Pretoria Technikon. This training combined with experience imbued her music with a unique taste, oozing a blend of jazz, opera, R&B and traditional African rhythms. She had a profound stage presence and her music had special qualities of depth, durability and crossover appeal. She graced prestigious stages with prominent artists, including the late Hugh Masekela, Sibongile Khumalo and Moses Molelekwa, among others. About two weeks ago she released her seventh album simply titled, Gloria Bosman Live.
In 2020, Bosman contributed a story in the Niq Mhlongo edited anthology, Joburg Noir. When Imbiza was founded, Bosman was one of the very first contributors. She was a wonderful person to work with. A lover of the arts, through her writing Bosman provided formidable insights on various genres and was always affirming to other artists. In her last article, “I Sing Because I’m Happy”, she profiled guitarist, Billy Monama, who has written a book about guitar styles. “Singing connects us to emotions we never knew existed, as voices rise making yodeling sounds and the chants that are birthed out of poetic utterances. We celebrate the song,.” Bosman wrote.
The late National Poet Laureate of South Africa, Prof. Keorapetse Kgositsile, once eulogised Bosman in a poem “For Gloria Bosman”, which partly reads:
Gloria Bosman will bathe your heart
In the flames of her song
As she plunges into every crevice
Of all that is her
Possessed like a medium
Her million voices exploding
Love is in the music.
Imbiza was privileged to bathe in Bosman’s heart and soul during her lifetime. Her humility, genial personality and infectious laughter will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences go to her family, friends and fans. May her departed soul rest in peace.
Siphiwo Mahala, PhD.
Editor-in-Chief
