Thursday, 10 February 2022
OMOSEYE BOLAJI AND THE COURSE OF HISTORY
BOOKS BARDS AND BARBS. By Omoseye Bolaji (2022)
At last the book is published! The book Omoseye Bolaji the author admits means a lot to him is out at last. In BOOKS BARDS AND BARBS, Bolaji produces probably his most important book, his "magnum opus" as some pundits have dubbed it.
But one will not think so to meet the author again in person. He comes across as diffident, shy, even gloomy and apologetic. I soon find out why. It's because he feels uneasy that in reality two of his new books have been published more or less at the same time! The publication of Books bards and barbs coincides with the publication of another new work of his, titled IYA ALAJE (fiction)
IYA ALAJE By Omoseye Bolaji (2022)
Yet, even the other new work, IYA ALAJE is also an important one. One recalls that by a decade ago all Bolaji's major works of fiction had been published and acknowledged, including the many titles in his Tebogo Mystery series. Hence it excites the world to see a new sliver of Bolaji fiction coming out, ie the new Iya Alaje book.
Bolaji says simply now: "I'm happy both new books are out...I just wish both of them had not come out at the same time!". Not that the literary world would care much about this. There can be no doubt that his new work, BOOKS BARDS AND BARBS is by far the more important publication, the author's literary apotheosis as it were. And deservedly, many of us are celebrating it! (For early reviews of both new books, see goodreads)
* Henry Ozogula is the author of the book, Omoseye Bolaji: Brief Notes on his Literary work. He also wrote the Introduction to Bolaji's Books Bards and Barbs.
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Two new books out... HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS!!
ReplyDeleteSomething to smile about...
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ReplyDeleteOnce again, another interesting book from our eminent Chief Omoseye Bolaji, the man with the golden pen thanks for making the world a more fun place with your writings kudos
ReplyDeleteBolaji's consistency and and longevity over the decades merits great commendation...so many books published! There can be no doubt that he deserves his position among the pantheon and elite of African distinguished wordsmiths
ReplyDeleteBOOKS BARDS AND BARB is a very satisfying work - one is even enamoured with the title. All Bs - books bards barbs. Seems there is even a tinge of alliteration. Allusions too? That is the world of literature I guess. Books
ReplyDeleteIYA ALAJE work : It really amused me to see the author bringing in something about the Haka performance here. Over 10 years ago, Bolaji published a Tebogo Adventure book titled Tebogo and the Haka. One got the impression then that he really admired the Haka routine... no doubt he still is. "Haka" at a pub in Iya Alaje!!
ReplyDeleteHEARTY CONGRATULATIONS! Two new books ... quality works ... when you think Mr Bolaji is in decline he suddenly rises to the occasion with elan and bravura. WELL DONE!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Uncle, Boss and Mentor. Two at a time...double accolades to a man of literature. Kudos
ReplyDeleteTHANKS, BISHOP
DeleteI hope to read Mr Bolaji's writings on day as they are unavailable in my country . . .
ReplyDeleteUmtil then I must content myself with reviews from his many followers.
on IYA ALAJE book: A fine portrait of a strong enterprising woman - but we must remember that the reality is actually the situation of a woman, a mortal being doing her best to keep her head above the water, fend for herself and her loved ones, school fees, rent and the like. We must not be carried away by any glittering facade - kudos to Iya Alaje for her indefatigable unflagging spirit...
ReplyDeleteAnother stupendous achievement by Mr. Bolaji, two new books released at once. What motivates him after many decades of success? A born writer, no doubt!
ReplyDeleteWhat it is to have written so much over the years, across all genres and topics... and apparently not slow down after seemingly doing it all. I can understand the (major) work on books, et al as Bolaji has concentrated on this for quite a number of years now in recent times. In fact, his book, Calamity Angst which came out a couple of years ago is largely a summary of significant African writers and their books. The author goes a step further here, but mainly by focusing on a large number of books, mainly written by Africans.
ReplyDeleteAs for the other work, Iya Alaje, the first thing that strikes one is that it is entirely based in west Africa, Nigeria no doubt. The second thing is that the story is written in the first person, with a first person narrator. This is similar to the narrative style of most of the Tebogo (Mystery) books which the author is mainly known for. But also note that People of the Townships, one of the author's general novels, also has a first person narrator. The conclusion might well be that Bolaji prefers telling a story in the first person. One might also wonder: how much of the author is in the persona and perspective of the narrator in of Iya Alaje? Perhaps an interesting conjecture!
How many books has Omoseye Bolaji published? I have heard many discussions about this, and it appears the author himself is rarely drawn into discussing the issue. Is it 20 books, 30, or even 40? An indication can be drawn from Wikipedia which lists well over 30 titles by the author. Anyway, with two new books out almost at the same time early this year, it is fair to say the author is quite a prolific African writer. The new work on Books is certainly one of the most important; whilst Iya Alaje is latest "sliver" of fiction by Bolaji
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ReplyDeleteI have always been impressed with Mr Bolaji's dedication to the arts, esp literature. It is so heartening because it is clear that he is hardly motivated by personal or mercenary interests ...he just wants to write. From all accounts, he's always been like this. He has been writing and publishing for decades, and when you think he's done more than enough, he suddenly comes out with two books at once like he has done now - the major one focusing on many books and authors.
As a woman, I'm excited with the other book, Iya Alaje, which features a hard working lady. At first reading, I actually thought the author rather spoilt or overdid things with the humour in the work. Then I realised that it is actually a mature, realistic book. E.g the narrator is supposed to be an aging sardonic gentleman, but he is not actually a stuffed shirt or a dog in the manger. He appears negative to a certain extent, but he is not really. The humour - I am not sure that I can explain it well, but it does look like "inverted humour", with the narrator being the butt or recipient of a few cynical jokes.
As for the main female character, Iya Alaje (Toyin) we almost see her in front of us. We can easily conclude that she is feisty, witty, humorous, doughty and hard working. And of course attractive which explains why the men love frequenting the place. She can be quite serious too and scolding, but not overdone. I read the story twice, quickly.
Congratulations Prof Bolaji on your two new books. I'm happy for you and you continue to surprise many by your consistency of writing and publishing so many works year in and year out.
ReplyDeleteWe love your undying spirit of growing literature and wish you get recognition you deserve while you are still among the walking one's.
I can't wait for my copy of 'Bards and Barbs'.
Ke a leboha, prof Thiba - bastion of quintessential African Writing
DeleteSplendid piece, and Comments. Reassuring to encounter an African wordsmith like this ... growing by leaps and bounds
ReplyDeleteOn IYA ALAJE book:
ReplyDeleteI agree with the reviewer who pointed out that there really can be no glamour in the life of (any) average Iya Alaje in real life, and I don't believe that is the impression the author wanted to give. I for one know several such ladies trying to earn a living in this wise. It's problem problems everytime. Apart from the obvious ones like rent, fending for kids, electricity bills etc, then there are less obvious constraints like the toll on the body, on one's health. One's health regularly breaks down as the never ending daily grind takes a toll - visits to clinics and pharmacists regularly ... But anyway this is fiction.
BOOKS BARDS BARBS
ReplyDeleteSo many books, so many reviews, most of them short. A major exception is Futhi Nthshingila's Shameless, which the author must have liked a lot. More time is also devoted to Nkosi's classic, Mating Birds. A very commendable compendium
I like this:
ReplyDelete"I enjoyed reading many of the comments (Reviews) here - mainly on the work, Books Bards and Barrbs. Indeed the author Omoseye Bolaji writes positively about (for one) Futhi Ntshingila's literary work, as he focuses on at least two of her major books here.
Bolaji probably admires Ntshingila as a sort of kindred spirit (though she's a woman). She, like Bolaji, writes well, with a lot of empathy; with humour and dry wit even when dealing with pathos.
But intellectually, Ntshingila is no doubt superior, despite Bolaji publishing many fine works on literary criticism (like this new one). This might well be because Bolaji can hardly be identified with any real ideology over the years, having claimed in the past that such things (ideology) are largely artificial and hypocritical. But to his credit he always celebrates books and writers"
A LIFETIME OF WRITING. Very commendable and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThe variety of Mr Bolaji's writings are astounding, almost unbelievable. And 2 new books out at once ...I congratulate him also
ReplyDeleteA significant, salient writer, Mr Bolaji, but we Africans must read more, much more, and get to read and encourage our writers. I remember reading Bolaji's book, The Ghostly Adversary many many years ago, and I felt it was a masterpiece then. But how many of us have read the book? Or to choose another superb African writer, Ayi Kwei Armah ... how many of his own great novels have we read?
ReplyDeleteI have just read the Iya Alaje book - quite interesting. And amusing
ReplyDeleteYes, the author has written and published a great deal over the years - including literary appreciation (like his new work, Books bards and barbs) and fiction (Iya Alaje, the latest). For many, his Tebogo Mystery series will remain his strongest contribution to African Writing - by the way, when is he going to add another adventure to the Tebogo series?
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite writers. A fine African writer, and sometimes amusing. This can be seen in the new story, Iya Alaje (is the protagonist such an old relic?) As for Bolaji's other new work,Books, Bards and Barbs - certainly one of his best ever works. Well done
ReplyDeleteWonderful to read this piece again - and savour the many interesting comments here now. Up African literature!
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