In this latest edition of the 20.35 Africa Anthology, we are presented with a remarkable collection of poems that navigate the intricate landscapes of contemporary African existence. These poems resonate with a profound sense of place, identity, and the continuous struggle for liberation and understanding. As you explore the pages of this anthology, you will find voices that are both fierce and tender, each offering a unique perspective on the complexities of life in Africa and the diaspora.
This year’s anthology reflects a collective exploration of themes that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. The poets featured in this volume confront themes of injustice, displacement, resilience, identity, and transformation with a daring authenticity and emotional depth.
Rutendo Chichaya’s “And. And. And.” sets the tone for the anthology by emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity and the moral duty to act against oppression. The lines, “the hunger strikes on sinking stomachs, / the rift remains unfilled, graves unmarked,” evoke a visceral image of suffering and unresolved grief. This poem, like many others in this collection, speaks to the relentless pursuit of liberation and the importance of raising our voices against silence. The recurring “And. And. And.” underscores the ongoing and relentless nature of these struggles across various regions, including Sudan, Congo, Somalia, and Palestine.
Chinuzoke Chinuwa’s poems “Adam of Abak” and “Mosquito Bite” take us on a reflective journey, exploring themes of innocence, exile, and the enduring hope found in waiting. In “Adam of Abak,” the poet writes, “We woke up to winds of the Atlantic kissing / our feet, our lives so small but everything to us,” capturing the juxtaposition of a vast, indifferent world and the intimate, cherished moments of personal experience. These poems evoke a sense of longing and the quiet resilience needed to navigate the uncertain spaces of displacement.
Faith and identity are intricately woven into the fabric of this anthology. Israa Hassan’s “Innocence” and “Devotion” beautifully intertwine spiritual and cultural heritage, offering a lyrical exploration of the adhan and the sacred moments that define a Muslim’s journey through life. The lines, “The intentional lyrical love left him / and settled in the seashell of my ear,” from “Innocence” poignantly capture the intimate and profound impact of faith on identity. The adhan, a call to prayer, symbolizes both a beginning and a return, reflecting the cyclical nature of faith and existence.
Brian Gyamfi’s “F I S H H E A D” and “W H A T W I L L P E O P L E S A Y” challenge our perceptions of identity and legacy. His vivid imagery and fragmented storytelling invite readers to contemplate the multifaceted nature of self and the legacies we inherit. The line, “My grandfather visits the cardiologist on Mondays. He believes there are angels walking on his chest,” from “W H A T W I L L P E O P L E S A Y” illustrates the blend of personal memory and broader cultural narratives, creating a rich, textural experience of human existence.
Transformation and healing are central to the narrative arc of this anthology. Simon Ng’uni’s “Gazelles” and Tahnia Barrie’s “To Call the Air a Limb” use the natural world to explore resilience and adaptation. In “Gazelles,” the poet writes, “there must be wings, to carry a doe to his beloved if his feet have failed / to catch the flight of his longing,” using the metaphor of wings to symbolize the continuous process of healing and self-discovery. Katleho Kano Shoro’s “Lehare La Pelo Ya Ka” and “Sejo Sa Ledimo” further delve into the process of healing, depicting the poet’s journey towards self-reclamation and renewal.
The complexities of love and sacrifice are poignantly captured in Jerry Ayodele’s “Longing to Suffer” and Sarah Yanni’s “My Father Plays Five Instruments.” These poems explore the deep emotional bonds between individuals, highlighting the sacrifices made in the name of love and the unspoken emotions that define familial relationships. In “Longing to Suffer,” the poet writes, “I’ve been longing to suffer / with you in the normal everyday way,” expressing a profound desire for shared experience and connection.
Isaac Parbey’s “A Balancing Act” and Goodnews Karibo’s “Portrait of Disjointed Parts” and “The Roost” offer messages of hope and perseverance. These poems reflect on the personal struggle and the journey towards self-acceptance, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. In “A Balancing Act,” Parbey writes, “I hope you know you deserve better. / I hope you know it’s not your sins / catching up with you,” offering a message of encouragement and perseverance.
Damilola Omotoyinbo’s “Ìbàdàn” captures the vibrant life of the city, using vivid imagery to celebrate its cultural and historical significance. The lines, “seven hills beckon / the sun to a dance. two steps / forward, another to the left,” create a dynamic portrait of Ìbàdàn, reflecting the poet’s deep connection to its rhythms and people. The anthology also explores the cultural dynamics and intergenerational relationships in Lola Oh’s “The Fishmonger,” where the poet writes, “the fishmonger holds / his knife like a surgeon. removes / the bones of a fish like milk teeth.”
Nicole Adabunu’s “God Gets Caught Sobbing Uncontrollably in His Hands” presents a powerful depiction of divine sorrow and the weight of creation. The lines, “teardrops race his elbows, veining his arms / lightning. it’s a foggy sight for the angels –,” capture the intensity of divine grief, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition. Hana Meron’s “Bathsheba Remembering” explores themes of loneliness, loss, and the cost of unraveling one’s identity and relationships, with lines like “Unmoor everything around me to grieve; / The cost of unraveling all mine to pay.”
In this anthology, we witness a convergence of voices that illuminate contemporary African realities with a raw and unflinching honesty. Each poem invites readers to step into a world of vivid imagery and profound emotion, offering new understandings and connections. This volume is a celebration of diverse experiences and the transformative power of poetry. As you read through this anthology, may you find yourself moved, challenged, and inspired by the voices within these pages. This volume is a testament to the transformative power of poetry and the resilience of the African spirit. It is a celebration of diverse experiences, a call for collective action, and a reflection on the beauty and complexity of contemporary African life.
This anthology is dedicated to the resilient people of the Congo and Palestine, and all those around the world who are fighting for freedom and justice against the forces of global imperialism. Your courage, strength, and unwavering spirit inspire us all. Through the power of words and the shared human experience, we stand in solidarity with you and your struggles. May these poems serve as a reminder of the universal quest for liberation and the enduring hope for a brighter, more just world.
Kwame Opoku-Duku