Jamala Safari is a Cape Town based poet. He was born and grew up in the Eastern part of the DR Congo. He holds a degree in Biotechnology from the University of the Western Cape. He has published one poetry anthology “Tam Tam sings”, 2008. His debut novel “the Great Agony and Pure Laughter of the Gods” has been shortlisted for the Citizen Book prize 2011. The novel, which is being published by Umuzi, is due in July 2012.
Former radio presenter, he is fairly known through the Western Cape artistic arena. He has been on different stages in the Western Cape and part of many literature festivals; among them: The Franschhoek Literature Festival, Ithuba Art Festival, Badilisha Exchange poetry, Root Festival, etc.
Jamala Safari was 1st prize winner of the 2010 Franschhoek Literary Festival poetry competition "Voices from our valley", (English) Adult Category.
His work has been featured at many artistic exhibitions and used for various campaigns. Among them, Jamala’s poem “alive” which reflects on issues around stigmatization of HIV AIDS patients was used in film documentary “ A Silent Genocide” by Tantra-Zawadi, an American filmmaker as well as for HIV AIDS anti-stigmatization campaign on International AIDS Memorial in Canada in 2010.
Jamala was a guest at the 2012 Franschhoek Literary Festival where he appeared together with Elaine Proctor and Meg Vandermerwe.
He lives and works in Cape Town.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Who is Jamala Safari
Jamala Safari is a Cape Town based poet. He was born and grew up in the Eastern part of the DR Congo. He holds a degree in Biotechnology from the University of the Western Cape. He has published one poetry anthology “Tam Tam sings”, 2008. His debut novel “the Great Agony and Pure Laughter of the Gods” has been shortlisted for the Citizen Book prize 2011. The novel, which is being published by Umuzi, is due in July 2012.
Former radio presenter, he is fairly known through the Western Cape artistic arena. He has been on different stages in the Western Cape and part of many literature festivals; among them: The Franschhoek Literature Festival, Ithuba Art Festival, Badilisha Exchange poetry, Root Festival, etc.
Jamala Safari was 1st prize winner of the 2010 Franschhoek Literary Festival poetry competition "Voices from our valley", (English) Adult Category.
His work has been featured at many artistic exhibitions and used for various campaigns. Among them, Jamala’s poem “alive” which reflects on issues around stigmatization of HIV AIDS patients was used in film documentary “ A Silent Genocide” by Tantra-Zawadi, an American filmmaker as well as for HIV AIDS anti-stigmatization campaign on International AIDS Memorial in Canada in 2010.
Jamala was a guest at the 2012 Franschhoek Literary Festival where he appeared together with Elaine Proctor and Meg Vandermerwe.
He lives and works in Cape Town.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I sat in front of the TV watching this documentary of a Congolese refugee who struggled through life. He taught himself the English language and sent himself to University from a security guard's salary.
ReplyDeleteThis is sheer determination. Jamala Safari I salute you. You are an inspiration.
Clara Tuck, Zimbabwe
Hi Clara,
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you.
Thanks for your support.
Our circumstances should never define our fate.
Cheers,
Jamala
I just watched you this morning on eNCA program, against all odds. I salute your determination and resilience in difficult situations. You are a inspiration and should continue to tell your story.
ReplyDeleteKaren, Zimbabwe