Omoseye Bolaji - Writer with the grassroots touch
- By Raselebeli Khotseng
- Published September 19, 2009
- Features
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Rating:
Raselebeli Khotseng
Raselebeli Khotseng is a South African poet.
Omoseye Bolaji - Writer with the grassroots touch
- By Raselebeli Khotseng
Tebogo and the epithalamion (2009), the latest in the “Tebogo Mokoena Mystery series” created by Omoseye Bolaji was published earlier this year. For many readers in South Africa of course, Omoseye Bolaji is synonymous with Free State Black Literature. The new book (Tebogo and the epithalamion) is a testimony to the enduring powers of the author as a writer with the “grassroots touch” – a black African author whose books are read and enjoyed by many at grassroots level. As a rather prolific author Omoseye Bolaji has an army of readers who are enamoured by his books, especially the fiction.
In South Africa his readers are legion. In Free State libraries alone, thousands of copies of his books are available. He is one author who knows how to grip and enthrall readers. He hardly strives for literary aesthetics, but this does not mean he’s entirely pedestrian. Because of his prolific publications, many people tend to overlook the fact that Omoseye Bolaji is actually a versatile writer who has published much more than fiction. He has produced books on literary criticism, poetry, drama, biography, and general works. (see list of works at end of this article)
Important works (novels) of Omoseye Bolaji over the years include The ghostly adversary (2001), Impossible Love (2000), and People of the townships (2003). Like his creative works in general, the plots of these books are constructed in such a way that the general reader just has to read on till the invariably unexpected conclusion.
Bolaji is also a literary activist who has performed wonders in unearthing and galvanizing burgeoning black writers from the grassroots to contribute their own quota to literature by way of publishing their own short stories, reviews, literary oriented articles, and their own books too.
Indeed the Citation on Omoseye Bolaji by the University of the Free State when he was conferred with the Chancellor’s Medal in 2007, states inter alia:
“Bolaji’s outstanding contribution to the community has been the dozens of black Free State authors who were either directly or inspired by him. Many have become important writers after reading his books. Others were mentored and supported to publish their books… The Eclectic Writers Club that Bolaji co-started years ago in Mangaung literally spearheaded a literary revolution in the province and beyond, by providing black people with the confidence to write and publish popular, informative books. He has also contributed to the community at grassroots level by establishing a culture of reading and of appreciating literature… The works of Omoseye Bolaji, in themselves stand as a monument. However it is his extraordinary contributions to grassroots literacy and appreciation of African literature, as well as his mentoring and support of black Free State authors that are worthy of recognition. Mr. Bolaji has almost single-handedly succeeded in creating a vibrant, relevant and respected Free States black literature not only through his example, but also by instilling confidence in the authors of the region…”
Perhaps Omoseye Bolaji’s most popular fictional creation is the “Tebogo Mokoena Mystery series” initiated in 2000. The first book was Tebogo Investigates. The series features the earthy, humane, zestful Tebogo; the man who is not averse to sharing drinks with all sorts of shady characters, male and female, and in the end ferreting out the truth in the assorted mysteries. There are now six books constituting the “Tebogo Mystery series”.
What are those ingredients that make Omoseye Bolaji’s fiction so interesting? They include a gripping, fascinating plot; the gallery of interesting often delectable women that dot the books, the racy action and conversations, and also the fact that most of the fictional works are written in the first person, essentially informally, with the reader fascinated and “hooked”.
Books come to life for so many of us when they include memorable characters that we seem to know vividly. For example, whilst alive, Bessie Head confessed that she loved creating powerful male characters (like Maru). One of the fascinations of Omoseye Bolaji’s books, admittedly from the male point of view is the way he can swiftly bring a female character alive, infusing her with irresistible feminineness and sensuousness.
In the very first adventure of Tebogo Mokoena, - Tebogo Investigates - from the very moment he meets Susan he becomes fascinated and somewhat enchanted with her. We are told:
Tebogo stood up, his heart beginning to race. What a sexy lady! He thought. No wonder the men are all crazy over her. Susan was rather tall for a lady. Her skin was flawless. Her slender frame seemed the stuff of dreams. She walked with grace. There was a friendly interest and smile on her face. She was wearing a sort of light gown which did not hide her lovely legs. Tebogo stared at her, temporarily confused.
“Hi; it’s Mr. Tebogo, isn’t it?” she said, shaking hands. “Call me Susan.”
For a terrible moment, Tebogo found out that he had lost his voice. He willed himself to pull himself together. But his voice sounded hoarse…
(Page 34, Tebogo Investigates)
Note that this is the ONLY book in the Tebogo Mystery series not written in the first person. Tebogo Investigates has a general narrator, using the omnipresent “Eye of God” method. But the next five books in the series are written in the first person, arguably making them more interesting.
In Ask Tebogo again, an intriguing woman wreaks havoc – but she’s not particularly beautiful. She has allure though, which Tebogo Mokoena acknowledges upon meeting her:
“Yes, the dark lady was beside us now and we both stared at each other. She was tall and slender, but what I found most outstanding about her were her eyes. They seemed to be amazingly friendly, sort of ablaze and frank. I have to be honest though and admit that many would also describe her as being ‘sluttish’…”
(Page 44, Ask Tebogo)
One of the charms of Tebogo and the haka (2008) is the character of Charlotte, another intriguing lady. Her relationship with Tebogo borders very much on the romantic (though Tebogo is happily married to another woman). He is clearly attracted to her, and I have heard it vouchsafed by many readers that many men would not have blamed him if he had succumbed to her charms when we read:
She directed me to her house, a beautiful, though small mansion. I parked in front of the place in the darkness and opened the car door for her. She was deliciously intoxicated and smiling beatifically.
“Thanks so much,” I said. “Take care of yourself.” I gave her a peck on the cheek.
“Robala hantle”
“Such a gentleman” she said. “You deserve a kiss”
And she kissed me on the mouth.
(Page 38, Tebogo and the haka)
The irony of these books is that in so many cases these alluring ladies turn out to be the villains; and of course we find out only at the end of the book.
Aside the Tebogo Mokoena Mystery series (Six in all now), general works of fiction of Bolaji include Impossible Love (2000), The ghostly adversary (2001) and People of the Townships (2003). Impossible Love is a charming love story between a man and his daughter (!) – both unaware of their blood ties; The ghostly adversary is an authentic “African thriller” which races on to a stunning conclusion.
Though on the surface both works might seem as dissimilar as chalk and cheese the plots are not so different. It is because Amos the suitor protagonist of Impossible Love leaves South Africa and goes into exile for many years that he does not even realize that he has a daughter who has blossomed into a beautiful young lady. Additionally, it is his experiences outside the country (in exile) that largely make him so attractive to Betty (his blood daughter) as their relationship takes root.
Unbeknownst to readers the following small passage actually provides the key to the intriguing, impossible situation in this work where a man does not even know he is wooing his own daughter:
“Your father was lucky to have a wonderful daughter like you,” said Amos
Betty said: “He was always there for me, strong, patient and understanding. He saved my life when I was a kid. He rarely knew I continued to remember it, for I was so young then…”
The Ghostly adversary showcases a trio of middle aged gentlemen who find themselves being attacked and besieged by an “adversary” unknown to townships them.. It is only later on in the book that we learn that a lady they had raped many years ago in their youth was now out for revenge! Interestingly the lady in question (Susan) also goes into exile where fortune smiles on her.
People of the townships is a much praised work of the author’s. It seems to be more serious than the other books with an ambience close to despair. Although not full of many twists and turns as in other Bolaji works, the conclusion is absolutely stupendous; and the reader realizes after a second reading that the clues to the stunning finale were actually in the book throughout.
In People of the Townships “kasi” (“Township”) life is unveiled and briefly filtered through the mind and action of the protagonist, John Lefuo within hours on a particular day. But it must be pointed out that it would be misleading to conclude that the work is an un-budding of black culture; in reality the impression one largely gets is that township life is essentially an extension of URBAN life in general.
Twists and turns are indeed an integral part of Bolaji’s writings. These are not restricted to the eventual endings of the books, but run throughout most of the works. Two examples, taken from two of the Tebogo Mystery series books, will suffice here, to explain this. Firstly when Tebogo Mokoena meets “Sebastien the lawyer”, one of the minor, yet interesting characters in Tebogo fails (2003):
“Aah, Tebogo” (said Sebastien) “Interesting thing obiter dicta, isn’t it?” I looked at him in ignorance. “You know, Judges are at their best while delivering judgment. Res ipsa loquitur. Per rem judicata. That sort of thing?”
This man was making me feel like an ignoramus. He must be a lawyer!
- By Raselebeli Khotseng
Tebogo and the epithalamion (2009), the latest in the “Tebogo Mokoena Mystery series” created by Omoseye Bolaji was published earlier this year. For many readers in South Africa of course, Omoseye Bolaji is synonymous with Free State Black Literature. The new book (Tebogo and the epithalamion) is a testimony to the enduring powers of the author as a writer with the “grassroots touch” – a black African author whose books are read and enjoyed by many at grassroots level. As a rather prolific author Omoseye Bolaji has an army of readers who are enamoured by his books, especially the fiction.
In South Africa his readers are legion. In Free State libraries alone, thousands of copies of his books are available. He is one author who knows how to grip and enthrall readers. He hardly strives for literary aesthetics, but this does not mean he’s entirely pedestrian. Because of his prolific publications, many people tend to overlook the fact that Omoseye Bolaji is actually a versatile writer who has published much more than fiction. He has produced books on literary criticism, poetry, drama, biography, and general works. (see list of works at end of this article) Important works (novels) of Omoseye Bolaji over the years include The ghostly adversary (2001), Impossible Love (2000), and People of the townships (2003). Like his creative works in general, the plots of these books are constructed in such a way that the general reader just has to read on till the invariably unexpected conclusion.
Bolaji is also a literary activist who has performed wonders in unearthing and galvanizing burgeoning black writers from the grassroots to contribute their own quota to literature by way of publishing their own short stories, reviews, literary oriented articles, and their own books too.
Indeed the Citation on Omoseye Bolaji by the University of the Free State when he was conferred with the Chancellor’s Medal in 2007, states inter alia:
“Bolaji’s outstanding contribution to the community has been the dozens of black Free State authors who were either directly or inspired by him. Many have become important writers after reading his books. Others were mentored and supported to publish their books… The Eclectic Writers Club that Bolaji co-started years ago in Mangaung literally spearheaded a literary revolution in the province and beyond, by providing black people with the confidence to write and publish popular, informative books. He has also contributed to the community at grassroots level by establishing a culture of reading and of appreciating literature… The works of Omoseye Bolaji, in themselves stand as a monument. However it is his extraordinary contributions to grassroots literacy and appreciation of African literature, as well as his mentoring and support of black Free State authors that are worthy of recognition. Mr. Bolaji has almost single-handedly succeeded in creating a vibrant, relevant and respected Free States black literature not only through his example, but also by instilling confidence in the authors of the region…”
Perhaps Omoseye Bolaji’s most popular fictional creation is the “Tebogo Mokoena Mystery series” initiated in 2000. The first book was Tebogo Investigates. The series features the earthy, humane, zestful Tebogo; the man who is not averse to sharing drinks with all sorts of shady characters, male and female, and in the end ferreting out the truth in the assorted mysteries. There are now six books constituting the “Tebogo Mystery series”.
What are those ingredients that make Omoseye Bolaji’s fiction so interesting? They include a gripping, fascinating plot; the gallery of interesting often delectable women that dot the books, the racy action and conversations, and also the fact that most of the fictional works are written in the first person, essentially informally, with the reader fascinated and “hooked”.
Books come to life for so many of us when they include memorable characters that we seem to know vividly. For example, whilst alive, Bessie Head confessed that she loved creating powerful male characters (like Maru). One of the fascinations of Omoseye Bolaji’s books, admittedly from the male point of view is the way he can swiftly bring a female character alive, infusing her with irresistible feminineness and sensuousness.
In the very first adventure of Tebogo Mokoena, - Tebogo Investigates - from the very moment he meets Susan he becomes fascinated and somewhat enchanted with her. We are told:
Tebogo stood up, his heart beginning to race. What a sexy lady! He thought. No wonder the men are all crazy over her. Susan was rather tall for a lady. Her skin was flawless. Her slender frame seemed the stuff of dreams. She walked with grace. There was a friendly interest and smile on her face. She was wearing a sort of light gown which did not hide her lovely legs. Tebogo stared at her, temporarily confused.
“Hi; it’s Mr. Tebogo, isn’t it?” she said, shaking hands. “Call me Susan.”
For a terrible moment, Tebogo found out that he had lost his voice. He willed himself to pull himself together. But his voice sounded hoarse…
(Page 34, Tebogo Investigates)
Note that this is the ONLY book in the Tebogo Mystery series not written in the first person. Tebogo Investigates has a general narrator, using the omnipresent “Eye of God” method. But the next five books in the series are written in the first person, arguably making them more interesting.
In Ask Tebogo again, an intriguing woman wreaks havoc – but she’s not particularly beautiful. She has allure though, which Tebogo Mokoena acknowledges upon meeting her:
“Yes, the dark lady was beside us now and we both stared at each other. She was tall and slender, but what I found most outstanding about her were her eyes. They seemed to be amazingly friendly, sort of ablaze and frank. I have to be honest though and admit that many would also describe her as being ‘sluttish’…”
(Page 44, Ask Tebogo)
One of the charms of Tebogo and the haka (2008) is the character of Charlotte, another intriguing lady. Her relationship with Tebogo borders very much on the romantic (though Tebogo is happily married to another woman). He is clearly attracted to her, and I have heard it vouchsafed by many readers that many men would not have blamed him if he had succumbed to her charms when we read:
She directed me to her house, a beautiful, though small mansion. I parked in front of the place in the darkness and opened the car door for her. She was deliciously intoxicated and smiling beatifically.
“Thanks so much,” I said. “Take care of yourself.” I gave her a peck on the cheek.
“Robala hantle”
“Such a gentleman” she said. “You deserve a kiss”
And she kissed me on the mouth.
(Page 38, Tebogo and the haka)
The irony of these books is that in so many cases these alluring ladies turn out to be the villains; and of course we find out only at the end of the book.
Aside the Tebogo Mokoena Mystery series (Six in all now), general works of fiction of Bolaji include Impossible Love (2000), The ghostly adversary (2001) and People of the Townships (2003). Impossible Love is a charming love story between a man and his daughter (!) – both unaware of their blood ties; The ghostly adversary is an authentic “African thriller” which races on to a stunning conclusion.
Though on the surface both works might seem as dissimilar as chalk and cheese the plots are not so different. It is because Amos the suitor protagonist of Impossible Love leaves South Africa and goes into exile for many years that he does not even realize that he has a daughter who has blossomed into a beautiful young lady. Additionally, it is his experiences outside the country (in exile) that largely make him so attractive to Betty (his blood daughter) as their relationship takes root.
Unbeknownst to readers the following small passage actually provides the key to the intriguing, impossible situation in this work where a man does not even know he is wooing his own daughter:
“Your father was lucky to have a wonderful daughter like you,” said Amos
Betty said: “He was always there for me, strong, patient and understanding. He saved my life when I was a kid. He rarely knew I continued to remember it, for I was so young then…”
The Ghostly adversary showcases a trio of middle aged gentlemen who find themselves being attacked and besieged by an “adversary” unknown to townships them.. It is only later on in the book that we learn that a lady they had raped many years ago in their youth was now out for revenge! Interestingly the lady in question (Susan) also goes into exile where fortune smiles on her.
People of the townships is a much praised work of the author’s. It seems to be more serious than the other books with an ambience close to despair. Although not full of many twists and turns as in other Bolaji works, the conclusion is absolutely stupendous; and the reader realizes after a second reading that the clues to the stunning finale were actually in the book throughout.
In People of the Townships “kasi” (“Township”) life is unveiled and briefly filtered through the mind and action of the protagonist, John Lefuo within hours on a particular day. But it must be pointed out that it would be misleading to conclude that the work is an un-budding of black culture; in reality the impression one largely gets is that township life is essentially an extension of URBAN life in general.
Twists and turns are indeed an integral part of Bolaji’s writings. These are not restricted to the eventual endings of the books, but run throughout most of the works. Two examples, taken from two of the Tebogo Mystery series books, will suffice here, to explain this. Firstly when Tebogo Mokoena meets “Sebastien the lawyer”, one of the minor, yet interesting characters in Tebogo fails (2003):
“Aah, Tebogo” (said Sebastien) “Interesting thing obiter dicta, isn’t it?” I looked at him in ignorance. “You know, Judges are at their best while delivering judgment. Res ipsa loquitur. Per rem judicata. That sort of thing?”
This man was making me feel like an ignoramus. He must be a lawyer!