There is a cachet of beauty and permanence that surrounds
published biographies - the world over. The western world regularly publishes
new, (fresh-perspective) biographies on their own key heroes, figures, icons,
be it in politics, entertainment, literature, sports and the like. There is a
huge dearth in this wise in Africa, despite impressive published works on
outstanding figures like Mandela, Nkrumah, Awolowo, Azikiwe, Zuma, Achebe,
Eskia Mphahlele, Soyinka, Ngugi, Senghor, Ayi Kwei Armah, Nyerere... The late
Gilbert Modise from South Africa (Free State) died prematurely but had already
made his mark as a flamboyant personality: priest, parson, healer, poet,
dramatist ("thespian") and polemicist. He was a brilliant writer with
an "out of this world" diction; pundits attested to his top-notch
status as a poet. It gladdens the heart to see this early, maiden work on
Modise written by Qoopane (below, amidst works in his gallery)and Bolaji. Also, strikingly, a few years ago the SA
activist, Mr Mpikeleni Duma organised a special symposium in Gilbert Modise's
honour. But this should only be the beginning - more must come.
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