African superhero flies high
If comic lovers and superhero fanatics have been praying for a South African comic book that looks, sounds and to some degree acts like something they are familiar with, then Kwezi is here to heed their calls.
In its marvellous first series that includes three editions, readers meet Kwezi, a flying superhero who busts crime in the fictional Gold City while trying to balance these newfound skills with his life as a regular guy who lives in a modest one-room dwelling away from the city’s glamorous high-rises.
After almost breaking the internet when people find out about his powers, he learns that his superhero status isn’t just for getting girls and trending on Twitter — it’s about fulfilling a responsibility given to him by his ancestors, the Star People.
Guided by the great Mohale, and with the help of Mohale’s right- and left-hand superheroes, Azania and Khoi, Kwezi reluctantly returns home to what looks like the former Transkei, to consult elders and ancestors as an act of accepting his great mission.
Series creator and illustrator Loyiso Mkize is a 29-year-old from Butterworth who cut his teeth illustrat- ing the very popular Supa Strikers series. The writing reads easily and is very localised, peppered with slang, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Sesotho, but could do with a more thorough editor’s eye.
The first book of this series, published by David Philip Publishers, is available at major bookstores for R96 and is begging to be read between the bed sheets by a teenager this winter.
Mamadou Kelly: I have often wondered what draws my son to Mamadou Kelly’s Djamila. But then again, his body says it all: a rhythmic foot stomp here (to ride out the groove), an approximation of the call-and-response there. It is richly textured music that allows you to get lost in the arrangements. (KS) Lianne la Havas: I listen to a wide variety of music, usually from periods before “current music” such as the 1990s. I am constantly on the hunt for artists that aren’t normally played on mainstream radio stations.
I recently discovered Lianne la Havas, who I’m currently obsessed with and have on repeat, as well as Anderson Paak, Yuna and Ruth B. I prefer listening to music that tells a story but, more importantly, conveys a message that I support. (AS) J-Cole: I am currently listening to J-Cole because he’s coming to South Africa really soon and because he is one of my favourite rappers of all time. He speaks about matters of race and black
How Crab Lost His Head and Other Animal Tales from Africa: This is a collection of 19 legends from various cultural groups on the continent by Nick Greaves and illustrator David du Plessis. Masande’s imagination lights up as we slowly go through these tales, re-enacting the voices of various characters. It might not make up for izinganekwane zika gogo (grandma’s stories), but it does tide him over. (KS) Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: I have just finished reading Mildred D Taylor’s book, which is 40 years old this year. (AS) I Write What I Like: I just got introduced to Steve Biko. (Cue wide-eyed emoticon.) (ZS)