City to host book fair

THE EARTH Art Writers’ Guild will be hosting the second annual Kimberley Book Fair later this year.

Following last year’s very successful inaugural event, September’s fair aligns with the global event, Banned Books Week, with its main theme being “Celebrating Suppressed Voices”.

“Through hosting a variety of writers and readers, the Kimberley Book Fair aims to establish a strong network which benefits local talent through granting access to local and international writers’ networks,” explained event spokesperson, Carolynn Moralaldi, on Friday.

“The book fair attracts a vast and diverse audience, as programme participants include young performers from Amandla Dance Teatro, to local prison readings by renowned South African and international writers.”

The keynote speaker and featured guest for the fair will be Fijian-born poet, Daren Kamali, who is based in New Zealand and has authored two poetry collections as well as releasing two music albums.

He will be joined by more than 40 other local and international participants including Rose Francis, Philippa de Villiers, Mphutlane Bofelo and many others.

“This year’s fair also sees the launch of the Y-Rhymefest, Kimberley’s first spoken word festival featuring an eclectic mix of poets from around the country,” added Moraladi.

“A list of home-grown poets such as Mogale Sedibe, Nosipho Mtabane, Katlego Blaq Mpotsang, Kevin Mpotsang, Ricci Groenewald and Dina Christiaans will feature in the line up.”

The event will run from September 21 to 24.