The African Print Author’s and Poetry Awards organised a spectacular event as they were honoring African poets and authors across the continent at their second annual ceremony. The APAPA awards were held at the Uncle Tom’s Hall at Orlando West on Saturday and distinguished guests came in numbers to support local creatives and artists making a tremendous impact in literacy and African stories.
The authors were celebrated for telling stories in indigenous languages and celebrating Africa through storytelling, TsietsiPhatsoane is one of the most vocal poets who celebrates story telling through his mother tongue. The writer and publisher has been nominated for the best poetry book called “Kea a Tla” and Phatsoane expressed joy and excitement as he added that hard work pays and gave thanks for the recognition.
African countries that were included are Angola, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Lesotho, winners for the awards received trophies and certificates. The best poetry book awarded to Tsietsi Phatsoane, best art and best theater play was given to Anele Rusi, best urban poem was awarded to Joshua Nkwanaand best traditional poet was awarded to Sehloho Rapmai.
Gauteng News spoke to Livhuwani Ratshitanda, organiser and founder for APAPA, “We are very grateful to celebrate our local writers and authors and giving them well deserved recognition means they can flourish as artists and they shouldn’t stop here. We had a very successful ceremony and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support from community members.”
