literature
News Brief
Rufaro Samanga
Apr. 07, 2020 06:36AM EST
Photo courtesy of Upile Chisala.

Upile Chisala set to host book readings on Instagram Live this week.

Join Upile Chisala For Soothing Readings of Her Latest Works

Malawian poet Upile Chisala is set to deliver readings from her three poetry collections on Instagram Live.

Malawian poet Upile Chisala is set to deliver readings of her latest works of poetry on Instagram Live this week.

On the 8th of April, she'll be hosting a session where she'll read from her first two works Soft Magic and Nectar while the session on the 9th of April will include a reading from her latest work titled AFire Like You. Both sessions will take place at 8 PM (SAST).

Chisala recently announced the news of her upcoming readings on social media.

The talented poet has released three collections of poetry thus far, all of which seek to empower Black women through a riveting exploration of love, vulnerability, femininity and liberation. As a 2018 OkayAfrica 100 Women honoree, we describe Chisala in the following words:

"Upile Chisala's version of a powerful woman is one who has flaws. She may fall short and cry at the kitchen sink from time to time, but she is dynamic and complex, strong and soft. Her strength lies in the fact that she is many things all at once. The Malawian storyteller's work is an expression of these multilayered women (she prefers the use of "womxn") in their many forms, particularly African women."

You can purchase Soft Magic, Nectar and A Fire Like You here.

Chisala is among the many artists and creatives who've settled into using social media to connect with their respective audiences during a time of social-distancing and national lockdowns due to the growing coronavirus outbreak.

READ: Here's How Artists are Navigating the World of Music Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak

Many African musicians have hopped onto YouTube's weekend online festival, "Stay Home #WithMe", which has seen live performances from the likes of Reekado Banks, Nadia Nakai, Manu WorldStar, Skales, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Simi, M.anifest and several other music heavyweights over the past two weekends.

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Photo by Amos Gumulira

Malawi’s President Says Half the Country Damaged by Cyclone Freddy

The death toll in Malawi has reached 447 people, with 282 residents missing and close to 400,000 people still displaced.

It has been a month since Cyclone Freddy ravaged Madagascar and then made a downfall in Malawi and Mozambique. But the aftermath of the tragedy still rages on. As more officials work to uncover the devastating effects of the cyclone that led to the loss of many lives, more details are surfacing.

In an interview with The Guardian published on Monday (March 20th), Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera said that over half of his country has been damaged by Cyclone Freddy.

“This demonstrates that climate change issues are real and we are standing right in the path of it,” Chakwera told The Guardian. Chakwera also stated that the devastation of the cyclone could very well keep Malawi in the cycle of poverty.

According to reports from the country’s authorities, the death toll in Malawi has reached 447 people, with 282 residents missing and close to 400,000 people still displaced. (When you factor in Mozambique and Madagascar, there have been close to 600 confirmed deaths.)

Cyclone Freddy first mounted in Australia before traveling across the Indian Ocean and settling in south-east Africa, where it destroyed property and killed residents across Mozambique, Madagascar, Zimbabwe and now, Malawi. This intense deadly storm has been dubbed one of the longest-lasting tropical cyclones ever recorded in history.

Chakwera also detailed the effects of the tragedy, stating that the country, which has a population of over 19 million people, was in dire straits.

“We need everyone’s help and support for this tragedy to be mitigated,” Chakwera said. “We are suffering and we can’t meet the needs. We have set up temporary camps and food is needed, shelter, yes, but must go past that and build stronger because of the damage.

There is also concern over an elevated cholera risk; since last year, there has been a cholera outbreak that has killed more than 1,700, making it one of the deadliest on record. Those numbers are now expected to go up.

“With the floods, people’s toilets have been washed away and most people have no access to safe drinking water,” Storn Kabuluzi, health services director, said.

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Photo by AMOS GUMULIRA/AFP via Getty Images

Worst Cyclone In Southern Africa's History Kills 190

35 days in, and Tropical Storm Freddy has torn through Malawi and Mozambique, making it the region's longest lasting cyclone to date.

Southern Africa is currently in the grips of a very intense tropical cyclone. Tropical Cyclone Freddy is on its way out, according to meteorologists, however, the record-breaking tropical storm has left behind a trail of debris, death, and destruction in its five-week journey across the Indian ocean. Hundreds of people in Malawi and Mozambique have had to battle torrential rain and devastating wind twice this month, many falling victim to what has come to be the Earth's longest-lasting tropical storm.

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Photo by Nino Kojo on Unsplash

Places in Lagos to Have Fun this Weekend

From festivals to live shows from Seyi Vibes and Johnny Drille, here are the events you shouldn't miss in Lagos this weekend.

With Nigeria’s presidential inauguration on the horizon (May 29), it’s officially going to be a three-day weekend. And we’ve no reason at all to complain, so we are taking it one step at a time. First, Children’s Day is arguably this weekend’s centerpiece holiday, and The Palms Shopping Mall on the Island is putting together a fun showcase for the kids.

In that spirit, adults who have always wanted to partake in children-themed activities can head to Landmark Beach for their No Adulting Party. Elsewhere, Seyi Vibes takes to an intimate stage for the grand opening of Hard Rock Nightclub on the Mainland.

As of late, the rising street pop artist has been entangled in a fabricated rivalry with Asake, polarizing social media, and we are calmly looking at how it will play out.

The Palms’ Children’s Day Showcase

While this year’s Children’s Day is brimming with event ideas everywhere (dance party, camping, picnics etc), why not take them to The Palms? The Palms Shopping Mall is curating a weekend of magic and wonder with their Children’s Day Showcase. From art, music, dance, comedy to lots of fun games and prizes to be won, The Palms has the kids covered.

Friday, May 26 - Sunday, May 28, 12pm - 6pm

Venue: Palms Shopping Mall, Lekki

Cost: Free

Hard Rock Nightclub Opening with Seyi Vibez

There’s something about a club opening that makes the night special. Opening its door to the public, Hard Rock nightclub has invited Seyi Vibez as a performer. Seyi Vibez is riding the waves of his latest single "Hat Trick," but fans will be hoping to see him perform his 2022 single "Chance (Na Ham)." He will be joined by DJ Pash and Keshi


Friday, May 26, 10pm

Venue: 62, Opebi Road Ikeja

Cost: Free

I Am Fit Festival

It can feel easier to stay at home while doing workouts, watching fitness videos, and meditating on yoga mats. But nowadays, fitness fitness are becoming extravaganzas that have spilled from Instagram. They can be a great way to meet fitness enthusiasts, local trainers, celebs, and whatnot. This weekend, the I Am Fitness festival aims to live up to that task, featuring workouts, games, and a boxing bootcamp.

Saturday, May 27, 7am

Venue: Rivbond Plaza, Behind Total Filling Station, Abraham Adesanys, Lekan

Cost: Free

No Adulting Party at Landmark Beach

Ever wanted to relive your childhood memories playing the games and activities you indulged in now as an adult? In a time where children-themed parties are being catered towards adults, here’s your time to meet other adults who are kids at heart at the No Adulting Party at Landmark Beach.

The event is in conjunction with Lyfe on the Beach, with fun activities like foam party, musical chairs, face painting, water guns, bouncy castle, sack race, Playstation 1 and 2, and many other games.

Saturday, May 27, 2pm

Venue: 4, Water Corporation Road, Oniru, Victoria Island

Cost: From N5,500K (early bird)

Smirnoff Pineapple Punch Launch Party

The Pineapple Punch joins Smirnoff Ice’s exciting range of products released in the market. The flavor has been around for a while, but now Smirnoff has thought it nice to throw a party in its name. Young John is set to perform, with DJ Consequence and Wanni x Handi on the turntable.

Saturday, May 27, 7pm

Venue: Bolivar Bar, 10 Wole Olateju Crescent, Lekki

Cost: Free

Hertitude 2023

Hertitude is the women-focused festival from Zikoko, one of Nigeria’s top digital media platforms. The festival is inspired by their HER content vertical, which chronicles the lives and experiences of Nigerian women.

With its successful debut in 2022, the festival returns this year cranking up the fun and activities. It’s being publicized as an event for hot babes and baddies, seeking to strengthen bonds via games, music, sip and paint, pottery, candle making and lots more.

Saturday, May 27, 3pm - 11pm

Venue: Astrosoccer, 1, Osborne Road, Off 2nd Avenue, Ikoyi

Cost: From N5875

Cruising with Bikaholics of Lagos

Bikaholics of Lagos is a growing cycling community organizing bike rides and not to mention their Sunset Cruise, which has become their flagship event. Holding this Sunday, this month’s Sunset Cruise will set sail at Ikoyi and there’s also an opportunity to rent a bicycle if you want one.

Sunday, May 28, 5pm

Venue: Fantasy Land, 42 Alfred Rewane Rd, Ikoyi

Cost: Free

Johnny Drille Live

R&B star Johnny Drille is teaming up with the good guys at Afro Vibes Lagos for an intimate live experience. Titled Believe, it’s based on the emotional ballad Believe Me which he released in April. Drille has come a long way from his mini concert tour Johnny’s Room Live in 2018. And Lagos has a special place in his heart, which makes Johnny Drille Live an event not to miss.

Sunday, May 28, 7pm

Venue: Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island

Cost: N20K (early bird)

Interview
Photo courtesy of the artist.

Interview: Joeboy Wants to Take on the World

The Afrobeats star talks global dominance, future plans, and his new album, Body & Soul.

Joeboy’s ascent has been meteoric.

Since his 2019 breakout single, "Baby,” the Nigerian musician has amassed a year-by-year plethora of continental hit singles that have cemented him as Afrobeats’ sweetheart and a true African popstar.

Releasing an EP and an album along the way, Joeboy’s often romantically-themed music, which usually seeks to serenade, has gradually morphed into more varied forms of love—he is love-starved in “Alcohol,” correctional in “Contour,” thirsty in “Duffel-bag,” and affectionate in “Body & Soul.” Those four singles preface his much-anticipated sophomore album, Body & Soul.

“This album definitely has more edge, it is less innocent than the first one,” Joeboy tells OkayAfrica about his new album, which is titled after one of his earlier singles.

With well over a billion streams, Joeboy swiftly became a vanguard of the new class of Afrobeats superstars, but with his latest effort, the Lagos-bred artist seeks to stamp his African popstar claim on the world stage.

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