Mohalenyane Phakela
The Ba Re E Ne Re Literature Festival 2014 kicks off on the evening of Friday 5th September 2014 at Alliance Francaise de Maseru.
According to the festival director, Lineo Segoete, Ba re e ne re was founded in 2011 by Liepollo Rantekoa to advance literary arts in Lesotho and connect Basotho writers and artists with those in the region and around the world. After Liepollo tragically passed away in 2012, her friends and family united to carry on her vision.
“Our mission is to enrich the lives of Basotho by initiating support and action for the benefit of increased literacy and storytelling.
“We wish to facilitate artistic exchange between creatives in Lesotho, Basotho in the diaspora and those from other cultures.
“We know that our country harbours plenty of creative Basotho hungry to publish their writings and an audience that finds entertainment and pride in uniquely Basotho stories.”
The Opening reception and Keynote talk will be from South African writer Niq Mhlongo on cultivating a new generation of readers and writers in Southern Africa as well as Student writing-competition awards presentation (Forms A-E).
Daytime activities will continue on the 6th to the 7th September 2014 at Maseru Preparatory School where sensational and invigorating activities revolving around literature shall take place. The will be books and crafts sales, book exhibitions, bookmaking and creative writing workshops, photo-booth, Games for younger children, Quizzes and prize giveaways and Creative performances; theatre, dance, live music and storytelling. The festival will also celebrate book week or simply literacy day in collaboration with UNESCO and Peace Corps.
A poetry night which includes an open-mic session will be led by Poetry Farm will also be held at the Lehakoe cultural hut on the evening of September 6th and will include performances by a guest from Namibia, Keamogetsi Molapong.
The Ba re e ne re literature festival will host a total of 14 special guests, consisting of five International writers (Niq Mhlongo, Yewande Omotoso, Keamogetsi Molapong and Ntone Edjabe of Chimurenga Magazine) and renowned writer Zakes Mda, as well as 10 Basotho writers (Mpho Makara, Teboho Rantsoabe, Dr Machobane, Sheila Khala, Patrick Bereng, Majakathata Mokoena, Pheko Octavius, Morabo Morojele, Tebby Letsie and Mr Sekhohola). They will all engage in a variety of activities including Creative Writing and publishing workshops, book readings and panel discussions On “The past, present and future of creative writing in Southern Africa” and “The future of publishing in the digital age, particularly in indigenous languages”.
The festival would not be possible without the great support from Pro Helvetia, Friends of Lesotho, Alliance Française de Lesotho, The American Embassy, The European Union, Maseru Prep, Lehakoe Recreation and Cultural Club, Morija Museum and Archives, Vodacom, UNESCO and Morija Sesuto book Depot.
