Bam-Francis’s second book to hit the shelves
JOBURG – Writing this book was motivated by my interaction with recovering addicts and finding that most of the contributing factors to their addiction were due to a foreign concept of who they were.
Troyeville resident Thando Bam-Francis will launch his second book, Western’ology at the World of Words event in Kensington on July 29.
“This is my second book in less than one year. Western’ology refers to the western ideologies, psychology and political philosophy that seek to continue the global oppression and division of Africans,” he said.
The title of the book is derived from a term that he coined to express this reality.
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“This book is different from my debut title in that it focuses more on Pan African principles and ideals while Uno Flatu was more of a personal rhetoric of my experiences and observations while in addiction,” he said.
Bam-Francis, who is a recovering drug addict, said he was inspired by recovering addicts to write his second book.
“Writing this book was motivated by my interaction with recovering addicts and finding that most of the contributing factors to their addiction were due to a foreign concept of who they were.”
Bam-Francis had a difficult childhood.
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He lost his mother when he was only 10 years old which had a bad effect on his upbringing.
“My mother’s death affected me a lot. I was present during the car accident that claimed my mother’s life and in African culture, there is no such thing as therapy. I did not know how to communicate.
“I felt that if I was honest about how I feel then it would be as if my adopted parents were not doing enough. At the same time, I did not have the adequate life skills to deal with the issues which I felt inside. Besides my mother’s death, my father also neglected me. I ended up being a drug addict to numb the pain of loss and being neglected,” he said.
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He hopes to create a healthy dialogue on the economic, psychological and political state of Africans within borders and beyond with his second book.
“After the public launch, I will host more engaging readings in due course,” he said.
