South African author releases new read
HYDE PARK – Award-winning South African author, playwright, poet and painter launches his last 'adult' book, The Zulus of New York.
A prolific writer of novels, poems, plays, academic articles and well respected in the African literature field, Zakes Mda launched his new book The Zulus of New York at Exclusive Books, Hyde Park Corner on 12 March.
Mda stunned his readers when he announced that this was his last ‘adult’ offering.
“I have discovered a new passion and that is writing for children,” he said.
“We need to educate and introduce them to the world of literature while they are still young.”
Like many of his books, The Zulus of New York is historical fiction aimed at educating his readers about the history of the Zulu’s and other cultures that are not written in history books, “I find my stories by mistake and then make more research on the topic. Before you know it, it’s an award-winning novel,” said the Ohio-based writer.
In The Zulus of New York, Mda tells the story of a group of Zulu dancers who go to the United States in 1885. They meet the Great Farini an impresario, who introduces Em-Pee, the main character, and his troupe to his type of show business and now they must earn their money. The story is based on historical events that took place at the height of Zulu fascination and audiences in London and New York would flock to witness portrayals of King Cetshwayo as the infamous Zulu warrior after the Anglo-Zulu war and the Battle of Isandlwana. Among all New York’s vaudeville acts, a vision appears to Em-Pee: in a cage in Madison Square Park is Acol, a Dinka princess on display. It is love at first sight for Em-Pee, though Acol is not free to love anyone back.
Mda’s daughter, Thandi Mda was one of the fans at the launch. “I am happy to be part be part of his world, and I am extremely happy for him,” she said.
Most of the author’s readers shared the same sentiments that with a Zakes Mda read, they are always felt gratified. One such reader, Mbali Vilakazi said, “I have made a slight discovery that his last two books ended with a line ‘the end is always a journey’. It’s truly fascinating at how good he is at what he does.”
