South African voices unite in poetry anthology
Each contributor draws on their own South African experiences, histories and perspectives.
Paper Trail Literary Press will launch its first publication, We Are Because We Are, a poetry anthology bringing together the work of 15 poets from the Paper Trail Lit in Literature writing community.
The launch marks a significant milestone for the independent literary platform following founder Ekta Somera’s expansion of Paper Trail Literary Journal into a publishing press. We Are Because We Are is the title released under the new imprint.
The anthology showcases a diverse range of South African voices, with each contributor drawing on their own experiences, histories and perspectives.
Through poems that explore identity, memory, community, belonging and everyday life, the collection reflects the richness of contemporary South African poetry and the power of storytelling to foster connection.
At its heart, We Are Because We Are is a celebration of human connection, the ways people shape one another, support one another and carry one another through life’s journeys. The anthology highlights poetry as both a record of lived experience and a means of building understanding across communities.
Featured poets include Zain Omarjee, Svara Naidoo, Gaishrie Sharon Singh, Letishaa Moodley, Padmini Govender, Tamia Moonsamy, Padmani Dorasamy, Keshnie July, Rebecca Perumal, Brett Fish Anderson, Tamara Gengan, Sthuthukile Biyela, TH Smart and Thiveshni Lutchmiah.
The anthology has been produced as a keepsake print edition for its contributing authors, celebrating their participation in the project and preserving their work in a collective volume. An e-book edition will be available for purchase directly from the featured poets.
The official launch of We Are Because We Are is scheduled for June 28 at Noah’s in Ansteys Square, Bluff, Durban. The event will celebrate the publication’s release and the collective achievement of the writers whose work appears in the anthology.
As its first publication, We Are Because We Are, signals the beginning of a new chapter for Paper Trail Literary Press and its commitment to supporting and amplifying South African literary voices.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
