adminNOT only do musicians collaborate in their productions, a number of authors both academic and fictional do so as well. John Eppel, one of the most published novelists in the country and Philani Nyoni a well-known writer and poet, have put together their efforts to come up with an anthology titled Hewn from Rock.
The two are a formidable pair and it will be an academic offence to produce any list of Zimbabwe’s finest writers without mentioning either or both of them.
With more than 40 years of writing and teaching English literature, Eppel is undoubtedly one of Bulawayo’s most celebrated writers to date. He has numerous literary awards to his name both locally and internationally including the Zim-Achievers Literature Award, the Ingrid Jonker Prize and M-Net Book Award along with more than 14 titles published to his name.
It would appear that the weaker link in the pair was the younger Nyoni. He, however, stood his ground despite the pressure of working with a veteran.
Nyoni is an illustrious second-generation writer and poet. He has shared his poetry work at esteemed arts venues such as Johannesburg’s Bassline among other places.
He has also been included in theatrical work both locally and internationally. Nyoni also represented Zimbabwe at this year’s edition of the Caine Prize for African writing workshop making his short-story written at the workshop, considered for Africa’s top writing prize for 2015.
His first book was edited by John Eppel and the respect between them is mutual. Eppel once remarked that, “Of all the ‘second-language’ poets I have read, including Marechera, none has Philani Nyoni’s control of English rhyme, metre, pun and paradox”.
Their joint work has therefore brought both an ancient and modern touch in the book to embrace both old people and the youths.
Nyoni said the book will be published by PAN Books which also produced his first title, “Once a Lover Always a Fool” and will be distributed internationally by Amazon, Create-Space and other leading online booksellers.
“The cover artwork was supplied by Charles Nkomo while the design and layout were done by David Herbert of Stavid Creations,” he said.
The date of the book launch is yet to be announced.
Online Reporter