Keorapetse Kgositsile & the Black Arts Movement

Keorapetse Kgositsile & the Black Arts Movement by Uhuru Portia Phalafala

Bold, incisive and deeply researched, this book illuminates the life and legacy of Keorapetse Kgositsile — a towering voice of South African poetry whose work bridged continents and movements. Phalafala traces how Kgositsile’s exile, political commitment, and artistic alliances with the Black Arts Movement reshaped modern African literature and inspired generations of writers across South Africa and the wider African diaspora.

Readers will find a balanced mix of close readings, historical context and cultural analysis that brings Johannesburg, Soweto and the transatlantic networks of the 20th century into sharp focus. The narrative situates Kgositsile within struggles against apartheid, within Pan-African thought, and alongside radical artistic circles in the United States, revealing how poetry became a site of resistance and solidarity.

This is essential reading for students, scholars and general readers interested in South African literature, African poetry, postcolonial studies and cultural history. Phalafala’s clear prose and authoritative scholarship make complex ideas accessible without sacrificing depth — offering fresh perspectives on identity, exile, and the power of verse to mobilize communities.

If you seek a definitive, readable account of a seminal poet and the movement that amplified his voice, add this title to your collection. Celebrate a vital chapter of African literary history and deepen your understanding of the Black Arts Movement’s enduring influence. Purchase or reserve your copy today.

Note: eBooks do not include supplementary materials such as CDs, access codes, etc.