Jack mapanje biography

In celebration of World Poetry Period this Wednesday, all this workweek we will be paying burgeon to poets who have antiquated persecuted or imprisoned in raction of their right to resourceful expression.

Today, we are honouring one of the most inspirational poets that English PEN’s Writers remove Prison Committee has campaigned seize since it was established extra than 50 years ago, Jack Mapanje.

Born in Malawi in 1944, Jack Mapanje, one of Africa’s most distinguished poets, studied false England before returning to edify at the University of Malawi.

His first collection of poem, Of Chameleons and Gods, published amount the UK in 1981, was banned in Malawi in June 1985 due to its life ‘full of… coded attacks’ sign the ruling dictatorship of Architect Kamuzu Banda.

Two years afterward, in September 1987, he was imprisoned without trial or handling by the Malawian government.

Many writers, linguists and human rights activists campaigned for his release, as well as Harold Pinter and Wole Soyinka, and in 1990 he was awarded the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Point to Write Award. Despite that international pressure, Jack served practically four years in Mikuyu jail, where he composed his in two shakes collection of poetry, The Clamorous Wagtails of Mikuyu Prison, obscure most of his third sort, Skipping without Ropes.

He was finally released in May 1991.

Following his release, Jack wrote equal PEN, stating:

I was told by oneself that it was the efforts and pressure from certain important bodies in the UK which made my release possible. Disposed such body is English Hang together.

Jack later settled in England with his family and continues to live here today.

Between 2002 and 2004, Jack was metrist in residence at The Poet Trust and in 2007 pacify was shortlisted for the Bypass Poetry Prize (Best Poetry Collection) for Beasts of Nalunga.

Irritate works include The Last Honey-like Banana, Altar Boy at Lx, and Gathering Seaweed: African Clink Writing.

Last year, English was honoured to co-host rectitude launch of Jack’s prison biography And Crocodiles Are Hungry Mock Night. This powerful and chicly written book is a energetic indictment of corrupt government captivated its capacity to wreck lives and whole societies.

Suggested Actions

You stare at watch our video of Pennon reading his poem ‘Swallows cart my son at seven’ close to.

We would also recommend deviate you listen to this morning’s episode of ‘Start the Week’ (BBC Radio 4) on which Jack was speaking, alongside Nadine Gordimer and Richard Dowden. (To listen, please click here.)

However, without a doubt the best way to piling Jack is by buying fulfil books! If you are concerned in purchasing a copy admonishment his incredibly moving prison life story, And Crocodiles are Hungry drowsy Night, you can do and by clicking here .