The magical Midlands in the heart of KwaZulu Natal will usher in spring with the 2nd Midlands Literary Festival from the 26 – 28 August at Yellowwood in Howick, a mere one hour drive from Durban. And boy , do we have an August line up for you!
`What really excites me about this festival says Darryl David, founder of the festival, is the sheer depth of literary talent we have in this region. I organise 3 other literary festivals throughout SA, and there is no repetition of speakers across any of these festivals. Moreover, bar esteemed Dr Ian Player, there are no repetitions from last year. I only made the exception for Dr Player because father time is not exactly on his side, and there was so much that I wanted to hear him speak on. And I don’t know whether to be happy or angry with the publishers. When I organise BookBedonnerd in Booktown Richmond, publishers are reticent about making the arduous journey. But for this festival – it’s like taking candy from a baby. So thanks to all the publishers who support this festival.
Some of the big names lined up for the festival are Dr Ian Player; Judge Chris Nicholson, who will speak on the remarkable story of Papwa; Darryl David & Philippe Menache on their bestselling 101 Country Churches of SA; Sue Rabie, whose novel Blood at Bay was a finalist for the Commonwealth Literary Prize; Mandy Wiener, who will have us riveted with her book on the killing of Brett Kebble; Scott Couper on his biography of Albert Luthuli. We are especially proud to have Sunday Times Literary Award Finalist Shaida Kazie-Ali with her novel Not a Fairy Tale at the festival and ‘homeboy’ Sifiso Mzobe with his award topping novel Young Blood. Sifiso is hot property right now, having scooped the Herman Charles Bosman as well as the prestigious Sunday Times Literary Award. I am even more proud that I invited him before he had scooped any of these awards, so lunch is on you, Sifiso! On the culinary front, celebrity chef from Hartford House, Jackie Cameron will be dropping in to talk on one of the great culinary books of the last year Heston’s Fantastical Feasts .
On the sporting front, we have the stuff of legends. Champion jockey Michael ‘Muis’ Roberts will be at the festival, as will John Cameron Dow with his book on the ultimate race, The Comrades; Dan Retief will get us in the mood for the impending Rugby World Cup with his book The Springboks and the Holy Grail. And boy are we proud to boast that Bruce Fordyce, the King of Comrades, will also be at the festival. As you can see, the KZN Midlands is not only a land of great literary talent, but a place famed for its sporting legends. By the time Dr Ian Player closes the festival with a talk on the Duzi, few will leave the room disputing this fact.
And what’s more – we have done this all out of our own pockets – authors, organisers, media – everyone – a great community collaboration – people who are proud of our literati!
Contact Information:
For inquiries: nikki@themediamogul.co.za
For submissions: nikki@themediamogul.co.za
Website: http://midlandsmeander.co.za/
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