INKSPIREDNG, a chapbook publishing platform under the leadership of Nigerian poet and literary promoter Jide Badmus, has announced the upcoming release of Ujana, a debut chapbook by Kenyan poet, Frank Njugi.
Ujana, which translates to “Youth” in Swahili, explores the vibrant and complex realities of being a young artist in Nairobi and East Africa. With its deeply evocative verses, the collection captures the essence of the region’s culture, struggles, and spirit. The chapbook is being hailed as a fresh and significant contribution to contemporary African poetry.
In her blurb, Kenyan poet Naomi Waweru calls this chapbook, ‘A literary map to your city.’
“It’s a poetic journey that takes you through the streets, into the homes, and into the hearts of its people. With every word, you’ll feel the pulse of the city and discover its hidden treasures. A chapbook that places the reader at the exact centre of each unfolding event,” adding that its “lyrical brilliance” makes it a must-read!
Tanzanian poet, Mariam Hassan, describes it as:
“A chapbook in which Frank Njugi positions himself as a custodian of renegades, and creates a tantric dance between the loneliness of youth, memory and history. The poet uses silky vocabulary that breaks down the walls of language, and merges the raucous worlds of love, existentialism, and the mystic.”
Frank Njugi, a self-taught poet, writer, and critic, has built a reputation for his insightful and thought-provoking works. His accolades include a nomination for the 2023 Pushcart Prize and recognition as a runner-up in the 2023 International Literary Seminar – Fence Fellowship. Earlier this year, he was honoured with the Sevhage-Agema Founder’s Prize. Njugi is also an alumnus of the Nairobi Writing Academy and currently serves as the East African correspondent for Afrocritik, a media outlet focused on African and Black culture.
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
