Best "New" African Poets 2018 Anthology

As we head towards the Launch Of Best "New" African Poets 2017 Anthology at National English Literary Museum (NELM), we decided to engage one of the poets who will be gracing the occasion and reading his poems in the anthology at the event, Anton Krueger Tell us about yourself I haven’t shaved in about two weeks and I’m at that sort of inbetween stage where I have to decide whether to commit to a beard or let it go. Tell us about the poetry scene in your country There seem to be a lot of readings around, and I would guess maybe ten or so publications a year in English, possibly more in Afrikaans and maybe less in other African languages, I don’t   know. There are a few quality magazines and journals like New Contrast  and New Coin. Prufrock   isn’t bad and there are some good sites, like Aerodrome, Litnet and so on. You are Assistant Professor at Rhodes University in the Drama Department, how much does poetry influence your work in theatre, or how much doe...

Tell us about yourself I’m a South African that grew up in the midst of the apartheid era South Africa. My political awareness was shaped by my Grandfather and both parents who were liberal-minded as well as the school I attended (Diocesan College). I studied economics and have been involved in fruit exports which has taken me to many countries as has my love for surfing. I am published in various anthologies and magazines. Last year I was shortlisted for the Sol Plaatje award as well as the UK Bridport Poetry Prize. By poetry collection  the stretching of my sky  was published this year. I serve on the Board of the South African Literary Journal that published the longest standing poetry magazine in South Africa called  New Contrast. Tell us about the poetry scene in your country As we all know, there really isn’t money in poetry (except for the famous few!) so we do this for the love of it. South Africa has a very vibrant and active poetry tradition and wh...