We’ll be in Maseru next week to celebrate new and old writing from Lesotho and the region at the annual Ba re e ne re Literature Festival – an important platform initiated by our dear departed comrade and sister Liepollo Rantekoa. Via the Pan African Space Station (PASS), we’ll livestream selected sessions from the festival, plus interviews with participating authors, live music and DJ mixes and more. Please join us.

Press release:

THE BA RE E NE RE LITERATURE FESTIVAL 2014

“Inspiring the future and preserving the past”

5^th to 7^th September 2014

The Ba Re E Ne Re Literature Festival 2014 kicks off on the evening of Friday 5^th September 2014 at Alliance Francaise de Maseru with the Opening reception and Keynote talk by South African writer Niq Mhlongo on cultivating a new generation of readers and writers in Southern Africa as well as Student writing-competition awards presentation (Forms A-E). Daytime activities will continue on the 6^th to the 7^th September 2014at Maseru Preparatory School where sensational and invigorating activities revolving around literature shall take place. A poetry/Open-mic night led by Poetry Farm will also be held at the Lehakoe cultural hut on the evening of September 6^th and will include performances by VIP guest Keamogetsi Molapong from Namibia.

GUESTS

The Ba re e ne re literature festival will host a total of 14 VIP guests, consisting of 4 International writers (Niq Mhlongo, Yewande Omotoso, Keamogetsi Molapong and Ntone Edjabe of Chimurenga Magazine) and 10 Basotho writers (Mpho Makara, Teboho Rantsoabe, Dr Machobane, Sheila Khala, Patrick Bereng, Majakathata Mokoena, Pheko Octavius, Morabo Morojele, Tebby Letsie and Mr Sekhohola). They will all engage in a variety of activities including Creative Writing and publishing workshops, book readings and panel discussions On “The past, present and future of creative writing in Southern Africa” and “The future of publishing in the digital age, particularly in indigenous languages”.

Activities: (Ongoing throughout the festival)Book/craft sales (Lesotho Book Depot), book exhibitions, bookmaking and creative writing workshops, photo-booth, Games for younger children, Quizzes and prize giveaways and Creative performances; theatre, dance, live music and storytelling.

Interactive engagement: Book Week/Literacy Day in collaboration with Ministry of Education, UNESCO and Peace Corps.

ABOUT BA RE E NE RE

Ba re e ne re was founded in 2011 by Liepollo Rantekoa to advance literary arts in Lesotho and connect Basotho writers and artists with those in the region and around the world. After Liepollo tragically passed away in 2012, her friends and family united to carry on her vision. Our mission is to enrich the lives of Basotho by initiating support and action for the benefit of increased literacy and storytelling. We wish to facilitate artistic exchange between creatives in Lesotho, Basotho in the diaspora and creatives from other cultures. We know that our country harbours plenty of creative Basotho hungry to publish their writings and an audience that finds entertainment and pride in uniquely Basotho stories.

Support: The festival would not be possible without the great support from Pro Helvetia, Friends of Lesotho, Alliance Francaise de Lesotho, The American Embassy, The European Union, UNESCO, Maseru Prep, Lehakoe Recreation and cultural Centre, Morija Museum and Archives, Morija Arts Centre and Morija Sesuto book Depot.

Contact: For interviews or information you can reach the Festival Director: Lineo Segoete via email lsegoete@gmail.com or visit and “like” www.facebook.com/barelitfest