The following interview article from the Kigali (Rwanda) paper, The New Times, was seen on AllAfrica.com at http://allafrica.com/stories/200503100973.html . Although it doesn't deal specifically with African language literature, it may be of interest for the observation quoted in the title, and also for comments re bilingual education and for the remarks at the end concerning the interviewee's first language Kimaragoli and the main language in Rwanda, Kinyarwanda. DZO
"In Africa, One Cannot Make a Living Entirely Out of Writing" - Imbuga
The New Times (Kigali) [no URL] March 9, 2005 Posted to the web March 10, 2005
Kigali
Professor Francis Imbuga is a lecturer of Literature at the Kigali Institute of Education (KIE). Our correspondent, Gitau Muthuma interviewed him on his experiences in the world of academia. The following are the excerpts.
Where did you attend school?
I attended Alliance High School for my secondary school education. I obtained my bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Nairobi. But I did my research at University College, Cardiff, Wales in 1974; University of Ghana, Legon in 1975; Ibadan University, Nigeria also in 1975, and the University of Ife, Nigeria, again in 1975. I got my Ph.D from the University of Iowa in the USA in 1991.
Before going for Ph.D studies in 1988, I was a Senior Lecturer and Chairman of the Department of Literature at Kenyatta University. But I had also taught at the University of Nairobi between 1976 and 1979. After obtaining my Ph.D I went back to teach at Kenyatta University, where I rose through the ranks to full Professor in 1996. I was elected Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Kenyatta University in 1992.
In 1994-95, I won a Fulbright award and went to teach at Tennessee State University. In the year 2000, I left Kenyatta and joined Kigali Institute of Education as Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences until 2004, when I retired from the Deanship. I have been an external examiner for the universities of Nairobi, Egerton, Dar-es Salaam, Makerere and Kyambogo. I have taught for 29 years now.
Are you married?
Yes, I am married with five children. My wife is a Professor of Biochemistry at JKUAT in Kenya.
Have you held any other appointments outside the teaching profession?
Yes, I have sat on several government committees and commissions such as the Council for Science and Technology and the Commission for Higher Education in Kenya. Here in Rwanda I am a member of the Textbook approval committee.
Apart from teaching, what are your other interests?
I am interested in creative writing and in assisting up-coming writers to gain confidence. In this regard I have conducted several writing workshops here in Kigali, sponsored by Urunana. Out of these workshops we have developed and published one novel for children Cause for Celebration, co-authored with Sylvia Umubeyi. I am also interested in filmmaking.
How many publications do you have under your name?
I have published more than 20 books: 3 novels, 9 plays, 3 students' guides to school set texts, 2 children's stories, 4 literature modules for Distance learning, 5 poems and there are three other books currently under publication.
When did you get into writing?
I started writing when I was in form 4 in 1967. At that time I had been elected editor of the school's Saturday Evening Paper (SEP). I published my first book, two plays Kisses of Fate and The Fourth Trial when I was in my third year at the university in 1972.But my real mentor and inspirer was the late Ghanian writer Joe de Graft who worked for UNESCO as a theatre expert and doubled as lecturer in the Educational Communication Department at the University of Nairobi in the early 70's.
Who are your contemporaries in the world of academia?
I gained a lot of experience from my interaction with established writers like the late Okot p'Bitek, Prof. David Rubadiri, Dr. John Ruganda, Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong'o and Prof. Micere Mugo at the University of Nairobi.
How many of your books have been selected as set books at "O" and "A" levels?
In Kenya, Betrayal in the City was selected in 1980-82 and 1990-92 for "O" level, and Man of Kafira for "A" level. Aminata was selected for "O" level in 2002-2004. Betrayal in the City has been a set book both here in Rwanda and in Uganda on several occasions.
Does writing pay?
In Africa, one cannot make a living entirely out of writing, even when the books are used as set books from time to time. But with time, and should the book be translated into several languages, then one might make a bit of money. If a book is not a set book and it sells 500 or more copies in a year, then it is doing well.
You talked about your being interested in filmmaking, have you acted in any film?
Imbuga: I have written several film scripts including, "From Laughter with Tears,"produced by JICA and "The Burning of Rags." I have acted in "The Willoby Conspiracy," "Kollormask," "Gorrillas in the Mist," "The Burning of Rags," all shot in Kenya. Here in Rwanda I have acted in the film, "Sometimes in April."
Your recent novel, Miracle of Remera, ends with the curing of the hero from HIV/Aids. Don't you think you sound a false hope while a cure has yet to be found?
I strongly believe that the cure for this virus lies in traditional medicine. This novel is a contribution towards this end. Already one hears stories of certain herbs proving effective in revitalizing the immune system in some victims. I am perfectly happy with the ending, particularly since I have provided caution by juxtaposing the cure with the death of the hero's grandfather.
What is the standard and quality of literary studies at KIE in comparison with the other institutions you have taught in?
KIE is unique in the sense that students are dealing with the challenge of learning at least one foreign language. At the same time they are expected to follow instruction in other subjects in the language they are still learning. Literary studies demand that one be proficient in language. There is no doubt that our students at the Institute are quite talented. However, they have a few problems with language particularly in the first two years. In the third and fourth years, there is not much difference between the students and those from other institutions.
What can be done to improve the situation?
The government's policy of bilingualism should be pursued more vigorously, particularly in primary and secondary schools. This will soon prove to be invaluable to the eventual graduates as Rwanda is set to join the East African Community.
Apart from teaching what would you say is your greatest contribution to the Rwandese society?
I have sat on several committees and helped evaluate programs of some private universities here. I have conducted writing workshops for up- coming writers. But perhaps my greatest contribution has been myself appointed role as Rwanda's ambassador of goodwill.
I have talked and written a lot to my friends about Rwanda. My latest book Miracle of Remera is meant to contribute towards Rwanda's visibility. I have also helped to recruit staff from Kenya to come and teach here. I can confidently state that I am very much at home here, thanks to the fact that Kinyarwanda is very much like Kimaragoli my mother tongue. _______________________________________________ Ugandanet mailing list [email protected] http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/ugandanet % UGANDANET is generously hosted by INFOCOM http://www.infocom.co.ug/
