Stephen Embleton's Blog, page 6
December 2, 2022
The Sauúti Collective at Aké Festival 2022
Stephen, Cheryl Ntumy, Wole Talabi and Dare Segun FalowoFour of us members of the Saúti Collective were invited to present the Sauútiverse at Ake Arts & Book Festival on Friday 25 November 2022. What a reception and great support from everyone in attendance and online!
With Wole Talabi steering the conversation and introducing our created shared world, Cheryl Ntumy, Dare Segun Falowo and I (Stephen Embleton) spoke about our experiences and the sound magic of the Sauúti Universe.
What an awesome panel event at Aké Festival and what a day it was, sharing The Sauúti Collective with everyone and the buzz afterwards 🔥⭐️🔥⭐️
Wole Talabi, Dare Segun Falowo, Cheryl Ntumy, and Stephen
Our Mother Creator (teaser) – The Sauúti Creation Myth
Watch the teaser to the The Sauúti Collective Creation Myth, which we kicked off with for our panel at Ake Arts & Book Festival.
Check out the full panel session on The Sauúti Collective from yesterday at Ake Arts & Book Festival A great experience all around and lovely support from everyone. ❤️💫
YouTube Video (sound issues early on)
#sauutiverse #SauutiCollective #AfricanSpeculativeFiction #AfricanSFF 🪐🌞🔊💫
November 17, 2022
COVER REVEAL: Languages of Water (Anthology)
Cover Art by John JenningsCOMING IN JUNE 2023
Languages of Water – a cross-lingual hybrid anthology
This was an interesting anthology to participate in and so glad I could contribute. And it’s finally here (nearly)! I thoroughly enjoyed the research I did for my short story ("Taking Turns").
Thanks to Eugen Bacon for her work 👏🏼in putting this together and Milton Davis and MVmedia for publishing!
With this lovely cover art by John Jennings.
Featuring (in alphabetical order):
Aldegunda Matoyo, Alvin Pang, Andrew Hook, Audrey Chin, Cheng Tim Tim, Clara Chow, Clare Rhoden, David Carlin, Dominique Hecq, E. Don Harpe, Erin Latimer, Eugen Bacon, Francesca Rendle-Short, Jill Jones, Kyongmi Park, Nikki Bacon, Nuzo Onoh, Oz Hardwick, Pandora, Quyên Nguyễn-Hoàng, Ramya Jirasinghe, Rina Kikuchi, Seb Doubinsky, Stephen Embleton, Sudeep Chatterjee, Tamantha Smith, Zephyr Li.
Find out more on Eugen Bacon's blog and order here.
October 1, 2022
Our Mother Creator – The Sauúti Creation Myth
We finally launched the Sauúti Collective with the online publication of Our Mother Creator – the Sauúti Creation Myth (free to read online). Hosted by Syllble, ten of us African writers came together to build a science fiction and fantasy world based on African traditions.
The ten founding members of the Sauúti Collective defined the parameters of this world, wrote stories set in it and have created a detailed “story bible” describing the settings, history, politics, rules, key groups, motivations and general philosophy of the world, and stories set within it.
I cannot wait for all the stories to be published – all beautiful, poignant pieces.
***
Our Mother Creator – the Sauúti Creation Myth by Stephen Embleton & Wole Talabi, with Art by Akintoba Kalejaye.
Wole Talabi and I crafted this piece of imagined mythology, with powerful visuals by Akintoba Kalejaye, which establishes the creation of our fantasy world centred on the Goddess as creator.
Formulating the entire Sauúti Collective's concepts and input on the World Building, with my interest in mythology and folklore, meant wrapping an ancient cosmological interpretation around the "real-world" birth of the solar system of Sauúti – Wole's attention to detail in this regard (and his editorial eye), meant we produced a work which establishes the key themes of the Sauútiverse and its creative stories that we are looking forward to sharing with our own world.
Read Online
September 22, 2022
Akachi Ezeigbo Prize for Literature (Logo Design)
It was a privilege to design the logo for the Akachi Ezeigbo Prize for Literature. Having met Professor Akachi, and with much respect for her literary work and her work in literature, particularly in Nigeria, I had to design something with an elegant and colourful flair. As a daughter of Nigeria, I thought what more fitting icon than the national flower of Nigeria: Costus Spectabilis – the yellow trumpet flower.
First, the bright yellow colour and shape of the flower, and then the rounded shape of the chunky leaves – with their distinct purple edging gave me the second colour to be incorporated.
After a few iterations, I began to simplify my illustration of the yellow flower down to the bare essentials, and looking to many of the bold and colourful fabrics from Nigeria as another reference point.
At the end, I happily found it lent itself to a patterned motif (see example below) like the fabric prints.
Floral Print
REFERENCE IMAGES:
Costus Spectabilis
September 16, 2022
The Henry Louis Gates Jr Fellowship Brand Design
I was invited to design the logo for the newly established Henry Louis Gates Jr Fellowship at the University of Cambridge. Working on a distinguished subject is nothing to be taken lightly and every effort was taken to ensure Mr Gates' persona, stature and legacy were represented with dignity – to last for years to come.
September 2022
Example against a colour/dark backgroundI decided to use a simple black (dark blue) and white treatment for the portrait rather than a detailed illustration, and relying on the negative space and shadows to create the final effect – no outline or outside edge to the white highlights on Henry Louis Gates Jr's face. And therefore important that it always displays against white. This would give the logo more impact and strength no matter the size. I then opted for simple typography – the main logo featuring the lettering arcing above the head of Henry Louis Gates Jr. Although I would have liked to incorporate the red, yellow and black of the university, I kept it simple with the red only, and rather than a harsh black, the deep blue/grey.
The initial illustration (not shown here) was a front-on portrait, but these rarely work for simple illustrations or logos as the shape of the features (nose, chin etc) tend to flatten and lose much of the person's character – character being vital here.
The pose I settled on was one that is noble and thoughtful, and, again, exemplifying the key features of Mr Gates.
Because various iterations are needed – whether on letterheads, social media or websites – I produced a number of versions that retain the brand's identity no matter their application.
September 14, 2022
Wild Dog Road Signage Designs
It was really exciting to be asked by the Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative (WWDI) to design two road signs – to be approved by SANRAL (The South African National Roads Agency). One was a Warning sign (a "yield" animal crossing), and the second being an Information sign (wild dogs in the area, and WWDI logo/details).
Installed 14 September 2022Many road users around South Africa would know of the signs which include the leaping Kudu, the warthog etc, to warn drivers of wildlife which may cross their paths. With this in mind – and a solid framework of guides and requirements from SANRAL – I created the walking dog profile, followed by the front-on wild dog portrait.
Warning Signage
Information SignageThese will then be used by any organisation wanting to bring attention to wild dogs and their conservation and protection in their areas around the country.
It was important to keep the illustrations as simple as possible – for visibility and clarity when driving at speed, as well as conforming to the other illustrations featured in SANRAL's signage portfolio.
Because I like attention to detail, and because the WWDI originated the project, I gave a hat-tip to them by including what at first glance appears to be a number "9" on the dog's hind leg. This is a direct reference to one of their key dogs in the Waterberg dog pack with just this marking.
September 6, 2022
The James Currey Literary Festival 2022 Oxford
We were fortunate enough to be hosted by the Weston Library, Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford for the inaugural James Currey Literary Festival from 1st to 3rd September 2022. A jam packed programme with guests and attendees from all over the globe, talking African Literature!
James Currey
Being on 5 Panels (and the short story anthology book launch) I was given the opportunity to discuss vital issues related to African literature, as well as listen to the opinions, ideas and experiences of the other guests and speakers.
Participating in (and helping organise and plan) the inaugural James Currey Literary Festival held at the Weston Library, Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford. I was on 5 panels, as well as doing a fifth event – a book launch.
The New African Writers Series and the Future of African PublishingAre young people reading? Who is translating our books? What is the fate of Sci-fi in Africa?What Can We Do for James Currey? His legacy and more...Special Book Launch: The James Currey Anthology, edited by Stephen Embleton.Reading and Writing for Children. Are young people reading? Formats and distribution.Book to Film: The emergence of book to film. Taking books to the screen and why it is important. Who is funding it?https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/event/sep22/james-currey-literary-festival
With James Currey
Fellow South African author, Masande NtshangaDr Onyeka Nwelue pulled together a wide variety of experts in their fields, creating a programme any festival would be envious of, and pulling it together in a record amount of time – along with logistical issues faced by many guests coming from the Continent! I was happy to have been involved in the design and marketing of the festival, along with input on the programme and panels.
Dr Onyeka NweluePanel 1: The New African Writers Series and the Future of African Publishing moderated by Professor Miles Larmer, along with Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, and "Pa" Ikhide Ikheloa.
Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo
Clip from the James Currey DocumentaryPanel 2: Are young people reading? Who is translating our books? What is the fate of Sci-fi in Africa Moderated by Lydia Idakula along with Segun Egberongbe, Masande Ntshanga, Leye Adenle, Jan Kotouč.
With Jan Kotouč, Masande Ntshanga, and Leye AdenleUnveiling of the James Currey bust at Wadham College.
The effervescent Ed Keazor moderated a great Panel 3: What Can We Do for James Currey? His legacy and more... with Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Samson Onwe and Nky Iweka.
Ed Keazor
The oh-so-sharp humour of Pa Ikhide Ikheloa!Panel 4: Reading and Writing for Children. Are young people reading? Formats and distribution moderated by Dr. Shola Adenekan and with Uchehara Winifred Chinyere, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Ever Obi, Wale Okediran, and Kester Aburam Korankye.
Ever Obi
Dr. Shola Adenekan on my rightFinal Panel 5: Book to Film: The emergence of book to film. Taking books to the screen and why it is important. Who is funding it? moderated by Ed Keazor with Chris Ihidero, Dr Buntu Siwisa, Jan Kotouč and Chidozie Ahaiwe.
It's not often you get the chance to have your book (Bones & Runes) on display and for sale at the Weston Library!
I got a chance to speak with Margaret Busby about the time, effort and resilience of getting the “New Daughters of Africa” published — over 200 stories by African women! (When I know what it was like to get a 12 short story anthology together). 🔥❤️ Margaret’s dedication to finding these voices around the world — on the continent and diaspora.
Margaret Busby
Margaret Busby & Dr Onyeka NwelueSpecial Event – Book Launch: The James Currey Anthology, edited by Stephen Embleton.
The Anthology Book Launch 3 Sept
King Bubaraye Dakolo
Attending James Currey's 85th Birthday Celebrations and the end of the festival!
Ever Obi
BOOK LAUNCH (OXFORD): The James Currey Anthology 2022
Stephen Reading in Oxford – Weston Library, Bodleian Libraries 2022We had a successful launch of the James Currey Anthology, which I edited, on Saturday 3 September 2022 at the Weston Library, Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford. I read from my Editor’s Introduction to the anthology and gave an overview of each of the contributors' stories and essay, asd well as some insights into the process.
On Sale in the Weston LibraryIt was even more special to sign a copy to gift to James Currey himself, and have him sign my own copy.
Signing James Currey's copy
James Signing My Copy
And to have King Bubaraye Dakolo purchase a copy!
King Bubaraye Dakolo
It was wonderful to have people buying up all the copies and allowing me to sign them.
The Anthology:AmazonWaterstonesBlackwellsBarnes and Noble
As the 2022 James Currey Fellow at the University of Oxford, I was given the privilege of editing an anthology of short stories and essays, launched in paperback only on September 3rd at the The James Currey Literary Festival. ❤️📖🔥
BACK COVER:
In the spirit of James Currey, with his work bringing African writers and their stories to the world, the James Currey Anthology showcases a broad range of literary work, with contributors hailing from Botswana to Nigeria, Ghana to South Africa – writing from the Continent or in the diaspora.
These writers transport us into their world today, or in the past, some feeling the effects of love clashing with prejudice; or the devastating portrayal of a lived experience witnessing the terror of tribalism. While historical fiction, used well, gives us perspectives which have long been side-lined in favour of a certain, one-sided narrative. Reflections on parenting and ageing; the intensity and torment of relationships, and toxic environments; the magical, the speculative. Along with grief and rage, and defying the gods!
C. S. Hadebe
Bontsi Z. Kennedy, nee Morewane
Ifunanya Madufor
Gothataone Moeng
Majini Ya Mombasa
Nzube Nlebedim
Mbaeze Nnedimma
Cheryl S. Ntumy
N. A. Ntumy
Lynn Nyaera Onywere
Maxine Sibihwana
Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike
Editor’s Introduction (excerpt)
You only have to drive from ǁHuiǃgaeb to Tshwane, to understand that Africa is made up of a myriad beliefs, languages and traditions. It is not a single monolith. Likewise, pick up Bessie Head’s Maru and you will understand that African Literature often combines multiple genres, defying pigeonholing.
Coming from a speculative fiction background, I have learned the distinction between genres, and, over the years, my idea of African literature, as a whole, has shifted immensely. It may not be the same for everyone else, but when I speak of African Literature, I hold within that phrase the literary, the romance, the speculative, the horror, the historical and the magical. Why? Because many of our classics combine all of these in a single work. To such a degree that I would not know how to categorise many of them. And for me, this is what makes our work so unique – our worldview. We take for granted that in a moment, something magical can seamlessly occur within a narrative: a character may call on their gods for aid, consult an isangoma for guidance on their future, or step into the afterlife (and return). These play out, like just another day in Durban, without any neon sign above to say this is magical realism, or this is fantasy or literary.
African Writer Series is testament to this. The work of the Heinemann team and most importantly, the vast amount of works published during James Currey’s tenure, span the gamut of genres, themes and time periods. Though not as visible as the literary royalty he helped publish, James Currey has had an immense impact on African literature.
August 29, 2022
CHICON 8 – Sept 2022
I am/was able to attend Chicon 8 in September 2022 as a virtual guest – Table Talk session and a Reading session.
#Chicon8
Thursday, 1 September 2022: 4:00 PM CDT (10:00 PM BST)
Virtual Table Talk - Stephen Embleton
Duration: 60 mins
Stephen Embleton, author of the YA fantasy Bones & Runes weaves in African traditional beliefs, mythology and language into his various works. Current University of Oxford Fellow, Stephen focuses on the magical elements featured in many classics of African literature.
Reading – Stephen Embleton reading from his YA fantasy "Bones & Runes"
Duration: 20 mins
August 3, 2022
Editor on The James Currey Anthology 2022 (Paperback Release Sept 2022)
As the 2022 James Currey Fellow at the University of Oxford, I was given the privilege of editing an anthology of short stories and essays, to be launched in paperback only on September 3rd at the The James Currey Literary Festival. ❤️📖🔥
BACK COVER:
In the spirit of James Currey, with his work bringing African writers and their stories to the world, the James Currey Anthology showcases a broad range of literary work, with contributors hailing from Botswana to Nigeria, Ghana to South Africa – writing from the Continent or in the diaspora.
These writers transport us into their world today, or in the past, some feeling the effects of love clashing with prejudice; or the devastating portrayal of a lived experience witnessing the terror of tribalism. While historical fiction, used well, gives us perspectives which have long been side-lined in favour of a certain, one-sided narrative. Reflections on parenting and ageing; the intensity and torment of relationships, and toxic environments; the magical, the speculative. Along with grief and rage, and defying the gods!
C. S. Hadebe
Bontsi Z. Kennedy, nee Morewane
Ifunanya Madufor
Gothataone Moeng
Majini Ya Mombasa
Nzube Nlebedim
Mbaeze Nnedimma
Cheryl S. Ntumy
N. A. Ntumy
Lynn Nyaera Onywere
Maxine Sibihwana
Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike
Editor’s Introduction (excerpt)
You only have to drive from ǁHuiǃgaeb to Tshwane, to understand that Africa is made up of a myriad beliefs, languages and traditions. It is not a single monolith. Likewise, pick up Bessie Head’s Maru and you will understand that African Literature often combines multiple genres, defying pigeonholing.
Coming from a speculative fiction background, I have learned the distinction between genres, and, over the years, my idea of African literature, as a whole, has shifted immensely. It may not be the same for everyone else, but when I speak of African Literature, I hold within that phrase the literary, the romance, the speculative, the horror, the historical and the magical. Why? Because many of our classics combine all of these in a single work. To such a degree that I would not know how to categorise many of them. And for me, this is what makes our work so unique – our worldview. We take for granted that in a moment, something magical can seamlessly occur within a narrative: a character may call on their gods for aid, consult an isangoma for guidance on their future, or step into the afterlife (and return). These play out, like just another day in Durban, without any neon sign above to say this is magical realism, or this is fantasy or literary.
African Writer Series is testament to this. The work of the Heinemann team and most importantly, the vast amount of works published during James Currey’s tenure, span the gamut of genres, themes and time periods. Though not as visible as the literary royalty he helped publish, James Currey has had an immense impact on African literature.
