BRYAN KEITSEMANG: THE UNTAMED STORYTELLER
Dr. Bryan Keitsemang was recently on Duma FM’s Real Time discussing his newest novel Tlhakantshuke, and offering a revealing insight into his life, work and aspirations. Here are five things we learned from the conversation.
1. He Believes “Good Art Has Its Own Legs.”
Dr. Keitsemang’s latest novel Tlhakantshuke, written with the intention to make Setswana literature fashionable, was published last month to great acclaim. The sensational writer is confident that Tlhakantshuke will continue to sell for a very long time as “it continues to reach Tswana-reading audiences even beyond Botswana.”
“If you make something good, it’ll spread. Good art has its own legs. If it doesn’t spread, perhaps you’re meant to keep refining it. Or rather, it’s meant just for you. Keep loving, and sharing it if you want. Sooner or later it will spark a fire,” he says.
2. His Books Are About Reconciling The Past With The Present
Despite writing across different genres, the themes in Dr. Keitsemang’s books remain constant. Childhood is a recurrent topic in his works.
“I’m fascinated by how one’s past can mould them into a new person. I am also interested in how, at least in my mind, the past isn’t set in stone. It’s fluid. A constant study of the past reveals new insights all the time; different mindsets and perceptions that beg for space in the philosophy of the new person one becomes beyond their childhood. That intrigues me as a writer,” Dr. Keitsemang explains.
3. He Is Optimistic About The Future Of Local Literature
“We are writing and publishing more books than it has ever happened in Botswana. Such is the spirit of my generation. We are shaping our literary culture and making it relevant to our communities, the world and future generations,” he observes.
4. He Feels Writers Should Use Their Voices To Push Boundaries
Dr. Keitsemang, who is also the author of Matters of the Heart, has received slack for his book Prayers of an Atheist, which earned him endless criticism from religious pundits and critics that thought it was unnecessary for his books to be political. Nonetheless, Dr. Keitsemang doesn’t believe writers should stay away from political messages in their stories.
“As a queer Motswana man, if the mere discussion of people like me existing in a time period is political, then it would be impossible for me to stay away from such messages. It might turn some people off from reading my work, and I’m fine with that. I believe storytelling creates empathy and, at its best, will show people how to live harmoniously with each other. Ultimately, writers must write what they feel comfortable with. And I’m comfortable with pushing boundaries and encouraging people to accept plurality of views,” Dr. Keitsemang explains.
5. Writing Has Given Him A Chance At Immortal Life
To Dr. Keitsemang, the impact of his books runs deeper than garnering him acclaim and fortune.
“My books are an extension of my personality. I imagine that when I am no more, my readers – to whom I am very close – will see my work as a lingering cologne; a meaningful presence that will outlive me,” the eloquent writer says.
Dr. Bryan Keitsemang is a celebrated author, novelist and publisher with an increasingly growing international audience. Ennobled for his literary achievements, he was the first and youngest Motswana artist to hold the title “Dr” for the sake of honour.
Raveena Ramnarain is a publisher and independent researcher. She holds a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Iowa. She is currently the Managing Director of Keitsemang Publications, a publishing imprint of Bryan Keitsemang Books (PTY) Ltd.
