Title: A true me in Words
Author: Annelie Nghikembua
Publisher: Macmillan (Namibia)
Retail: N$62.00 at Book Den
LAST month saw the launch of a new anthology by a young gifted poet who is steadily carving a warm niche for herself in the hearts of book worms around the country because of the excellent style she magically employs to reach the reader with her honest way with words- communicating thoughts and creating imageries of Namibian nature building up a vigorous foundation along process in “A True Me Words”, a title that not only is true but takes you through every page with hitherto unknown reading pleasure in the English language.
According to the short but vivid foreword written by Matati Josua, a lecturer and student support officer at the University of Namibia (Unam)’s Centre for External Studies, the piece of work is “found to be lucid and attractive reflection of the author through the art of poetry. It shows the heart and mind of a person. Interesting to note is the creativity founded on nature and communication through wrinkling rhythm of this young Namibian,” he states.
Josua concludes that the imagery, painted by the words in the poems, mirrors the identity of Namibia. The anthology gives the readers a number of visions that they can easily identify with. At the same time, it is true reflection of personal emotions that many can connect to. This is a must-read, recommended to the youth in schools and anyone who loves and appreciates poetry.
Annelie Nghikembua began her passion for writing at the age of 11, when she first wrote a short story for KTV South Africa, which was chosen to be among the top ten (10) stories in Southern Africa.
Her love for poetry began while studying at the University of Namibia (Unam) where she studied towards a Bachelor’s degree in Education, majoring in English and Economics. Her first poem, entitled “My grandmother’s Hat,” was displayed on campus.
Annelie is a holder of an Honours degree in English language Teaching and Leadership and Management, which she obtained from Rhodes University.
In 2006,she obtained a certificate in Media Coverage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in Radio and Digital Narratives under the theme “Speak Africa” hosted by Unicef.
The same year, she won the first prize in poetry competition by the National Institute of Democracy. In 2007, the International Library of Poetry, Las Vegas, nominated her as the best upcoming poet and USA. One of her poems is published in a collection of world’s best poems entitled “ A Whisper From the Heart by Amazon Books, USA.
Then in 2008, 2009 and 2010 she was awarded a prize for the performing teacher in English Higher Level in Oshana Region. She was also appointed a circuit judge and coordinator for the Poetry and Short Story Writing Competition 2009/2010 in Oshana region .At the moment, Annelie is studying toward a Master’s degree in Linguistic at Rhodes University in South Africa –she continues to write and we can expect more from the pen of this young, gifted poet and writer. One of her lectures in English when she was a student at Unam, namely, Ellen Vale raises no question but praises Annelie deservedly of course.
• Mvula ya Nangolo who did this book review is a Namibian poet of note who is a published writer and a journalist.
Reviewer: Mvula ya Nangolo