The Nairobi-based arts collective and digital publisher Jalada Africa has announced Professor Wole Soyinka as the Featured Author for their Translation 02 project. Professor Soyinka’s contribution is a 100-word poem titled Leah Comes to Mandela, which “deals with the humanity and dissidences of Leah Sharibu, Malala Yousefzai, and Nelson Mandela.”

The issue will be curated by former Managing editor Wanjeri Gakuru.

The Jalada translation project was conceptualized by former Managing Editor, Munyao Kilolo. The inaugural issue featured celebrated author Ngugi wa Thiong’o with his now famous Gikuyu language fable Ituika Ria Murungaru: Kana Kiria Gitumaga Andu Mathii Marungii. The story earned the distinction as the most translated short African short story of all time, appearing in 100 languages, with most of these being African.

To celebrate these two important milestones, the editors at Jalada will be holding their first Jalada Language and Translations Symposium on November 16th and 17th. The event is intended to pay homage to Ngugi and Soyinka. It will feature a total of ten panel discussions and readings, comprising 32 writers, academics and activists.

The event is free to attend. However, you need to be registered here.