Brittle Paper’s Writer of the Month for August is Nande T. S. Kamati!

Nande Thomas Sakaria Kamati is a 30-year-old Namibian children’s story writer. While his professional background lies in engineering, Nande’s true passion lies in writing captivating children’s fantasy stories set in Alkebulan, Africa as it once was. Drawing inspiration from his Bantu, Khoekhoe, and Christian heritage, he seeks to transport young readers to enchanting realms filled with adventure. His dedication to crafting imaginative and engaging stories for children has only deepened over the years.

In his spare time, Nande enjoys indulging in period dramas and exploring the depths of literature. His work has previously been published in Writers Space Africa and he is also an honorary member of the Namibian Organization of Youth with Disabilities, which falls under the National Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia. The organization’s objectives are to lobby for the rights, economic empowerment, and social inclusion of people with disabilities in Namibia. Nande’s desire to see children from all backgrounds and abilities reflected in literature and to be seen spurred him to join the organization, emphasizing his commitment to inclusivity and representation in his works.

Now that you’ve learned more about Nande, join us for our chat!

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Brittle Paper

Nande, congratulations on being our August Writer of the Month! Your story, “Keep to the Shade,” was my favourite of the past month. As our Writer of the Month, tell us about how Nande T. S. Kamati became a writer.

Nande T. S. Kamati

I started flirting with the idea of writing when I was about 12 years old. However, it wasn’t until I turned 15 that I found a story worth telling. My mother shared with me the rich history of our clan, and within those tales, I discovered a story that needed to be told. That school holiday, I immersed myself in writing. I don’t think I was seen outside much that holiday. It was during this time that I truly discovered my passion for storytelling.

Brittle Paper

Before we get into more of your writing, we have a tradition of three quick fire questions to help us get to know your literary side a bit more.

First up, what is the earliest book you remember reading and loving?

Nande T. S. Kamati

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift. It was predictable yet fun.

Brittle Paper

Since your writing includes children’s literature, are there any African children’s books you love and think people need to know about?

Nande T. S. Kamati

Gogo’s List by Portia Dery

Beatrice’s Goat by Page Mcbrier

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

Brittle Paper

And finally, if you could have a dinner party with your favourite artists, who would they be?

Nande T. S. Kamati

We’d have to bring some of them back to life because they’ve long passed on to glory. I would love to have Lupita Nyong’o (actress), Brenda Fassie (singer), John Muafangejo (artist), and Nathaniel Bassey (singer) around my dinner table. The conversations would be like no other.

Brittle Paper

If you manage to bring back Brenda Fassie to attend your dinner party, I am showing up regardless of invite.

Now, Nande, your beautiful story, “Keep to the Shade,” is the reason we selected you for Writer of the Month. You initially planned to have the story published in time to celebrate World Albinism Awareness Day and it really is a wonderful way to contribute to the representation of albinism. How did you come to write this story?

Nande T. S. Kamati

About three years ago, during the second wave of COVID-19, I was having a phone conversation with my mother. It was just a few days before World Albinism Awareness Day, and a pop-up about the day appeared on my laptop. Knowing how important sunscreen is for those living with albinism, I asked my mom what people used for sun protection back in the 50s and 60s when she was growing up. Her empathetic reply, “I don’t know. We never saw them,” shocked me. It was heartbreaking to realize that many had to miss out on the joys of childhood, like playing and running around in the sun, simply because of the skin they were born into.

Sunscreen was a novelty or even unheard of in most parts of Africa back in the 50s, 60s and 70s, so those living with albinism had little to protect themselves with, aside from the shade provided by trees. Sadly, due to the cost of sunscreen, this is still the case today. By the end of that phone call, I already had the story written in my mind and just had to put it on paper. And so, I did.

Brittle Paper

That’s such a stark reminder of the past but also worrying considering that although there has been progress, there is still so much work to be done. The battle against the stigma around albinism alone is an ongoing struggle.

My favourite part of the story is:

He was suddenly overcome with sorrow. He pitied the poor little rabbit. He tenderly stroked its head, planting a gentle kiss upon its soft fur. “We’ll just have to eat spinach again tonight. I’m sure dad will be mad, but that’s alright,” he whispered, his words meant for the rabbit’s ears alone.

The whole story is brilliant and there are many parts that stand out but I just adore this section. It’s one of the first moments we get that are just between the reader and Aantu. We get to see his soft character and also, further on, his witty side as well and it makes for such a delightful children’s story! I wish we could have added illustrations and have this as a physical book for little kids to read. But I’m sure there are many book deals in your future!

Nande T. S. Kamati

I believe that those who feel trapped and helpless in their own situations often have a unique empathy for others in similar predicaments. Aantu recognized that he had the power to set the rabbit free, and so he did. This act of compassion and kindness is a testament to his character, showing how even in difficult circumstances, we can find the strength to help others. It’s moments like these that make Aantu such a relatable and endearing character, and I’m thrilled that this scene resonated with you.

Brittle Paper

You have two published children’s stories in Writers Space Africa, “Hambie: A Purr-fectly Mysterious Tale” and “Shanti’s Big Adventure.” What are these two stories about and are there any running themes apart from their target audience?

Nande T. S. Kamati

“Hambie: A Purr-fectly Mysterious Tale” is about a young boy who grows up with a peculiar pet named Hambie, who turns out to be a lion. The story unfolds as the boy discovers Hambie’s true identity and learns to appreciate his unique nature, despite the initial fear and misunderstanding from others.

“Shanti’s Big Adventure” follows Shanti, a dung beetle who feels undervalued because of his humble work. With the encouragement of his friend Asko, a butterfly, Shanti embarks on a journey of self-discovery, realizing the vital role he plays in the ecosystem and finding pride in his contributions.

Both stories convey powerful messages about empathy, compassion, and the significance of every individual’s role in the world, all set against the rich and vibrant backdrop of the African landscape. These themes resonate deeply, encouraging young readers to value themselves and others, and to appreciate the natural world around them.

Brittle Paper

That’s so beautiful and what wonderful stories for children!

Your stories are set in Alkebulan which is a fantastic creative decision but can you speak on why this was so important to you? And have you ever considered writing stories for an older audience also in keeping with your setting of Alkebulan?

Nande T. S. Kamati

Setting my stories in Alkebulan is a deliberate and meaningful choice. Alkebulan represents a vision of Africa as it might have been before it became synonymous with hardship, like a remnant of “The Genesis Garden.” Yes, Africa’s struggles should be written about, but those aren’t her only stories nor the stories she should only be known by. Alkebulan is me digging the African soil for stories that are authentic to her

As for writing for an older audience, it’s not something I have considered much at this point. Perhaps once I’m more established in this art, I may give it a go.

Brittle Paper

On the note of your stories, your new work will be published on Friday. Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about it?

Nande T. S. Kamati

It’s an origins story for early to fluent readers. My new story takes readers to a magical savannah where the search for a new ruler unfolds in unexpected ways. As the animals await the selection of their new king or queen, a surprising transformation reveals a wondrous new creature that changes everything. It’s a tale of growth, transformation, and the surprising paths to greatness. I hope you’ll enjoy discovering Milo’s enchanting journey.

Brittle Paper

I’m sure all of our readers will enjoy it and I hope they share it with their kids or the children around them.

Before we go, apart from your writing, Nande, what is one thing about yourself that you want to share with our readers? Anything.

Nande T. S. Kamati

Apart from my writing, I’d love to share that I’m a huge tea enthusiast. I really, really love tea! [laughs] It’s one of my simple pleasures and a perfect companion when writing.

Brittle Paper

Thank you, Nande, for being our Writer of the Month, but for also just being a delightful writer to work with! Here’s to many published books that redefine children’s literature!

 

 

For more of Nande’s work, be sure to check back in on Friday, and for more interviews with our writers, check out June’s with Ogonna Annette Onwudiegwu here.