IWA Congratulates Helen Oyeyemi on 39th Birthday

 

IWA CONGRATULATES HELEN OYEYEMI ON 39TH BIRTHDAY

 

The International Writers Association (IWA) has joined the literary world in celebrating the 39th birthday of award-winning novelist and short story writer, Helen Oyeyemi.

"Helen Oyeyemi is a shining star in the literary firmament," said IWA President Wole Adedoyin in a statement. "Her talent, imagination, and storytelling prowess have captivated readers around the world, and her contributions to the literary landscape are truly remarkable."

Oyeyemi's career began with a bang while she was still in college. Her plays, Juniper's Whitening and Victimese, were performed by fellow students and later published, showcasing her early promise.

Since then, Oyeyemi has authored a series of critically acclaimed novels, including The Opposite House, White Is for Witching, Mr Fox, Boy, Snow, Bird, Gingerbread, and Peaces. These works have garnered numerous accolades, including the Shirley Jackson Award finalist, Somerset Maugham Award, PEN Open Book Award, and Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist, solidifying her place as a literary force to be reckoned with.

Oyeyemi's talent extends beyond novels. Her short story collection, What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours, further demonstrates her mastery of language and storytelling, earning her the prestigious PEN Open Book Award.

Beyond her literary achievements, Oyeyemi's work has been recognized for its innovative approach to genre and its exploration of themes like identity, family, and the supernatural. She has been lauded for her unique voice and her ability to create fantastical worlds that resonate with readers on a deeply human level.

The IWA takes pride in celebrating Helen Oyeyemi's remarkable career and her exceptional contributions to literature. The writers’ body wished her a very happy birthday and continued success in her writing endeavors.

 

Complete Works of Benjamin Zephaniah

 

COMPLETE WORKS OF BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH

 

For those newly introduced to Benjamin Zephaniah, the International Writers Association has curated a comprehensive list of his entire body of work, provided below. To delve deeper into his literary contributions, please visit his official website at https://benjaminzephaniah.com/.

For additional details about the International Writers Association or for literary collaboration, feel free to reach out via email at internationalwritersassociatio@gmail.com or send a message on WhatsApp to +2348072673852.

POETRY

• Pen Rhythm (1980)
• The Dread Affair: Collected Poems (1985), Arena
• City Psalms (1992), Bloodaxe Books
• Inna Liverpool (1992), AK Press
• Talking Turkeys (1994), Puffin Books
• Propa Propaganda (1996), Bloodaxe Books
• Funky Chickens (1997), Puffin
• School's Out: Poems Not for School (1997), AK Press
• Funky Turkeys (Audiobook) (1999), AB hntj
• White Comedy (Unknown)
• Wicked World! (2000), Puffin
• Too Black, Too Strong (2001), Bloodaxe Books
• The Little Book of Vegan Poems (2001), AK Press
• Reggae Head (Audiobook), 57 Productions

NOVELS

• Face (1999), Bloomsbury (published in children's and adult editions)
• Refugee Boy (2001), Bloomsbury
• Gangsta Rap (2004), Bloomsbury
• Teacher's Dead (2007), Bloomsbury
• Terror Kid (2014), Bloomsbury

BIOGRAPHIES

• We Sang Across the Sea: The Empire Windrush and Me (2022), a biography of Mona Baptiste written by Zephaniah and illustrated by Onyinye Iwu.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS

• We are Britain (2002), Frances Lincoln Publishers
• Primary Rhyming Dictionary (2004), Chambers Harrap
• J is for Jamaica (2006), Frances Lincoln
• My Story (2011), Collins
• When I Grow Up (2011), Frances Lincoln

OTHER

• Kung Fu Trip (2011), Bloomsbury
• The Life And Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah (2018), Simon & Schuster

PLAYS

• Playing the Right Tune (1985)
• Job Rocking (1987). Published in Black Plays: 2, ed. Yvonne Brewster, Methuen Drama, 1989.
• Delirium (1987)
• Streetwise (1990)
• Mickey Tekka (1991)
• Listen to Your Parents (included in Theatre Centre: Plays for Young People – Celebrating 50 Years of Theatre Centre (2003) Aurora Metro, also published by Longman, 2007)
• Face: The Play (with Richard Conlon)

ACTING ROLES

• Didn't You Kill My Brother? (1987) – Rufus
• Farendj (1989) – Moses
• Dread Poets' Society (1992) – Andy Wilson
• Truth or Dairy (1994) – The Vegan Society (UK)
• Crucial Tales (1996) – Richard's father
• Making the Connection (2010) – Environment Films / The Vegan Society (UK)
• Peaky Blinders (2013–2022) – Jeremiah Jesus

DISCOGRAPHY

ALBUMS

• Rasta (1982), Upright (reissued 1989), Workers Playtime (UK Indie #22)
• Us An Dem (1990), Island
• Back to Roots (1995), Acid Jazz
• Belly of De Beast (1996), Ariwa
• Naked (2005), One Little Indian
• Naked & Mixed-Up (2006), One Little Indian (Benjamin Zephaniah Vs. Rodney-P)
• Revolutionary Minds (2017), Fane Productions

SINGLES, EPS

• Dub Ranting EP (1982), Radical Wallpaper
• "Big Boys Don't Make Girls Cry" 12-inch single (1984), Upright
• "Free South Africa" (1986)
• "Crisis" 12-inch single (1992), Workers Playtime

GUEST APPEARANCES

• "Empire" (1995) Bomb the Bass with Zephaniah & Sinéad O'Connor
• Heading for the Door by Back to Base (2000) MPR Records
• Open Wide (2004) Dubioza kolektiv (C) & (P) Gramofon
• Rebel by Toddla T (2009) 1965 Records
• "Illegal" (2000) from "Himawari" by Swayzak
• "Theatricks" (2000) by Kinobe

 

International Writers Association Mourns British Writer, Benjamin Zephaniah

 

INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ASSOCIATION MOURNS BRITISH WRITER, BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH

 

The International Writers Association (IWA) today expressed its profound sadness at the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah, the acclaimed British writer, dub poet, and actor.

"The literary world has lost a powerful voice and a tireless advocate for social justice," said Wole Adedoyin, President of the IWA. "Benjamin Zephaniah was a true literary giant whose work touched countless lives around the globe."

Zephaniah, who passed away on December 7, 2023, was a prolific writer and performer whose work spanned across poetry, novels, plays, music, and film. He was a recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including the BBC Young Playwright's Award and honorary doctorates from various universities. His work was known for its searing honesty, lyrical beauty, and unwavering commitment to social change.

Born in Birmingham, England, in 1958, Zephaniah drew inspiration from his own experiences of racial prejudice, class struggle, and incarceration. His work addressed issues of racism, poverty, war, and injustice with unflinching clarity and raw emotion.

Beyond his literary achievements, Zephaniah was also a passionate advocate for human rights and social justice. He was a committed vegan and animal rights activist, and a vocal critic of inequality and oppression. He also served as a witness at the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to truth and justice.

"Benjamin Zephaniah was more than just a writer," said Adedoyin. "He was a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who believe in the power of words to change the world. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire and empower generations to come."

The IWA joined the literary community worldwide in mourning the loss of Benjamin Zephaniah. His words will continue to resonate with readers and audiences for years to come, reminding us of the importance of speaking truth to power and fighting for a better world.