Author: Noela Mogga
One quiet afternoon in Nairobi, on December 5 2022, at the United Kenyan Club, guests gathered to witness the launch of After Troy by Taban Lo Liyong. A sight to behold as one of Africa’s original writers in the African Writers Series had produced literature in this day and age. Prof Taban Lo Liyong, well known to East African publishers for his critique of the quality of literature in East Africa, was back on the book launch circuit.
The book launch of After Troy was well attended by Prof Taban Lo Liyong’s colleagues, his former students who had become professors, children of his former students, current literature students at the University of Nairobi, and supporters.
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After introductions, multiple speakers took to the stage to give commentary on the influence of Prof Taban Lo Liyong on East African Literature. Two ladies from the University of Nairobi performed live recital of The Penelopey chapter from After Troy much to the delight of the crowd. Dr. Miriam Musonye, the Head of Literature Department at the University of Nairobi also gave remarks.
The Master of Ceremony Dr. Barrack Muluka, a seasoned publishing editor and political writer (one of Taban Lo Liyong’s former students at the University of Nairobi) provided an excellent introduction weaving in stories of his past encounters with Prof. Taban Lo Liyong.
The guest of honor was Professor Henry Chakava, renowned publisher with East African Publishers.
Mr. Hudson Liyai, the Deputy University Librarian in charge of administration of the University of Nairobi for many years, now retired, also gave a speech.
Prof Taban Lo Liyong then took the stage to express his gratitude and expanded on his book After Troy.
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Poet and playwright Adipo Sidang’ who was in attendance had this to say of the book launch on her twitter account:
“At the launch of “poetrigenarian” @TabanloLiyong’s “After Troy” poetry book at United Kenya Club. The book is a philosophical elaboration of the classical Greek texts, Homer’s Odyssey and Aeschylus’ Oresteia. In the book, the veteran poet and essayist recreates the two texts, giving voice to voiceless women in the stories. Taban says the book is not about Troy but rather about humanity and human behaviour. Btw, I think this is one of the best cover designs I’ve seen in a long time. You’re safe judging this book by its cover! The book is available at @NuriaStore.”
Copies of After Troy are available for purchase at Nuria Book Store, in Nairobi, Kenya. Prof. Taban lo Liyong had the fortune of having the owner of Nuria book store, Bulle Abdullahi, present at the book launch to facilitate sales of the book, After Troy.