Konya Shamsrumi gets new head

The poet, SAI Sabouke, has been appointed Managing Editor of Konya Shamsrumi. This decision was arrived at after the departure of pioneer Managing Editor, Kechi Nomu, months ago. Prior to now, Richard Ali managed the collective in the interim. Sabouke has previously served as a columnist.

Founded by Kechi Nomu, Umar Sidi, Richard Ali, Funmi Gaji and Rasaq Malik Gbolahan, in November 2017, the Africa-centric, traditional-style publishing house gained continental attention with its 5 Questions series with emerging and established poets from Nigeria to the wider African continent and the African Diaspora.

In February 2019, it announced the publication of two books — The Poet of Dust and The Anguish and Vigilance of Things. In March 2019, it announced that Zimbabwean poet Tinashe Tafirenyika, Ugandan Harriet Anena, Nigeria’s Maryam Gatawa and Sabouke, had joined the platform as columnist-bloggers.

Sabouke holds a degree in English from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and his interests lie in sufism, history and language. His writing has appeared in Dugwe: Online Journal of Abuja Writers Forum, Synchronized Chaos Magazine and others.

In responding to his appointment, he said, “I shall henceforth, in the most creative way, dedicate my heart and mind in making the press Africa’s poetry haven. As Managing Editor, I will put in all effort to make sure Konya Shamsrumi becomes the ‘capital’ of all major and minor conversations on poetry in Africa.”

Sidi, on behalf of the Collective, said, “I am delighted to welcome Sabouke on board as our Managing Editor and we repose utmost trust in his abilities to streamline and lead the various related activities of the publishing house. In the coming months, we expect to upgrade our website and services as well as release chapbooks by Funmi Gaji and Rasaq Malik Gbolahan and increase Konya Shamsrumi’s reach and impact within the African poetry community. Mr. Sabouke will be the engine for these activities. We request all our friends to support him.”