• Like his Gen Z literary peers, Keith channelled social media to share his thoughts
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The youth are at the forefront of reshaping literary canons across Africa today. In postcolonial states such as Kenya, where neocolonial influences pervade society, they have taken a resistance approach to that which has come before them in terms of form, ideology and aesthetics in matters literary art.
One such young writer leading this charge is Keith Ang’ana, a 22-year-old seismic writer based in Nairobi. His journey into writing began at the tender age of 10, nurtured by his father, who would bring home newspapers every day. The habit of reading and solving crossword puzzles not only sharpened his cognitive abilities but also ignited a passion for writing. By the time he reached high school, Keith was already aspiring to emulate the columnists he admired, driven by a desire to inform and engage readers.
His early writing was admittedly surface-level, constrained by limited research and experience. His initial forays into writing for newspapers were met with rejection, as he lacked guidance on the standards expected in professional writing. Undeterred, Keith, like his Gen Z literary peers, turned to social media, particularly Twitter, to share his thoughts through threads. His writing gained traction and earned him a following, but it was not until 2022 that he decided to take his craft to a new level by creating a blog.
With encouragement from his peers, Keith established Qwani, a platform that gave him the freedom to publish his work without the constraints of traditional media. Qwani allowed Keith and other young writers to express themselves freely, without interference from the “old guard”. Although the platform is not as prominent as established newspapers, it provides a crucial space for emerging voices.
The platform rises out of the tradition set by Kwani? a decade ago as a literary magazine and journal based in Nairobi, which I once volunteered for in its literary workings. It was founded in 2003 by a group of writers and intellectuals, including Binyavanga Wainaina, who sought to create a platform for contemporary African literature and to nurture new and emerging voices in African writing. Keith’s Qwani shares this old outfit’s aim to challenge traditional narratives and explore bold, new ideas.
Despite his lack of formal training in writing, Keith has developed a unique style that blends humour and personalisation. Influenced by prominent columnists like Gabriel Oguda, Makau Mutua and Tony Mochama, he has honed his skills to create engaging and educational content. He emphasises the importance of starting his essays with a relatable story or anecdote, often drawn from his own experiences in Nairobi. This approach not only captures readers' attention but also helps to ease them into more complex topics.
The young scribe’s writing is primarily focused on philosophy and Nairobi, and this is evident in the numerous informative articles he pens for the Star weekenders. His interest in philosophy stems from a belief that it equips individuals with the cognitive tools necessary to navigate life’s challenges. His articles on Nairobi, on the other hand, are rooted in his daily observations as a pedestrian, offering insights into the city’s dynamics and challenges. Through his writing, Keith aims to highlight areas for improvement and inspire positive change in his community.
Literature, Keith says, plays a vital role in Kenyan society. It is through literature that history is preserved, culture is explored and emotions are communicated. Keith's primary goal as a writer is to disseminate knowledge and provide a platform for other writers to share their work. He is committed to elevating emerging writers to national and international recognition, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and celebrated.
Keith’s journey is not without its challenges. He has faced criticism for the length of his articles and the unconventional use of “story za jaba” (street stories) in his introductions. However, he values constructive feedback and strives to improve his craft continuously. His dedication to storytelling in Sheng, a hybrid language combining Kiswahili and English, reflects his commitment to championing local voices and narratives.
In his view, technology plays a positive role in the literary landscape, offering new avenues for writers to publish and share their work. Platforms like WordPress have enabled him to formalise his writing and reach a wider audience. As digital magazines and online platforms grow, Keith sees immense potential for young writers to make their mark on the literary scene.
He is also actively involved in various literary communities, including Tony Mochama’s literary circles and the popular bookstore Nuria’s network, where he learns from established authors and peers. He credits these communities with providing valuable support and mentorship, helping him to navigate the challenges of the literary world.
Looking to the future, Keith Ang’ana envisions a vibrant literary space where more young Kenyan writers achieve success and recognition. He advocates for more literary festivals, platforms for showcasing Kenyan books, and opportunities for writers to earn from their work. He believes that collaboration and community are essential for fostering a thriving literary culture, and he encourages young writers to seek out like-minded peers who share their goals and aspirations.