TEBOGO IN THE THICK OF THINGS. By Omoseye Bolaji

A review by Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga

Another fine literary book of the prolific African writer Omoseye Bolaji is currently out with some stunning popularity.  The book among many other things is exhilarating, it is a book that the literati may enjoy exceedingly and the general lovers of literature would like to own.  This year alone we have witnessed a plethora of books being churned out in the Free State. 

The book Tebogo in the thick of things comprises two famous two books written by Omoseye Bolaji.  They are popularly known as Tebogo and the Ephithalamion, and Tebogo and the Pantophagist.  Enthusiastically the combination of the known mystery series created by Omoseye Bolaji has a lot of excitement to provide.  Although most of Omoseye Bolaji work is known on the grassroots level and internationally but his mystery series have gained gigantic and interesting publicity.  Apparently among his books the Tebogo Mokoena mystery series has been the one which the protagonist used his prodigious zeal to create such awesome literary fiction.   In the new book Pule Lechesa (Literary Critic) has written a gripping introduction:

“How well I remember my unbridled glee when I discovered the "Tebogo Mystery Series many years ago in Ladybrand libraries! My exhilaration increased when I realised the series was based in the Free State!  I devoured the early adventures, and as subsequent episodes were churned out I read them - many times over.”

The Tebogo mystery series has been appreciated by many literary pundits.  And in particular it has been reviewed and studied by literary experts and critics.  In particular the compendium titled OMOSEYE BOLAJI, put together by Hector Kunene contains extraordinary reviews about Omoseye Bojali Mystery books.  On the very same book on pages 48, 50 and 52 Pule Lechesa, Peter Moroe and Paul Lothane wrote remarkable reviews on the book Tebogo and The Epithalamion.  Lothane gave special attention on ‘folksiness in the Tebogo and the epithalamion’. Pule Lechesa in his own review stated clearly that "for the average reader or even many critics like me the first thing that comes to mind is: what is the epithalamion.  We learn that an epithalamion is or was a sort of song or poem in celebration of a bride/wedding.”

Secondly Peter Moroe also wrote significantly in his review "Although probably the worst book in the series, this is another very readable edition of the adventures of Tebogo Mokoena the private investigator.  Regular readers of the series would be thrilled.”  Thirdly, Paul Lothane also wrote "The important thing is how a chord of folksiness on the part of the people runs through this work.  There is a strong, unforced feeling of camaraderie and bonhomie- in part also typified by the many jokes, smiles and grins-in Tebogo and the Epithalamion.  A feel good factor is reinforced despite the mystery involved; and it is almost as if we black Africans are reclaiming our heritage in the new Millennium…”

Excitingly enough in the same book by Hector, Peter Moroe on page 88; and Pule Lechesa on page 96 also provide thrilling review on the book Tebogo and Pantophagist.  Peter Moroe asserts that the book "Tebogo and the Pantophagist is the seventh book featuring the adventures of Tebogo Mokoena, the Free State based sleuth created by Omoseye Bolaji.  And this new edition is also readable.”  In the meantime Pule Lechesa concentrated on football, a favorite sport of author Omoseye Bolaji.  Lechesa emphasized that "This story is less complicated than the others and the elements of mystery are mainly concentrated in chapters one, and nine.  But here I want to emphasis the aspect of the football loving side of the author that emerges again in this new work.  Bolaji has published countless articles on soccer football over the years in newspapers and magazines all over the world.  In fact he was one of the first black African to contribute lengthy articles on football to the British based international magazine, World Soccer.  It is no surprise that sometimes his love for the sport emerges clearly in his work.”

Quite significant is the combination of this “two into one book” edition; ie Tebogo in the thick of things.  Obviously the mystery book created by Bolaji has been respected worldwide.  Patently it deserves special recognition.  Perhaps I might be misunderstood as one who just ‘worships and praise’ the great achievement of Omoseye Bolaji literary work.  Honestly, I mostly enjoy reading Omoseye Bolaji books and I have relished them in the most exhilarating way.  I am grateful for the publication of the book, its introduction by the critic Pule Lechesa is piquant.

Imperatively in the introduction he magnificently explains how Omoseye Bolajis literary mystery series is considered as rather unique especially produced by black African writer. The mystery books of Omoseye Bolaji are worth reading.  In the first paragraph in the introduction Pule Lechesa said "Mystery/Detective fiction is an integral part of western writing and literature.  We all know world famous names, protagonist like Sherlock Holmes (created by Conar Doyle), and Hercule Poirot (created by Agatha Christie).  Over the centuries, so many such writers and their sleuths have emerged in the western world.  Research into what we might call the Africa equivalent of Mystery/Detective genre or series will easily reveal that authentic black authors in this wise are very much thin on the ground.  Indeed the two (arguably) most famous African writers of this ilk are both white- Alexander McCall Smith, and Pepetela.

Conspicuously, Omoseye Bolaji is one of the few prolific African writers who have managed to create the most admired mystery series books based on Tebogo Mokoena, the fictional Free State townships sleuth.  At the launching of Tebogo and the Pantophagist the protagonist Omoseye Bolaji (in his book, Miscellaneous writings (page 53) says: "It rather excites me that the Tebogo Mystery series is almost ten years into since inception!  The first one I wrote and published was Tebogo Investigates(2000); this has now been followed by Tebogo's  Spot of brother (2001) Tebogo Fails (2003), Ask Tebogo (2024) Tebogo and the Haka (2008), Tebogo and the epithalamion (2009); and now Tebogo and the pantophagist. (Of course Tebogo and the bacchae was to come out in 2010)

I believe the Tebogo Mokoena Mystery is the most profound ever produced literary work by Omoseye Bolaji.  It has received many excellent reviews from prolific writers and critics and it can be found in many libraries and on the internet.  The outstanding Petro Schonfeld has set the record straight by producing a very fine enchanting study based on the Tebogo Mokoena Mystery series.  It can be more exciting to see many studies produced and made about Tebogo Mokoena Mystery series.

Lastly on Bolaji's literary legacy, the well known literary critic Raphael Mokoena posits: “What will Omoseye Bolaji's main legacy be as regards African literature?  Few would disagree that it is mainly his striking contributions to the Mystery/Detective fiction that many will continue to cherish him for…”