FS ROMANCE CLASSIC OUT AGAIN

One of the most outstanding works of fiction in the pantheon of Free State Black Literature has been re-published. A brand new edition of Impossible Love, a remarkable romance novel, written by Omoseye Bolaji is out.   

Confirming this at the weekend, a spokesperson for Mbali Press, the publishers of the work, said: "We are starting a new series wherefore old classics penned by our black authors are being re-issued. We are kicking off with Impossible Love, which many believe is something of a masterpiece,".   

Already, literary pundits are drooling over this development. Mr Pule Lechesa, renowned author and critic said: "Many of us were enamoured in awesome fashion just by being introduced to the novel (Impossible Love) many years ago, and reading it over and over again with elan. What a work! Smashing, coruscating and marmoreal. It would be a crime if new generations cannot get to read the novel...".       

Raphael Mokoena, who has published many essays and critiques on Bolaji's work over the years, also purred: "I think Impossible Love might well be regarded as a monument of Bolaji's fictional works. It is one of those books that make one tingle with excitement and pride, like Achebe's Things fall apart. I am delighted a new edition of the novel is out again,".

Award winning novelist, George Rampai, said: "I already have my own copy of the new edition of Impossible Love! Probably the work is magnum opus for Bolaji, though he has published dozens of books. Undoubtedly though, we can say that Impossible Love is superb, a work of art, Bolaji at his very best,".     

Ishmael Soqaga, another pundit who has reviewed many of Bolaji's works said: "I found myself shaking with excitement when I learned that Impossible Love has been re-published. Actually Bolaji once told me that People of the Townships is his favourite amongst his works of fiction, but I think most people will plump for Impossible Love as his masterpiece,”

From the blurb of the latest edition:

When Impossible Love was first published (2000) the pundits unanimously hailed it as an irresistible, charming, gripping love story "with a stunning twist in the tale". The unexpected denouement drew gasps of disbelief yet interspersed with dollops of delectation. Mbali Press is proud to bring out this new edition of the work for the titillation of a new generation of readers.

The author, Omoseye Bolaji, has now published over 30 books stocked in many libraries across the world. Amongst many awards, he has been conferred with the Chancellor's Medal by the University of the Free State. He has played a pivotal, phenomenal role in the startling growth and proliferation of Free State Black Literature - a feat which has sparked off the publication of sundry disparate studies world-wide.

----------------

Mr Omoseye Bolaji originally wrote Impossible Love almost 20 years ago, and it was first published by Drufoma. The book became a hit, and has been digitised by American universities via Google Books.  

Mr Rampai added: "The story behind the fruition of the book, Impossible Love, is remarkable in itself...that is why I find the Introduction in this new edition - which harps on the conception of the work - as gratifying, and a bonus. I commend the publishers for bringing out this classic again!"

STEPHEN KESHI: A Minuscule Tribute

By Omoseye Bolaji

Yes, it still seems incredible, but the fact is Stephen Keshi has departed this world after indelible, glittering contributions to Nigerian and African football. And more.

The footballing world  these days knows much more about Keshi the Coach, not the player. And  those of us who have fond memories of Keshi strutting his stuff on the field of play - amidst other glimpses of this scintillating personality - feel that we should reminisce un peu about the past.

Keshi, always charming and confident, always had greatness thrust upon him. How else do we explain that some of his erstwhile colleagues on the field of play - like his fellow central defender, the superb Sunday Eboigbe - have been forgotten, whilst Keshi's stature remains evergreen and lustrous?    

Hark back to Keshi decades ago holding the fort for Nigeria at the back, directing, organising; even lubricating the attack intermittently...as he did so splendidly during the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 1984 when Nigeria garnered the silver medal so unexpectedly...what a fine young team that was!!

Keshi and some other Nigerian stars however were thereafter banned by the powers that be, and he in particular found himself moving onto Ivory Coast to ply his trade. That was over 30 years ago. It was the making of the Keshi the world knows and mourns now, as he became more cosmopolitan, learned other languages and went on to do very well in Belgium as a prized footballer.  

All this would rub off positively on the national team, and the increasing number of young Nigerian footballers who regarded Keshi as the icon he already was even then, and who would also have the confidence to try their luck in European football. And Nigerian football continued to be enriched, thanks to The Big Boss.   

Keshi was now at his peak as a footballer, in the late 80s and early 90s, scoring more and more fantastic goals for the Super Eagles with blistering shots; as he did against Angola in 1989 during the World Cup qualifying games.  

And against Cameroon that same year (same qualifying campaign) Keshi repeated the trick, hitting a superb shot and goal. I was inside the stadium that day in Ibadan (then Adamasingba stadium) and saw a thrilling Eagles side, brimming with the talents of the likes of Etim Esin, Siasia, Owubokiri...and Keshi of course held it all together. Tragic that such a fine team did not make it to the 1990 World Cup finals.

But at least Keshi - though aging by 1994 - would realise a life ambition of making it to a World Cup finals. He was still skipper, captain, motivator and leader, even if he did not play much in America that year. By this time, he had inspired so many African players to move onto professional European football that even before he became a Coach, his contributions were already carved in gold.

Keshi was always a born leader, as Coaches from Adegboye Onigbinde to Clemens Westerhof were quick to perceive, utilize and benefit from. He was also a born winner who nevertheless was never a "ruffian" on the field of play. He was exemplary, charismatic, ebullient and strikingly fluent on the field.   

And talking of fluency, Keshi was so proficient with languages. Many years ago I was surprised when he spoke Yoruba with me in Lagos (at an event); then of course he was so dexterous in French that you wondered whether it was his Mother tongue! What a man!    

His feats as a Coach are well known - for Togo (who could ever have imagined Togo qualifying for World Cup finals!?); for Mali, and for Nigeria. Yes we all know he won the Africa Cup of Nations as a player/captain; and then as Coach later on. But Keshi was much more than this. A quintessential legend. R.I.P, Big Boss.