By Neo Kolane
Lipsticks and Scars Publishing walked away with the Best Publisher Award at the Mulher Forte African literature awards on March 7 in Botswana, all thanks to two collaborative spirits; Lineo and Thakane who are the writers.
Lipsticks and Scars believes in having a voice and using it. Be it infertility, personal finance, food security or gender inequality, the truth is silence breeds ills and it is only through having uncomfortable discussions that change can be effected.
The first annual Mulher Forte African Literature Awards aim to give literature in Africa the best recognition it deserves.
Speaking to theReporter, Thakane Rethabile Shale, a creative force who has many wonderful stories to tell stated that the award is quite unexpected as she has not been doing this for a long time.
“I suppose it inspired me to keep on doing what I do. It also made me feel really grateful to Lineo Matlakala for trusting me so much with her work.
Thakane admitted that she honestly did not prepare enough.
“Obviously, I was in touch with the coordinator and she would advise on what to do. We had hoped to attend the event in Botswana but with the COVID-19 restrictions, that was not possible so I could not even wear my prepared outfit bathong!! I had planned to pull Grammy style vibes,” she says teasingly.
The Mulher Forte African literature awards coordinators recognized Lineo and when she told them the publisher was a debut offering they then got in touch with me.
“Lineo and I always work hand in hand to bring recognition to us both. I think that’s what made the book and subsequent publicity so effortless, the collaborative spirit between us. I was nominated with Sam Nkogatse from South Africa as well as Lewis Wamwanda from Kenya. It was a little intimidating but I then purposely chose not to read their work so as not to worry about it.
“Well, I got the news that we had been nominated and Lineo and I popped bottles (sadly at home and not together because lockdown), but afterwards I didn’t really think I’d win so I didn’t do much. I only started taking myself seriously as a contender when the semi-finalists were announced, so I engaged more with the organization and seeing local media reporting on it was also very exciting. Then there was a feature in a Kenyan newspaper and next thing we had won. It was a very exciting unexpected journey.
“I will continue telling more stories. I have diversified into podcasts and video as well, there are two projects in the pipeline but I don’t want to say much lest I jinx it all. Originally I only used books to express myself but in the age of digital media it’s important for one to align with the times so as to reach a wider audience. Our website is up as well so people can view more of my work and collaborations. It’s on lipstickandscars.net,” Lineo revealed.
