Okot P'Bitek Book order

COVID meditations from literary phenom Otoniya J. Okot Bitek The relationship between the quotidian and the extraordinary is symbiotic: they defined each other. In Song & Dread, Bitek becomes a record keeper, observing this contradictory relationship from inside the quagmire of pandemic days. Rife with the paradoxical forces of boredom and intensity, the early days of COVID-19 passed under an inescapable pall. The poems of Song & Dread seek quietude, order, refuge, and space within that shroud. They remind us of community, connectedness, and what is inherently shared in a time of limited access and limitless grief. Innovative and playful in form, the works in this collection are of the time, while remembering an existence outside the present. They juxtapose the sensational news stories of daily turmoil and sorrowful social-media posts with the winnowed-down nature of life in a global crisis. With a keen eye, Bitek documents the ways the strange can become normalized when there is no other option.

The book critiques the historical tendency of Western scholarship to misinterpret African spirituality through European frameworks, arguing for a more authentic understanding of indigenous practices. Okot p'Bitek, a pioneering African scholar, emphasizes the importance of studying African religions on their own terms rather than through a colonial lens. This edition includes a new introduction by philosopher Kwasi Wiredu, aiming to inspire a new generation to appreciate and engage with African spiritual cultures in a decolonized context.

The collection features poignant poetry that addresses the complexities of Africa's struggle for freedom, exploring themes of political turmoil and familial ties amidst adversity. The first section, "Song of Prisoner," reflects on the continent's challenges while highlighting the resilience of its youth. In contrast, "Song of MalayaI" offers a satirical take on the moral contradictions of contemporary African society, blending humor with critical commentary. This work showcases the depth and versatility of the Ugandan writer's voice in capturing the African experience.