Ashraf Kagee's 'Song of a Slave Girl' weaves a tale of love and resistance

IOL News

14-05-2025

In his latest novel, "Song of a Slave Girl', award-winning South African author Ashraf Kagee invites readers on a gripping journey through the confines of the Cape Colony during its dark era of slavery.
Image: Supplied
In his latest novel, "Song of a Slave Girl', award-winning South African author Ashraf Kagee invites readers on a gripping journey through the confines of the Cape Colony during its dark era of slavery.
This historical romance captures the tumultuous love story of Meraj and Djameela, two young slaves whose lives are tragically torn apart, yet who remain bound by a profound desire to be reunited.
Following a traumatic separation, Djameela is sold to a distant farmer, leaving Meraj engulfed in a grief that fuels his determination to reunite with her.
This touching separation sets the stage for a sweeping narrative of courage, betrayal, and the unbeatable human spirit.
Djameela's journey is particularly compelling as she confronts the advances of her new master's son.
Armed with the wisdom and strength of enslaved women from the East Indies, she learns to navigate her dangerous situation.
With each passing day, Djameela becomes more entrenched in her resolve, plotting her daring escape while also yearning for the embrace of Meraj.
Her character embodies the intersection of love and resistance, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, hope can illuminate a path toward freedom.
As the narrative unfolds, both lovers take significant risks - sacrificing their safety, and at times their very lives - in the pursuit of each other.
The tension builds as they face hurdles at every turn, driving home the question: will love triumph over the chains of oppression? Or will their fierce struggle for freedom demand a price too heavy to bear?
In the novel, Kagee also gives voice to the countless untold stories of injustice, trauma, and resilience that permeate South Africa's history.
Through Meraj and Djameela's harrowing journey, readers are invited to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of love and the steep price of freedom.
In "Song of a Slave Girl', Ashraf Kagee brilliantly illuminates the struggle against oppression alongside the power of love, weaving a narrative that not only captivates but also educates.
Image: Supplied
Kagee, who balances a successful career as a distinguished professor in psychology at Stellenbosch University and a practising psychologist, revealed that this novel is deeply personal.
In a recent interview, he shared that the inspiration arose partly from the desire to illuminate female perspectives, influenced by his wife, Sadiyya.
She encouraged him to craft a narrative led by a strong female character.
He cites the 7th-century poem 'Layla and Majnun', where love propels the male character into madness, as a foundational influence on his storytelling.
'It is a story of resistance to oppression and the power and agency that people can claim even when living under conditions of subjugation,' Kagee explained, painting a portrait of bravery amidst chaos.
Kagee's literary career began unexpectedly; his first novel, 'Khalil's Journey', emerged after years of enjoyment in wordplay and creativity.
It faced initial rejection but ultimately won a competition, propelling him into the world of publishing.
His subsequent works also explore themes beyond apartheid, shedding light on SA's rich yet often overlooked historical narratives.
'I wanted to tell a love story about human dignity, resistance, and love,' he noted.
In his latest novel, "Song of a Slave Girl', award-winning South African author Ashraf Kagee invites readers on a gripping journey through the confines of the Cape Colony during its dark era of slavery.
Image: Supplied
Balancing his role as a professor and a budding author hasn't been without challenges, yet Kagee dedicates his weekends and holidays to writing his fiction.
Describing creative pursuits as a hobby, he embraces the joy of storytelling, even when faced with the uncertainty that often comes with authorship.
'Sometimes the words don't come, but at other times they do,' he admitted, revealing the delicate relationship writers nurture with their craft.
The complete message Kagee hopes to impart through his novels is profound; he wishes readers to recognise the political nature of their existence, shaped by history, context, and power dynamics.
'The world is structured the way it is because of our colonialism, imperialism, and racism,' he stated, driving home the urgency of understanding social inequalities and injustices that persist today.
A significant gesture accompanying the release of "Song of a Slave Girl" amplifies its impact.
Kagee has pledged all royalties from the book to support the humanitarian efforts of the Gift of the Givers in Palestine.
His long-standing collaboration with the Gaza Mental Health Community Program highlights his unwavering commitment to aiding the oppressed.
As the book finds its place among an ever-evolving literary landscape, many are eager to uncover what lies ahead for Kagee.
He expressed a desire to continue writing, to explore more narratives that speak to the human experience, even as he works on academic pursuits.
The excitement of weaving stories, he notes, is a constant source of delight - a testament to the ever-present potential for inspiration.