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eNCA
33 minutes ago
- General
- eNCA
Kenya's Ngugi wa Thiong'o, champion of African expression
NAIROBI - During his imprisonment, Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o decided he would never write in English again, a defiant move that helped put literature in African languages firmly on the map. Ngugi died at the age of 87 on Wednesday, his daughter announced on Facebook. "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngugi wa Thiong'o this Wednesday morning," wrote Wanjiku Wa Ngugi. "He lived a full life, fought a good fight." Widely regarded as east Africa's most influential writer, Ngugi sought to forge a body of literature reflecting the land and people from which he came, and not follow in the footsteps of Western tradition. "I believe so much in equality of languages. I am completely horrified by the hierarchy of languages," he told AFP in an interview in 2022 from California, where he lived in self-imposed exile. His decision in the 1970s to abandon English in favour of his native Kikuyu, as well as Kenya's national language Swahili, was met with widespread incomprehension at first. "We all thought he was mad... and brave at the same time," said Kenyan writer David Maillu. "We asked ourselves who would buy the books." Yet the bold choice built his reputation and turned him into an African literary landmark. The softly-spoken writer also lived a life as dramatic as his novels. His criticism of post-colonial Kenya -- describing the violence of the political class and the newly rich as "the death of hopes, the death of dreams and the death of beauty" -- brought him into frequent conflict with the authorities. - 'Decolonising the mind' - Born James Ngugi into a large peasant family in Kenya's central Limuru region on January 5, 1938, he spent the first 25 years of his life in what was then a British settler colony. His early works were heavily influenced by his country's battle against colonial rule and the brutal Mau Mau war of 1952-1960. In his first collection of essays, "Homecoming", he described himself as a "stranger in his home country". But his anger would later extend to the inequalities of post-colonial Kenyan society, incurring the wrath of the government. In 1977, Ngugi and fellow writer Ngugi wa Mirii were jailed without charge after the staging of their play "Ngaahika Ndeenda" ("I Will Marry When I Want"). It was then that he decided to write his first novel in Kikuyu, "Devil on the Cross", which was published in 1980. AFP | Tony KARUMBA He had already abandoned his "English" name to become Ngugi wa Thiong'o. "I wrote it on the only paper available to me, which was toilet paper," he told US radio broadcaster NPR. Amnesty International named him a prisoner of conscience, before a global campaign secured his release from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in December 1978. As early as 1965, Ngugi's novel "The River Between" embarked on a critical examination of the role of Christianity in an African setting. "If the white man's religion made you abandon a custom and then did not give you something else of equal value, you became lost," he wrote. He went into self-imposed exile in 1982 after a ban on theatre groups in Kenya, moving first to Britain then to the United States. In 1986, he published one of his best-known works, "Decolonising the Mind", a collection of essays about the role of language in forging national culture, history and identity. - 'A Kenyan Tolstoy' - When Ngugi returned home on a visit in 2004, he was mobbed by supporters at Nairobi's airport. "I have come back with an open mind, an open heart and open arms," he declared. Days later, he and his wife were attacked by armed men: she was raped and he was beaten up. It was not clear whether robbery was the sole motive or whether the assault was politically motivated. Margaretta wa Gacheru, a sociologist and former student of Ngugi, described him as a national icon. "To me he's like a Kenyan Tolstoy, in the sense of being a storyteller, in the sense of his love of the language and panoramic view of society, his description of the landscape of social relations, of class and class struggles," she said. In addition to fiction, the father-of-three, who became a professor of comparative literature at the University of California Irvine, also published essays and three memoirs. His most recent book was the genre-defying novel-in-verse "The Perfect Nine", which he translated into English in 2020. It recounted the founding of the Kikuyu people, blending folklore and allegory. From widening economic inequality to the lingering trauma of racism, the issues raised in the play still persist in Kenya and beyond, a fact not lost on its creator. "I am an activist, I want to see change," Ngugi told AFP. "I hope we can continue striving for that world. We cannot give up."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Elon Musk Exits Trump Administration a Day After Criticizing ‘Big Beautiful' Spending Bill
Elon Musk, who has been one of Donald Trump's closest and most influential allies, has exited the administration 128 days into the President's second term. On Wednesday, Musk took to his own social media platform X to share the news. More from Variety Trump Reacts Angrily to Question About Wall Street's 'TACO Trade,' Meaning 'Trump Always Chickens Out' on His Tariff Threats: 'It's Called Negotiation' Trump Pardons Reality Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley Following Tax Evasion and Bank Fraud Convictions NPR Sues Trump Over Executive Order to Cut Funding: 'Clear Violation of the Constitution' 'As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President [Donald Trump] for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,' Musk wrote. 'The[DOGE] mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.' AP confirmed Musk's exit with a White House staffer who asked to remain anonymous. Musk's departure from the Trump administration comes just one day after the Tesla founder criticized Trump's 'big, beautiful bill,' which seeks to create major tax breaks for the wealthy, while also allocating more funds to military spending and immigration issues. This would all come at the cost of slashing clean energy, nutrition, education and health programs. 'I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it,' Musk told CBS's 'Sunday Morning.' He went on to say that the bill 'undermines the work' of his Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, adding that the proposed legislation 'can be big or it could be beautiful. But I don't know if it could be both.' Musk spent more than $250 million on Trump's campaign and joined within the first days of his second term as a 'special government employee' tasked with slashing excessive government spending. When he joined the administration, he set forth to reduce the federal budget by $1 trillion, a goal he fell well short of, according to the New York Times. Best of Variety 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump Reacts Angrily to Question About Wall Street's ‘TACO Trade,' Meaning ‘Trump Always Chickens Out' on His Tariff Threats: ‘It's Called Negotiation'
At a White House press briefing Wednesday, President Trump was asked about a new term circulating on Wall Street: The 'TACO trade,' which stands for 'Trump always chickens out' when it has come to carrying out his threats to impose high tariffs on foreign countries. Trump, who said he had not heard the term before, lashed out at the reporter who asked him about it. 'Don't ever say what you said. That's a nasty question,' Trump said. 'To me, that's the nastiest question.' More from Variety Trump Pardons Reality Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley Following Tax Evasion and Bank Fraud Convictions NPR Sues Trump Over Executive Order to Cut Funding: 'Clear Violation of the Constitution' Trump Threatens Apple With Tariffs of 'at Least 25%' on iPhones Not Made in U.S. The origin of 'TACO trade' is credited to Financial Times columnist Robert Armstrong, who cited it in a May 2 article. As described by the New York Times, it 'has been adopted by some to describe the pattern in which markets tumble after Mr. Trump makes tariff threats, only to rebound just as sharply when he relents and gives countries more time to negotiate deals.' At the briefing Wednesday, CNBC White House correspondent Megan Casella asked, 'Mr. President, Wall Street analysts have coined a new term called the 'TACO trade.' They're saying 'Trump always chickens out' on your tariff threats. And that's why markets are higher this week. What's your response to that?' 'I 'chicken out'? I've never heard that. You mean because I reduced [tariffs on] China from 145% that I said, down to 100 and then down to another number?' Trump said at the briefing. Currently, Trump's tariffs on China is set at 30%. Last week, Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on goods from the European Union effective June 1 — before postponing that to July 9 to allow for more time to negotiate with European trading partners. 'It's called negotiation,' Trump said. 'You set a number. And if you go down — you know, if I set a number, a ridiculous high number, and I go down a little bit, you know, a little bit, they want me to hold that number, 145% tariff. Even I said, 'Man, that really got up.' You know how it got [up]? Because of fentanyl and many other things. And you added it up. I said, 'Where are we now?' 'We're at 145%.' I said, 'Woo, that's high. That's high'… We were very nice to China… we were basically going cold turkey with China, we were doing no business, because of the tariff, because it was so high. And I knew that.' The exchange occurred during Trump's swearing-in ceremony for former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. He announced that he was naming Pirro to the post after losing support in the Senate for his initial choice, Ed Martin, over Martin's views about the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Watch Trump's response to the question about the 'TACO trade': Best of Variety 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ladybug Fest, Shakesbeer in the Park, Menzingers & more fun
Just like that, it's almost June. Here's a bunch of cool stuff you can do to chill out and enjoy the run up to summer. First stop? Definitely our 2025 Summer Guide, packed with intel on everything from golf courses and pickleball courts to big concerts, family fun and annual festivals. You'll find enough to keep you busy several summers, and we're just getting started. Check back often for updates. Next, be sure to check out Shannon Marvel McNaught's weekly Beach Guide, which has you covered for fun and important things to know at Delaware beaches as May gives way to June. Want to eat out once the sun comes back out? Consult our outdoor dining guide. And now, here are some highlights: Over 30 acts will play the Ladybug Music Festival including headliner Margaret Glaspy. The singer-songwriter has drawn attraction from The New York Times and Rolling Stone, NPR and others. The Ladybug Festival has been branded as the country's largest free celebration of women in music. The festival, which started in 2012, has built a unique reputation for featuring 100% female-fronted acts. Ladybug Festival is held in downtown Wilmington from 5 to 10 p.m. May 30. Free event. Visit In case you need a reason to drink more orange crushes, it's at the Delaware beaches, meaning many bars and restaurants will donate to Cancer Support Community Delaware for every crush you buy. Rally For Our First Responders is a huge event happening at Hudson Fields in Milton from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 31. It features live music, children's activities, food trucks, vendors, a car show, and first responder demonstrations and vehicles. Tickets at the gate are $10. Children 12 and under and first responders are free. Visit the Facebook page for more info. Reho Brew Festival will be held for the first time at Cambria Hotel in Rehoboth Beach, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 31. For $40, you get all-you-can-drink craft beverages. (Designated driver tickets are $15 with unlimited soda and water.) The indoor/outdoor event also includes a DJ, food and vendors. Get tickets at Before there is Shakespeare in the Park, there shall be Shakesbeer in the Park. Delaware Shakespeare and Friends of Fort DuPont will team up on Friday, June 6 at 7 p.m. for an evening with the beer - and bard. Guests can sip brews crafted by Bellefonte Brewing, while noshing on Bailey's Dawgs and Kona Ice, all while enjoying a "lighthearted evening of Shakespeare,'' according to Del Shakes. Ticket options are as follows: $35 for a flight of three beers $35 for spiked seltzers (GF option!) $25 designated driver Guests should gather at the Fort DuPont Pavilion, 2546 Colter Road, Delaware City. To register, visit Del Shakes' Summer Festival kicks off July 17 with "Twelfth Night, O Lo Que Quieras.'' Philly punk legends The Menzingers are returning to Wilmington for a sweaty concert. The band is known for favorites like "After the Party," "I Don't Wanna Be An A--hole Anymore" and "In Remission." The Queen (500 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7:30 p.m. June 1. Tickets are $35-$113. Visit or call (302) 400-7020. Tickets are almost sold out for this show with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Love is a battlefield, and this Rock & Roll Hall of Fame couple will declare war on boredom when they perform in Selbyville. Benatar is iconic for singing songs like "We Belong," "All Fired Up" and "Invincible." While Giraldo's voice may not be as famous as his wife's, the musician has delivered more than 100 songs that we were written, produced arranged and recorded for Benatar, according to their bio. Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lakeview Drive, near Selbyville) at 7 p.m. June 1. Tickets are $49-$99, plus fees. Visit or call (302) 436-3015. And now, more fun news to nosh on ... This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Ladybug Fest, Shakesbeer in the Park, Menzingers & more fun
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rick Steves Says Trump Is Taking 'From The Fascist Autocrat's Playbook'
Rick Steves, travel writer and host of PBS's 'Rick Steves' Europe,' said when he reads the news about President Donald Trump, he's reminded of Adolf Hitler. 'Every time I read the news, I think, Well, that's exactly what Hitler did, or that's exactly what Mussolini did,' Steves told Vanity Fair in an interview published Wednesday. 'You've got to intimidate people at the voting booths. You've got to be able to disappear people into some kind of concentration camp or a prison in another land. You just look at any news flash that deals with how Trump is taking or consolidating his power, and you can see that it is from the fascist autocrat's playbook.' In the interview, Steves — who, in 2018, released his one-hour special 'The Story of Fascism in Europe' — said countries that struggled with democracy 100 years ago have things in common with countries struggling with it today. He listed out the things someone would have to do to overthrow the government, like 'tell lies repeatedly,' 'discredit journalism,' target higher education and the courts, and 'create an external enemy.' Trump has threatened to cut federal funding for public media, which includes PBS and NPR, claiming they are 'biased' media. According to his May executive order, 'Government funding of news media in this environment is not only outdated and unnecessary but corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence.' In response, NPR and three Colorado public radio stations are suing Trump. Steves told Vanity Fair that public media, which he said is meant to educate the people, is a 'hurdle' and threat that Trump has to get rid of in order to accomplish his goals. 'And why wouldn't he be threatened by public broadcasting?' Steves said. 'Public broadcasting is a thoughtful oasis in our media landscape that does not have an agenda other than enlightening the electorate so that we can make smart decisions and have a stronger democracy. That's something that I celebrate.' He continued, saying that he's been an 'active champion' of noncommercial media because the alternative has to be profitable, which no longer makes it news, it makes it entertainment. 'There's only one place where news is not trying to be profitable, and that's NPR, and that's the most dangerous media for somebody that wants to get rid of truth,' Steves said. 'And Trump cannot accomplish what he wants to accomplish as long as we have the truth.' Steves said he's hopeful about America, but at the same time, he's worried Trump is playing a game of Hearts. 'We're at a point right now where everybody at the table is realizing, Wait a minute, is he shooting the moon?' Steves said. 'Does he have what it takes to get there?' he continued. 'Is there any way we could stop him? He's got smart people working with him, and they know what they're doing, and they know exactly what it takes to shoot the moon and for them to scare people in power, to intimidate a legislator or a judge to not do what they know is right.' 'I don't expect normal citizens to stand by their principles at the endangerment of their families — that's a nice thing to aspire to, but in reality, it's a rare person who has that much courage, and you can't fault somebody for worrying about their family and laying low. And Trump knows that,' he concluded. Randy Rainbow's Revelation About Trump May Surprise You As Kids' Book Comes Out Trump Wants Crypto In Your 401(k) Plan NPR And 3 Local Stations Sue Trump Administration Over Funding Cuts
