Chic African Culture Africa Factbook

History of African Author Grace Emily Akinyi Ogot

One of Kenya's first black female pioneers of cultural empowerment, Kenyan African author Grace Emily Akinyi Ogot writes about the tensions between tribal customs and modern life.

 

African Author Grace Emily Akinyi Ogot
Hon. Dr. Grace Emily Akinyi Ogot 

All About Kenyan African Author Grace Emily Akinyi Ogot

Grace Ogot place in Kenyan African Writing History

Grace Emily Akinyi Ogot was born in Kenya's Central Nyanza district in 1930 to Christian parents. She began her career working as a nurse and midwife at Maseno Hospital and Makerere University College. Ogot then began working as a scriptwriter and broadcaster for the BBC.  Ogot made another career change as a community development officer in the Kisumu District Kenya. She also worked as a public relations officer for Air India. Ogot then made another career turnaround opening clothing boutiques in Kenya’s largest city of Nairobi.

During this time period of many career changes as nurse, journalist, radio host and business owner Ogot never stopped writing. In 1966 she published The Promised Land, making her one of Kenya's first generation of published writers in English and one of the first black female Kenyan novelists.  Grace Ogot wrote The Promised Land and the Nigerian author Flora Nwapa who wrote Efuru, both published books in 1966 and both were groundbreaking books by black African female writers. Ogot was a founding member of the Writers' Association of Kenya she served as its chairman from 1975 to 1980.

Ogot was named a delegate to the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1975 and as a member of the Kenya delegation to UNESCO in 1976. In 1984 Ogot served as a Member of Parliament and the only assistant minister for culture in the cabinet of Ex-President Daniel Arap Moi who served as the second President of Kenya from 1978 to 2002. Ogot is 84 years old and married to her husband of 55 years Bethwell Allan Ogot who is also a writer and politician.

Major Works by Grace Ogot

Major Works by Grace OgotThe promised land- 1966

Land without thunder - 1968

The other women - selected short stories- 1976

The graduate- 1980

The strange bride- 1983

Ogot recently published the story of her life entitled “Days of My Life: An Autobiography. She gives accounts of how she and her husband went through a lot of pain to have access to Ex-President Daniel Arap Moi in order to organize fund-raising meetings to develop her constituency.  The book, however, shows how Grace Ogot badly let down writers and thespians as Assistant Minister for Culture and Social Services. She never worked to improve the working climate of Kenya Cultural Center in general and the Kenya National Theater in particular.


Together we build awareness that boost harmony, education, and success, below are more links to articles you will find thought provoking.

  1. Deadliest routes for refugees
  2. Cooking with shea butter oil
  3. Worst serial killers recorded in history are women
  4. Indigenous healers and plants used
  5. Night running illness or magic
  6. What is back to Africa

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

More Articles to Read ♛♛♛

Show more

This Week’s Best Posts and Pages

May the Devil Take Yours Bones: Curses in Tanzania

Image
To ward off curses, witchcraft and evil spirits, the use of protective symbols such as wearing or hanging a talisman called Gurudumu is common practice. In Tanzania, witchcraft superstitions are deeply rooted in the cultural beliefs and traditions. Witchcraft superstitions such as albino witchcraft and curses are powerful beliefs throughout certain parts of Tanzania. A talisman called Gurudumu. Albino Curses and Witchcraft in Tanzania. There is a strong belief in the existence of albino witches who are thought to possess magical powers. This belief has unfortunately led to the persecution and violence against albinos, as some people seek their body parts for use in witchcraft rituals. Some traditional beliefs and superstitions associate albinism with supernatural or magical powers. This misconception fuels the demand for albino body parts, as they are believed to possess mystical properties that can bring wealth, success, or protection from harm. In certain communities, there is a bel
Read the Article

Top Dog Breed in Africa the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Image
History and enduring popularity of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, a remarkable African breed of dog. Learn about the Rhodesian Ridgeback origins in southern Africa to its rise in prominence among European settlers in Rhodesia, this unique canine possesses a captivating blend of courage, strength, and loyalty. Discover why the Rhodesian Ridgeback has become a beloved companion and versatile working dog, both in its native Africa and around the world. Uncover the secrets behind its distinctive ridge and the traits that have made it a sought-after breed, ensuring its enduring popularity. Rhodesian Ridgeback The captivating history of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, a true symbol of African heritage and excellence. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a distinctive breed of dog that originated in southern Africa, particularly in what is now known as Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia). The history of the Rhodesian Ridgeback dates back several centuries and is intertwined with the exploration, colonization, and develop
Read the Article

Using Amen and Ashe or Ase

Image
Usage of Amen and Ashe or Ase Ashe to Amen learn about the custom of using the words Ashe and Amen historically. Where did the word Amen and Ashe come from why is it said and what does it mean? In Judaism, 3,500 years old and Christian religions 2,000 years old, Amen, means may it be so. In the African Yoruba language among the Yoruba people whose culture is as old as time, Ashe or Ase means may it be so. Ase or Ashe means power, commandment, and authority, the ability to make whatever one says happen from the spiritual to the physical realm. In the Yoruba language, Ashe is omnipresent spiritual energy. Followers of Judaism and Christian religions use the word Amen. It is the word utilized to end prayers as an affirmation for the requests to be provided by God. Yoruba is as old as time, Ashe refers to the life force within all living things, the spark that animates life. It is used as a term used in the same manner as Amen at the end of appeals and prayers as an affirmati
Read the Article

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

Image
How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali and
Read the Article