Johanes Yerima was one of the most important artists of the Bamun kingdom, both under Sultan Njoya (1892-1933) and his son Seydou (1933-1992). The very first African “comic book” dates from 1932, produced by Yohanes Yerima, whom a critic considers to be the “true first Cameroonian and African comic book author in history” . To better understand its contribution, we place you in the historical context in which it has evolved.
Browsing: History
But in thinking about the books that I read while growing up and the books that I’ve researched, I keep asking myself:
where are all the African children’s literature writers? Why aren’t there more books being produced? Have we, as African writers, moved away from this pride and responsibility of rearing conscious, confident, and self-aware African children?
Ghanian children’s book writer Meshack Asare discusses his mission to cover the rich regional diversities of Ghana and the continent as a whole. He also describe how he helped to raise the quality of writing, illustrating and publishing for children and young people in Africa, often as a trainer in workshops, writing reviews, empanelling competitions and presenting papers at institutions and conferences.