Nakanjani Sibiya Biography: Age, Date of Birth, Education, Books, Poems, Wife, Family

WikiStars July 29, 2024

Nakanjani Sibiya Biography

Nakanjani Sibiya is a prominent South African isiZulu author, born in 1967 in Gcotsheni, Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal. He is known for his extensive contributions to isiZulu literature, including short stories, dramas, novels, and poetry anthologies.

While he was still in high school, Nakanjani Sibiya published his debut collection of short stories, “Ikusasa Eliqhakazile,” which received critical acclaim and earned him the JL Dube Award for Prose. Nakanjani Sibiya’s works cover a wide range of themes, including rural settings, homosexuality, femicide, albinism, and inter-racial relationships. Notably, his novel Kuxolelwa Abanjani? received the M-Net Book Prize for Nguni Languages in 2003.

Nakanjani Sibiya Age

Nakanjani Sibiya was born in 1967, making him 56 years old as of 2024.

Nakanjani Sibiya Hometown

Nakanjani Sibiya hails from Gcotsheni, Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal.

Nakanjani Sibiya Educational Background

Nakanjani Sibiya holds a Ph.D. in Literature from the University of Zululand (UniZulu). His academic journey started early; he published his debut collection of isiZulu short stories, “Ikusasa Eliqhakazile,” while he was still in high school (Matric).

Nakanjani Sibiya Career

Nakanjani Sibiya’s literary career spans over three decades, marking him as one of the most prolific isiZulu authors. His journey began remarkably early, with his debut collection of short stories, “Ikusasa Eliqhakazile,” being published while he was still in high school. This collection garnered significant critical acclaim and won the JL Dube Award for Prose.

Sibiya’s first novel, “Kuxolelwa Abanjani?” won the M-Net Book Prize for Nguni Languages in 2003 and the BW Vilakazi Prize in 2004. This novel was honored by the national Department of Arts and Culture as the best isiZulu novel published within the first decade of democracy in South Africa. His storytelling often delves into complex themes such as homosexuality, femicide, and albinism, which sets his work apart in the literary landscape.

Beyond novels, Sibiya has made significant contributions to radio drama, poetry anthologies, and literary translations. One of his notable works includes translating MJ Mngadi’s novel, “Asikho Ndawo Bakithi,” into English in 2017. His works, particularly short stories, have been selected as set-works for schools, underlining their educational value and their impact on South African literature.

Sibiya’s academic career is as distinguished as his literary one. He currently lectures in isiZulu at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus. Additionally, Sibiya has served as an editor for Shuter and Shooter Publishers in Pietermaritzburg.

In 2014, Sibiya won the first award at the Maskew Miller Longman Awards for his isiZulu drama “Ngikuthanda ukhona lapho.” This accolade solidified his reputation as a versatile and influential writer. Over the years, he has published numerous volumes of short stories, dramas, and anthologies, continually enriching South African literature with his diverse body of work.

Sibiya expanded his literary horizons in 2021 by publishing his first collection of short stories in English, titled “The Reluctant Storyteller.” This move showcased his versatility and commitment to reaching a wider audience while maintaining the essence of his storytelling craft.

Nakanjani Sibiya Books

Here is a list of some of Nakanjani Sibiya’s published works across various genres, including short stories, novels, and dramas:

“Ikusasa Eliqhakazile” (1988) – Short Stories
“Amalangabi” (1993) – Short Stories and Essays
“Nakanjani!” (1994) – One-Act Plays
“Izimbali” (1997) – Short Stories
“Shosholoza” (1997) – One-Act Plays
“Kuxolelwa Abanjani?” (2002) – Novel
“Kwaze Kwalukhuni!” (2003) – Radio Drama
“Kuhlwa Ngomnyama” (2004) – Short Stories
“Ngikuthanda ukhona lapho” (2014) – IsiZulu Drama
“Asikho Ndawo Bakithi” (2017) – Translation of MJ Mngadi’s novel into English
“The Reluctant Storyteller” (2021) – Collection of Short Stories in English

Sibiya has also co-authored and edited several anthologies of short stories and poetry. His works have been widely praised for their exploration of sensitive themes and their vivid portrayal of rural life in South Africa.

Nakanjani Sibiya Awards

Nakanjani Sibiya has received numerous awards throughout his prolific literary career. Here are some of the notable awards he has received:

JL Dube Award for Prose – For his debut collection of short stories, “Ikusasa Eliqhakazile.”

M-Net Book Prize for Nguni Languages (2003) – For his debut novel, “Kuxolelwa Abanjani?”

BW Vilakazi Prize (2004) – Recognized as the most prestigious award for isiZulu literature, awarded for “Kuxolelwa Abanjani?”

National Department of Arts and Culture Prize (2005) – For the best isiZulu novel published in the first ten years of democracy in South Africa, again for “Kuxolelwa Abanjani?”

Maskew Miller Longman Awards (2014) – First prize for his isiZulu drama “Ngikuthanda ukhona lapho.”