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How did the journal Black Orpheus support African writers and poets?

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Athol Fugard sits in the center with John Kani on the left and Winston Ntshona on the right; all three are seated closely together outdoors. — African literature South African dramatist Athol Fugard sitting between actors John Kani (left) and Winston Ntshona, 1973.

Founded in 1957 in Nigeria, Black Orpheus was an influential literary periodical that played a vital role in supporting African writers and poets by providing a dedicated platform for their creative work.12

The journal served as a significant venue for the publication of poetry, fiction, and essays, fostering a space for literary expression by Africans and West Indians. Its impact was bolstered by the leadership of prominent intellectuals and writers, such as Es’kia Mphahlele, Ulli Beier, and Wole Soyinka, who served as editors. By showcasing diverse voices, the journal helped cultivate the development of African literature during a transformative period in the 20th century.12

It is important to distinguish this literary journal from the 1959 film Black Orpheus, which was a French-Italian-Brazilian production that adapted Greek mythology to a Brazilian setting and is unrelated to the African literary publication.3