The latest addition to the SF in SA series of essays is - as previously mentioned - a socio-historical overview of South African speculative fiction, recently published in the November 2009 issue of Locus Magazine and republished here with due acknowledgement to Locus as SF in SA 10. If there are any glaring omissions, please let me know, although as I have mentioned in the list of YA titles this is 'amongst others'; as it is hard to be truly comprehensive - which is hopefully a good sign for South African speculative fiction!

Further to note is the award The Last Drink Bird Head by Jeff and Ann VanderMeer, with the prize for " those who work to bring writers from other literary traditions and countries to the attention of readers in North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia" being Charles Tan "for Bibliophile Stalker and various ad hoc efforts": http://charles-tan.blogspot.com/. Congratulations to Charles,who also specifically promotes Philippine as well as world speculative fiction generally.

Although not specifically related to speculative fiction, I must mention a tribute concert I went to for Mama Africa, a.k.a. Miriam Makeba - a great tribute to a great singer a year after her death. This was well marshalled by a wonderful Angelique Kidjo from Benin and is reviewed here - although personally for me, I've always considered West Africa to be the 'powerhouse' of great African music. Still, there's been no one quite like Miriam Makeba, long may she live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0t4Yibsh64&feature=related

Till Next year - blessed festivals to all.

Nick Wood - December 2009