Field Ramble with Magogodi oaMphela Makhene
Explicit content warning
03/07/24 • 26 min
On this episode of the Ramble, an interview with Magogodi oaMphela Makhene in which we discuss her stunning, debut short story collection, Innards. Set in Soweto (where Magogodi was raised) her stories map the lives of a small group of residents living under and after apartheid.
By turns shockingly violent and deeply funny Innards is beautiful wrought from the first page. It is fiction that lays bare the enduring nature of trauma and celebrates the capacity of people to pursue life amid daunting realities.
There is so much to love about Magogodi’s work, but for us, above all else, it is her determination that the reader come to her. Every story is told in a blend of the languages of Soweto. They are transportive in the truest sense, boldly immersive and unsparing. A sprawling set of relationships, histories and politics that we are left to explore.
It was a huge pleasure to hear how this remarkable book came into being. So, next time you're staring undecidedly at some book shop shelves, definitely give this a go.
An unforgettable debut that hits with all the force of the sun. Junot Diaz
Innards is a wonder. Magnificent and haunting. NoViolet Bulawayo
A relay of fearless burning emblems Paul Harding
Huge thanks to Huw Marc Bennett for the use of his song Y Gwydd
Subscribe to Field Ramble to never miss an episode.
@fieldzine
www.fieldzine.com
www.patreon.com/fieldzine
On this episode of the Ramble, an interview with Magogodi oaMphela Makhene in which we discuss her stunning, debut short story collection, Innards. Set in Soweto (where Magogodi was raised) her stories map the lives of a small group of residents living under and after apartheid.
By turns shockingly violent and deeply funny Innards is beautiful wrought from the first page. It is fiction that lays bare the enduring nature of trauma and celebrates the capacity of people to pursue life amid daunting realities.
There is so much to love about Magogodi’s work, but for us, above all else, it is her determination that the reader come to her. Every story is told in a blend of the languages of Soweto. They are transportive in the truest sense, boldly immersive and unsparing. A sprawling set of relationships, histories and politics that we are left to explore.
It was a huge pleasure to hear how this remarkable book came into being. So, next time you're staring undecidedly at some book shop shelves, definitely give this a go.
An unforgettable debut that hits with all the force of the sun. Junot Diaz
Innards is a wonder. Magnificent and haunting. NoViolet Bulawayo
A relay of fearless burning emblems Paul Harding
Huge thanks to Huw Marc Bennett for the use of his song Y Gwydd
Subscribe to Field Ramble to never miss an episode.
@fieldzine
www.fieldzine.com
www.patreon.com/fieldzine
Previous Episode
Field Ramble with Aniefiok Ekpoudom
On this episode of Field Ramble, an interview with Aniefiok Ekpoudom to discuss his incredible work of narrative non fiction Where We Come From. Set between communities in South London, South Wales and the West Midland’s Neef’s book documents the rise of UK Rap and Grime. Beginning with the tenacious community hubs of Pirate Radio in Birmingham under the guiding hand of Cecil Morris to the emergence of artists such as Stormzy and Dave, Aniefiok documents the early years and emergence of the genres and the vital role that progenitors such as Cadet, Kano & Despa played.
At a time when public discourse around our social history can often feel so narrow Where we Came From is vital. It is a book that explores and celebrates the key role immigration plays in invigorating and progressing our shared cultural landscape. And one deeply in love with the music it chronicles. If you don’t believe us check out these recommends.
Guy Gunaratne ‘Phenomenal ... like the heroes he chronicles, Ekpoudom acts as a torchbearer, his book a beacon, for the story that follows.’
Candice Carty-Williams ‘A stunning exploration of a genre, a movement and a world. It is every bit as lyrical as the rap Ekpoudom has documented.’
Further reading: Adèle Oliver’s excellent Deeping It is definitely a huge recommend for anyone looking for further reading in the subject. We’ll be catching up with Adèle over the next few weeks on the Ramble. So subscribe to Field Ramble now on iTunes or Spotify to not miss out.
@fieldzine
www.fieldzine.com
www.patreon.com/fieldzine
Next Episode
Field Ramble with Balsam Karam
On this episode we meet Balsam Karam to hear about her latest novel The Singularity. Set in an unnamed coastal town the story follows the impact of one woman’s death on another. It is a study of loss, migration and motherhood and a book that remains with you long after you’ve put it down.
Through bold formal experimentation Balsam builds a language of post trauma, moving from separate narratives that co-exist on the same line to episodic, crystalline remembering. This is definitely a book for those who’ve read and loved Claudia Rankine’s Citizen.
At its heart are searching questions about who we choose and choose not to see in society. And at a time when violence is so breezily explained away in our wider public discourse, The Singularity asks us to consider the depths and complexity of a single life and lasting impact of its loss.
The Singularity is published by Fitzcarraldo and is available now.
Thanks to Ian Hawgood (Tides) and Huw Marc Bennett (Y Gwydd) for the use of their beautiful music.
If you enjoyed our conversation with Balsam please leave us a review and subscribe where you get your podcasts to never miss an episode.
@fieldzine
www.fieldzine.com
www.patreon.com/fieldzine
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