Crossroads of Dreams
ISBN 9781942876519
Pages 144
Dimensions 216 x 140mm
Published 2020
Publisher Spears Media Press, Cameroon
Format Paperback

Crossroads of Dreams

A Poetry Anthology

by Franklin Agogho, Jude A. Fonchenalla, MD Mbutoh

Crossroads of Dreams is a steamy potpourri of poetry by Franklin Agogho, Jude A. Fonchenalla and M.D. Mbutoh which redefine representations of African youth through the prisms of politics, emigration and the enduring threat of underdevelopment. How would one explain the persistence of poverty and oppression in Africa amidst the superabundance of natural and human resources? In their search for answers, the poets not only chastise but also to point to a verdant and promising future – free of corruption, greed, violence and neo-colonialism. Other themes covered in the anthology include gender, identity and family ties. Animated by three distinctive styles, the eighty-eight poems in this volume will surely enrage, provoke laughter, sorrow, disgust but also hope, courage and visions of a promising Africa in all its splendour and tribulations.

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Reviews

"The poems in in this collection can be likened to an orchestra. Reading through this anthology is like listening to a perfect symphony of youthful voices of three poets from Cameroon, tackling a variety of thematic concerns in contemporary postcolonial Africa. Clearly, Agogho, Mbutoh and Fonchenalla employ diverse imagery, revealing great sensibility to present challenges as well as a sense of optimism, not only in Cameroon but also in other parts of Africa and beyond. Deconstructing the common perception that the space for the youth is in the future, these poets reflect on the agency of the youth in shaping individual and social-political destinies. Moreover, the uniqueness of this anthology lies not only in their poetic style, but also in the Manichean juxtaposition of such aspects like old and new, order and chaos, hope and despair."

Dr. Samuel Ndogo, HOD, Department of Literature, Theatre & Film Studies, School of Arts & Social Sciences, Moi University, Kenya

“… a masterpiece with a universal appeal with enormous potential to create a positive impact on Cameroon, Africa and beyond.”

Ekpe Inyang, Playwright and award-winning Poet

About the Authors

Franklin Agogho

Franklin Agogho is an award-winning writer from the North West Region of Cameroon. His short story, The Curse won first prize in a national contest organized by Cameroon's Ministry of Arts and Culture (2016). His works have appeared in Bakwa Magazine, Brittle Paper and AfricAvenir. His debut comic book, Totem was published in 2019 by Zebra Comics Inc. He holds an MA in International Relations and a BA in English Modern Letters. Franklin lives in Yaoundé, Cameroon, loves to travel and enjoys playing football with friends.

Jude A. Fonchenalla

Jude A. Fonchenalla is a poet, editor, teacher and social worker. His poems have appeared in Ashes and Memories (2019, Editions Teham) and his writing focuses on issues related to leadership, youth and women's empowerment. His advocacy on gender and female reproductive rights is carried out under the auspices of the nonprofit, Vision In Action (VIAC). Jude is also co-founder of Zebra Comics, a leading comic startup in Cameroon and has served the Afrikan Youth Movement as its editor-in-chief. He holds a BA in English Modern Letters (University of Yaoundé I), postgraduate diplomas from the Higher Teachers' Training College (Higher ENS), Yaoundé and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. 

MD Mbutoh

MD Mbutoh is an award-winning poet from the North West Region of Cameroon. He holds a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Yaoundé. He is currently pursuing a Master's in International Communication and Public Actions at the International Relations Institute Cameroon (IRIC). He has taught Literature and English Language in secondary schools in Cameroon. His literary works have appeared in journals, blogs, and newspapers across the world including Refugee Republic (poetry collection) 2017, and Praxis, (2017) a Nigerian-based literary magazine. His debut play, Coastland of Hope (2016) was commended by the BBC Radio Play in 2017. He was guest writer in the Short Story Day Africa Flow Workshop in 2016 and 2017 respectively, as well as guest writer for the Bakwa Magazine Creative Writing Workshop in 2016. 

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