Nappyheaded Blacgirls: A New Aesthetic

Contemporary poetry with an urban undertone. Ranging from social commentary, political critique, and the sensually sublime. The much anticipated book of poetry by Chicago poet Kazembe. “Nappyheaded Blackgirls” is a book that celebrates and comments on the naturalness and splendor of Blackness. The author explores diverse realms, themes, moods, and issues. The book is political, passionate, and challenging’ a dynamic compilation of Kazembe’s most exciting poems. In addition to the title piece, the book contains a diverse assortment of poetry ranging from the politically engaging to the romantically sublime. Certain pieces, for example, “Malcolm’s Blood” and “Freedom’s Fiction,” deal with such issues as enslavement, oppression, self-knowledge, and activism. Moreover, they discuss and elaborate the very pertinent social and political issues confronting Black people. Other pieces, for example, “Rainsweet” and “Platform Pancake Mama,” are surrealistic explorations of Black womanhood. These pieces (and the title piece) seek to highlight and celebrate the beauty, mysticism, and spiritual power of Black women. Kazembe is a popular poet on the spoken word scene throughout Chicago and the former weekend host at Jazz N’ Java. He was the first place winner of the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Competition sponsored by Chicago State University (1998). Kazembe took second place in a poetry competition sponsored by the Duncan YMCA and judged by Ntozake Shange. “Nappyheaded Blackgirls” has been widely hailed as a stunning work of exuberance, passion, and depth.