The Shaka theme in dramatic literature in French from West Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	The Shaka theme in dramatic literature in French from West Africa
Author:	Blair, Dorothy
Year:	1974
Periodical:	African Studies
Volume:	33
Issue:	3
Pages:	133-141
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	French-speaking Africa West Africa South Africa
Subjects:	literature biographies (form)
About person:	Shaka king of Zululand (ca. 1787-1828)
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/00020187408707431
Abstract:	The semi-legendary Zulu king, Shaka, a sort of pre-colonial Alexander, has attracted many Black writers of French: 'Chaka'' by Leopold Sédar Senghor, 'La Mort de Chaka' by Konyaté Saydou Badian, 'Las Amazoulous' by Abdou Anta Ka, 'Amazoulou' by Condetto Nénékhaly-Camara and 'Chaka' by Djibril Tamsir Niane. The Shaka theme in this literature is dicussed in this article. None of the writers has been able to distance himself from the political aspects of his subject. Senghor, Badian, Nénékhaly-Camara and Niané draw parallels with the presently day and point lessons in Negritude or political commitment. Abdou Anta Ka's 'Les Amazoulous' is the most original of the Shaka dramas, with a strong poetic appeal. Notes.