In an interview with Arts&Culture, Plaatjie, an Associate Degree in Digital Video graduate from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, explained that the book was a collection of short stories that delve into African tradition, culture, mysticism, forgotten lore and more.
He added that the stories were written to encourage others to see the diverse, vibrant and riches of their African culture and to urge fellow countrymen to never give up in the pursuit of their dreams even in the face of adversity. “I remember one day when I was sitting in my father’s car, a song by 2Pac ‘Do for Love’ was playing and I did not understand the lyrics at first but I was fascinated by the artistry.
I was right away sold and soon I started mimicking other rap artists like Nasir Jones (Nas) because of his incredible storytelling ability. Writing my own lyrics was something but being able to record and hear my voice played back was a huge boost for my confidence. I started to read novels, watch movies pay more attention to other forms of storytelling because I wanted to improve my vocabulary and sound smart on record like the aforementioned rap artist. I would watch a film, close my eyes and just imagine how they could have made it better,” he stated. Furthermore, Plaatjie pointed out that creating characters, giving them traits and putting them in a strange world (fictional) kept him going.
He added that there was something therapeutic about putting himself in someone else’s shoes. He also said films like Independence Day, Good Will Hunting, and novels like The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosenni and Purple Hubiscus by Chimamanda Adichie also inspired his writing. Plaatjie pointed out that some of the story ideas were derived from dreams that he did not understand.
He explained that trying to get the logic behind the nature of dreams where one moment an individual was in another realm and the next they were transported into another was an inspiration. He added that film, music, fashion and conversations contributed a lot to story ideas. “My target audience is teenagers (junior schools) and adults who can read.
The book is getting great feedback so far, readers talk of the uniqueness of the characters and how they resonate with the characters’ quest to get what they want at the end. The only challenge was having to garner much courage to publish these stories,” he said. Moreover, Plaatjie said he sees himself being able to turn his story ideas into screenplays and being able to direct his first feature film in the future. Amongst his short stories, he said he likes The Village that Sleeps where Samba’s fearlessness and bravery even when facing the Chief’s wrath encourages him to tackle life situations in the same manner. Besides writing, Plaatjie is also into photography and cinematography and works at Greatour Media.
