Shaaban Robert | |
---|---|
Born | Shaaban bin Selemani 1 January 1909 |
Died | 20 June 1962 | (aged 53)
Resting place | Machui, Tangasisi, Tanga Region |
Nationality | Tanzanian |
Occupation(s) | Civil servant, writer, poet |
Years active | 1932–62 |
Known for | kiswahili literature |
Notable work | Kusadikika |
Spouse | Amina |
Children | 10 |
Awards | Margaret Wrong Prize and Medal for African Literature |
Shaaban bin Robert, also known as Shaaban Robert (1 January 1909 – 20 June 1962), was a Tanzanian poet, author, and essayist who supported the preservation of Tanzanian verse traditions.[2] Robert is celebrated as one of the greatest Tanzanian Swahili thinkers, intellectuals and writers in East Africa and has been called "poet laureate of Swahili" and is also known as the "Father of Swahili."[3] He is also honoured as the national poet.[4]