Shaaban bin Robert

Shaaban Robert
Born
Shaaban bin Selemani

(1909-01-01)1 January 1909
Vibamba village, Tangasisi, Tanga
Died20 June 1962(1962-06-20) (aged 53)
Resting placeMachui, Tangasisi, Tanga Region
NationalityTanzanian
Occupation(s)Civil servant, writer, poet
Years active1932–62
Known forkiswahili literature
Notable workKusadikika
SpouseAmina
Children10
AwardsMargaret 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]

  1. ^ Frank M Chipasula (5 August 2009). Bending the Bow: An Anthology of African Love Poetry. SIU Press. pp. 283–. ISBN 978-0-8093-8638-3.
  2. ^ Killam, G. D.; Ruth Rowe (2000). The Companion to African Literatures. Indiana University Press. ISBN 0-253-33633-3.
  3. ^ "Shaaban Robert". Encyclopedia.com. 2004. Retrieved 27 June 2008.
  4. ^ J. Cameron; W. A. Dodd (17 May 2014). Society, Schools and Progress in Tanzania: The Commonwealth and International Library: Education and Educational Research. Elsevier Science. pp. 57–. ISBN 978-1-4831-5914-0.