Guinean author and publisher Sansy Kaba Diakité has made a significant impact at the International Children's Book Fair with his latest creation: an audio book adaptation of his comic book "N'fa, le fils de Kankoula". This innovative audio format aims to attract Guinean children and young people to reading. By listening to this themed work, complete with fantastical artistic creations, the public is encouraged to discover the original texts in bookstores.
The audio book is designed to inspire young Guineans to develop a love for reading. According to Sansy Kaba Diakité, "By listening to this book, this comic book, they will want to discover the text itself, to go and find it in bookstores. So, the goal is to make Guineans take up reading." The Director General of L'Harmattan Guinée has praised the high quality of this immersive production, noting that it resonates particularly well with the local audience.
The story behind the audio book is rooted in Guinean history, specifically in the regions of Kankan, Kèfina, and Kabada. The work explores the origins of local communities and families, including the history of the Kaba people, who came from Diafounou between Mauritania and Mali, and their historical alliances with the Condé of Kankan. This oral tradition has been passed down through generations, and Sansy Kaba Diakité aims to preserve it.
By adapting these oral stories into prose, comic books, and now audio books, Sansy Kaba Diakité is working to combat the African adage that "an old man who dies is a library that burns". He is providing younger generations with an engaging way to access their genealogical tree and cultural heritage. The author has stated that this first audio volume marks the beginning of a significant editorial adventure.
Two additional volumes are already in preparation to complete this trilogy, with projects focused on Guinea's future. This initiative has been widely praised for redefining the codes of intergenerational transmission in the digital and audio age. The audio book has been well-received by audiences, who appreciate the way it brings the story to life.
The success of this project highlights the importance of innovative approaches to promoting reading and cultural heritage in Guinea. Sansy Kaba Diakité's work is a testament to the power of storytelling and the need to preserve and share cultural traditions. The author's commitment to making Guinean culture more accessible to young people is clear in this project.
As the project continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the trilogy unfolds and how it is received by audiences. With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, this audio book is sure to have a lasting impact on the literary landscape in Guinea. The project's focus on promoting reading and cultural heritage is a positive step forward for the country's literary scene.
Key points
- The audio book is part of a trilogy, with two additional volumes in preparation.
