On September 24, a literary café was held in Lomé, Togo, to discuss the book "La Symphonie invisible. Pourquoi le génie se sent seul ?" (The Invisible Symphony. Why Does Genius Feel Alone?) by Togolese author M'Ba B. Samta. The book, published in the "Cris de cœur" collection, was chosen as the book of the month for September. The 146-page novel aims to provide a new perspective on the concept of genius, challenging the idea that it is exclusive to a particular group of people.
According to Samta, every individual possesses a talent or potential that can be developed and used to serve the community. He believes that everyone has a unique contribution to make to the world and that by doing so, they can develop themselves authentically. Samta's book is not only a work of literature but also a self-help book that encourages readers to cultivate their authenticity rather than conforming to existing models. He draws on the examples of historical and artistic figures such as Thomas Sankara, Emily Dickinson, Nikola Tesla, and Vincent van Gogh to support his argument.
The book highlights the importance of fidelity to one's values, perseverance, and prudence in valorizing one's creations. Samta also acknowledges the difficulties faced by some geniuses and uses their stories to encourage his generation to be courageous, persistent, and determined in achieving their aspirations. The author presents his work as an invitation to readers to discover their own unique potential and to contribute to the development of their community.
Literary critic Dr. Aylin Ayitey, who presented the book, noted that Samta's work goes beyond a personal story to become a collective invitation. According to her, the author believes that African potential and genius do not suffer from a lack of ideas or creativity but often face a deficit of audacity, perseverance, and confidence in the face of ambient conformism. Ayitey emphasized that invisibility should not be seen as a fatality or defeat but as a test of self-affirmation.
The book launch is part of the "Le livre du mois" initiative, which aims to promote Togolese literature and create favorable conditions for its progress and prosperity. The event reflects the growing interest in Togolese literature and the desire to support local authors. M'Ba B. Samta, also known as Bilan-Ao M'ba Samta, is an engineer in information technologies who resides in the United States and splits his time between Africa and America.
Born on December 30, 1984, in Siou, in the Doufelgou prefecture of the Kara region, Samta's work is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Togo. His book has sparked interest among readers and critics alike, and its message is expected to resonate with a wide audience. The literary café provided a platform for discussion and debate, highlighting the significance of Samta's work in the Togolese literary scene.
The success of "La Symphonie invisible" is a significant milestone for Togolese literature, and it is expected to contribute to the growth of the country's literary landscape. The book's themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and authenticity are likely to inspire readers to reflect on their own potential and contributions to society. As the Togolese literary scene continues to evolve, M'Ba B. Samta's work is poised to make a lasting impact.
Key points
- The book challenges conventional notions of genius and encourages readers to discover their unique potential.
- The author draws on historical and artistic figures to support his argument.
- The book launch is part of the "Le livre du mois" initiative to promote Togolese literature.
