A LEADING African poet, linguist, and critic of international reputation is to perform a selection of his work .

Malawian-born activist and former political prisoner Jack Mapanje is one of Africa’s best known living poets and will be at Huddersfield University on Wednesday between 6.30pm and 8pm in the Panasonic TV studio in the media and journalism building.

Mr Mapanje, a respected linguist and former Head of English at the University of Malawi, was arrested and imprisoned in June 1985 without trial or charge by the Malawian government soon after the publication of his book, Of Chameleons and Gods. He was held for almost four years. Although the book was not formally banned, it was withdrawn from bookshops, libraries and all institutions of learning in the Malawi.

He was released in 1991, after sustained international pressure from the likes of linguist Noam Chomsky and Nobel Literature Laureate, Wole Soyinka. Today, his works have been hailed as “poems of power and unflinching description condemning a brutal dictatorial regime”.

The award winning poet will perform a selection of his poems and talk about his life and work.

He will be joined by fellow writers Simon Murray andŠTanya Chan-Sam.

Anyone wanting to attend should contact creative writing projects officer Rommi Smith on 01484 471895.