South African author, businesswoman, artist, and law student.
The Gqeberha-born, Johannesburg-raised author who is currently studying law at STADIO while simultaneously pursuing a career in film, has always had a passion for writing, having won her first creative writing award when she was in Grade 1.
She has just released her debut novel, “The Kingdom: A Whole New World”, leaning on her love for poetry, comedy, fashion, drama, and history to weave together a true African love story.
With this fictional work, the multifaceted Neo Langa aims to paint a picture of Africa as the wealthy, powerful continent she truly is.
We placed her on the VIP Black Carpet and got to ask her some questions….
What inspired you to write “The Kingdom: A Whole New World” and what message or theme did you hope to convey through the book?
I have always loved the ideas and values upheld by various surviving kingdoms. This may be a result of all the ‘fairy tales’ I read as a little child! The idea of celebrating greatness through kingship has always been alluring to me. Secondary to that, I must say that I have been aggrieved on many occasions of the fact that in general, African history has either been lost or forgotten. In South Africa, our history as African people is commonly taught from the perspective of apartheid or hardship in general. Our stories and truths were lost in colonization. It is because of this that I have taken it upon myself to reimagine our history, giving African children a better narrative to believe in! The message I aim to convey is of opulence, greatness and strength – reminding our children that we are not slaves – but we are kings and queens in our own rights
Can you talk about the process of blending historically accurate retellings with fiction in your novel and why this was important to you?
It is absolutely important to me! As a matter of fact, there are quite a few characters in my books whose lives have taken on a similar direction to ancient kings and queens in Africa. One such an example would be of Queen Halili, the wife of King Babu as seen in the first chapter of Kingdom Vol 1. Though celebrated as the wife of a monarch, she is also a warrior fashioned after Queen Ndzinga Mbande (1583 – 1663AD). Queen Halili begins her own battalion, known as the Wanawake Wa Vita (which translates to ‘Women of War’) in Swahili. Storytelling is powerful in that it allows to us to weave true events from history into our writings, expanding the knowledge of our readers and in my case, hopefully introducing the reader to themselves in who they once were in history.
Your book focuses on African royalty and romance, offering a fairy tale narrative that is not Westernized. Why was it important for you to showcase this perspective?
To be honest, Westernised stories have been told… and told… and told! We have seen incredible movies come out of Westernised stories, such as Hunger Games, Divergent, Twilight, A Song of Ice and Fire and so many others! I believe that it is time for African stories to take centre stage, for we have so many incredible stories to tell!
As a law student, author, and aspiring filmmaker, how do you manage to juggle multiple career paths and what challenges have you faced in doing so?
To be honest, I believe that as people, our minds are so dynamic in that we are able to do so many things at the same time. I take full advantage of this! Beyond that, I was not always privileged, at some point I could not afford to study. Now that I have that privilege, I am taking it with both hands! I am a believer in doing what you are passionate about, and doing it while you still have the passion for it. I believe that passions are seasonal, and the best time to do anything is now.
I have encountered issues such as fatigue and thoughts of giving up. But I have found grace to persist in all I have been given to do and for that, I am truly grateful.
Can you share more about your passion for helping underprivileged children and your volunteer work at Yenzani Children’s Home?
Yenzani Children’s Home is based in the heart of Midrand and is home to some of the most beautiful, talented, most gorgeous children who I’ve had the privilege to know. I have served as a tutor and mentor in the children’s home, with hopes of doing so much more in the near future. I have also been privileged to develop close and personal relationships with some of the children, which is something I don’t take lightly. I believe that our children hold the key to the success of the future and there is no better place to be than in the presence of our children.
What motivated you to self-publish your book and what advice do you have for aspiring authors who are considering the indie route?
We are privileged to live in a day and age where everything is at the tip of our fingers. And in this age of information, we have so many more opportunities than those who came before us. I would advise other authors that they lose nothing by taking that leap of faith. In fact, we have so much to gain, in so doing. Take a chance on yourself! If you don’t, who will?
Could you discuss the rising popularity of indie writing in South Africa and the opportunities it provides for emerging authors?
One of the reasons I am so passionate about writing novels is the possibility of novels being turned to movies! And I believe that the reason why South African stories do not go international is because we do not write the stories for people to fall in love with and believe in.
With the rising popularity of Indie writing, I believe that we have heightened chances of seeing our stories go international, for the world to see us for who we truly are!
How has your experience in scriptwriting and film production shaped your perspective on the world of film in South Africa?
It has been quite the exciting journey. I believe that the world of film in South Africa is growing and our nation will soon join first world nations in excellence in the area of film. As the industry grows and as more talent filters in, I believe that we are headed for a dynamic future in storytelling. South African companies like Azania Productions are doing their part in contributing to the future of this industry, and for this we are immeasurably grateful.
What are your future aspirations for your career in filmmaking and how do you hope to make an impact in the industry?
I have a few scripts under my belt, which I hope to see on screens in the future! I am passionate about writing both movies and television series and with my sweet tooth in romance, drama and comedy, I hope to play my part in putting our nation on the map and making our industry one of the greatest players in the world.
In what ways do you hope to use your knowledge, writing, and creative talents to empower and restore the underprivileged children of Africa?
I have so much in my heart which I would love to do, so many plans which I believe will come to pass. But for now, I will focus on my first initiative, ‘Readers are Leaders’ by Neo Langa. Through this initiative, we will donate books to those in need and host reading sessions for pre-schoolers, primary schoolers and high scholars in South Africa. In a world where many industries are quickly being populated by AI, I can positively say that I believe nothing in this world can replace the human mind and creativity! One of the keys to creativity is reading, and it would be my privilege to do my part in the nation of South Africa in this arena.
I would also love to build schools for the underprivileged children in the far future! Just like I said, the intentions in my heart are endless. But the end results are God’s, so I will remain in faith for all these plans.
*Photos Provided
