Gail is an accomplished poet, playwright, and author whose literary voice has resonated across continents. Born in Durban, South Africa, Gail’s ancestry traces a richly diverse lineage that includes Russia, Czechoslovakia, Spain, Turkey, Ireland, Wales, and England. Her multicultural heritage continues to shape and inspire her work.

Gail was first published in the United Kingdom by Harold Pinter, marking the beginning of a distinguished writing career. She has since published eight poetry collections across South Africa, the UK, and the USA. Her body of work spans plays, short stories, a novel, radio poetry programmes, academic papers, and journal articles, earning her wide acclaim both locally and internationally.

Her award-winning poem, Contrapuntal is a 17-part meditation that explores the journey from birth to death, weaving memory, sound, and imagery into a layered poetic experience. With musicality and fluid shifts in tone, the poem reflects on growing consciousness, memory, and the interconnectedness of life and meaning, offering readers a contemplative and emotionally resonant experience.

Gail has a profound emotional connection to the sea and her hometown of Durban, whose rhythms she says inform all aspects of her creativity, both verbal and non-verbal. A gifted performer, she was once a South African Gymnastics Champion, and later transitioned into ballet and contemporary dance, earning a nomination for the inaugural AA Vita Award for Best Performer.

Her poetry collections are preserved in notable institutions including NELM (National English Literary Museum) in Makhanda, the New Alexandria Library in Egypt, and The Poetry Library at the South Bank Centre in London.

Gail holds multiple degrees and has worked for several decades as a legal researcher and librarian, all while continuing to write and inspire through her poetic vision.

Gail's Social Handles are as follows:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gail.dendy.9 

Wordpress - Gail Dendy – Poet and Author

LinkedIn: (27) Gail Dendy | LinkedIn

Nomangungu (born Nqobile Sibisi) is a bold, eclectic, and dynamic voice in the world of contemporary African poetry, music, and performance. She is the 2023 New Coin Prize winner for her deeply moving and stylistically rich poem anella

The poem pulls off the rare feat of expressing a wish or blessing to another without slipping into sentimentality. Formed like a prayer or letter, “anella” extends a hand of hope while acknowledging the weight of suffering. Its confessional tone, grounded imagery (“that a clap-once attitude / of market women”), and careful navigation of both deprivation and dignity create a resonant, intimate experience for the reader.

Nomangungu is not only a poet but also a playwright, vocalist, indigenous instrumentalist, and creative entrepreneur. Her work explores intersections between traditional Zulu folk music and the evolving soundscape of afrosoul, blues, gqom, and amapiano. She is the founder and CEO of IJadu Le Afrika, a platform dedicated to nurturing African storytelling and sound.

A 2015 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans honouree in the Media category, Nomangungu is a Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 postgraduate in Media Management (with distinction) and a Bachelor of Social Sciences graduate from the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 of KwaZulu-Natal, where she majored in Media & Communication and Linguistics, earning Dean’s Commendations.

Her career spans:

• Published poetry in Womandla Feminism Publication

• Top 12 international finalist in the NUHA Blogging Competition

• Performances in Kenya and South Africa at exclusive curated events

• A strong choral and band background, fusing vocal technique with indigenous rhythm

• Screen acting certification under Rajesh Gopie

• Scriptwriting and music video production for her debut release Thando Uyini Na

As a former international media manager and journalist, Nomangungu is now dedicating herself fully to her creative pursuits in music, poetry, and film. Her vibrant energy, rich storytelling, and ability to speak across generations make her a standout presence on every platform she graces.

Follow Nomangungu's Work
Website: www.nomangungumedia.com
Instagram: @nomangungu
TikTok: @nomangungu