The Horn - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
The Horn, a seminal, yet often under-acknowledged, East African literary journal, operated from 1957 to 1968 at Makerere University College in Uganda. More than just a publication, it acted as a crucible for East African literary identity, a vibrant space that challenged colonial literary norms, and a nursery for some of the continent’s most influential voices. Was it simply a student magazine, or something more profound and enduring?
The journal's genesis lies in the twilight of British colonial rule. While exact records are scant, anecdotal evidence suggests its unofficial beginnings arose from informal writing groups around 1957. Initially a humble mimeographed booklet, The Horn was a vital outlet for students finding their voices amidst a changing sociopolitical landscape. Its pages offered an alternative narrative, a counterpoint to the literature of empire, though early content also reflected the academic constraints of the time, blending literary experimentation with more traditional forms. Its early significance is not as a polished product but as a tangible expression of emerging African intellectual self-determination.
The Horn's influence grew exponentially. It became a space where budding writers such as Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Okot p'Bitek, and Taban lo Liyong honed their craft. Its pages crackled with debates about the role of African literature, its language, and its audience. What began as a localized experiment blossomed into a pan-African forum, its impact reverberating far beyond the Makerere campus. Intriguingly, the journal ceased publication in 1968, a year rife with political upheaval across the continent. Was this closure simply down to editorial fatigue, or did deeper, unresolved tensions surrounding cultural nationalism and artistic freedom play a role?
Despite its relatively short lifespan, The Horn's legacy endures. It remains a potent symbol of artistic innovation, intellectual courage, and the struggle for self-representation. In contemporary academic circles, it is reassessed as a crucial precursor to postcolonial African literature, a testament to the power of the written word to shape identity and challenge hegemony. Considering its impact, one can’t help but wonder what other nascent literary movements remain hidden, waiting to be unearthed and celebrated.