Misery prevails in young poet`s life: Yoss

Recently science fiction became popular in the arena of Cuban literature and Yoss is a key man who played an important role with others. José Miguel Sánchez Gómez (Yoss) graduated in Biological Sciences at the University of Havana. He is also a rock star in his country. He has a band team where he works as lead vocalist.

 

The popular science fiction writer visited Dhaka Literary Festival after three-day long journey through Havana, Madrid, Rome, Dubai on November 20. Yong poet in Dhaka Aho Nouroz took an exclusive interview on behalf of popular online news portal Risingbd.com. The interview is published below for the readers of risingbd.com:

 

Aho Nouroz: How are you?

Yoss: Now feeling better. It`s not a matter of joke to come here after nonstop three-day long journey. I had to wait 23 hours in Dubai airport.

 

Aho Nouroz: Was it your first visit here in Indian subcontinent?

Yoss: Not only Indian subcontinent, It`s my very first visit in Asia continent. Earlier, I heard about Bangladesh who said, nothing to say about the country just visit first.

 

Aho Nouroz: Now, what do you think?

Yoss: I was told that Bangladesh is a small country and a little programme will be held here. I was invited to visit the programme. But, now I found that a great programme is taking place here in Dhaka. I am totally impressed. Great writers come here across the globe. Everyone is very hospitable and friendly. Tremendous!

 

Aho Nouroz: What is the similarity between your country and ours?

Yoss: The biggest similarity is weather. The weather is warm like our country and there is a similarity in deep emotion of the people the two countries. Besides, I am surprised to see innumerable people in this town which is one of the great differences with my country. In my life, I did not see such type huge gathering in a single spot in my country. Dhaka is a surprise for me.

 

Aho Nouroz: Music side by literature practicing is not seen usually. What inspired you to write literature?

Yoss: My mother was not involved in literature but she loved arts. Literature and art practices are same genre. My mother performed on stage for a long time. She was successful in stage performance. As my mother practiced arts, so I had not face any obstacle to get involve with literature.

 

Aho Nouroz: It means your mother inspired you most?

Yoss: That’s not correct. Actually, I read science fiction during my childhood. At one stage, I found that I have read all the books of library from where I took books to read. Then, I started to realize that I can also write science fiction like others. I began writing literature at fifteen.

 

Aho Nouroz: Did you start to sing in your early ages?

Yoss: I started to sing when I was twenty one. But, I sing due to love in literature because I love to write lyric. Writing lyric is one kind of literature. But, I only write for my band team.

 

Aho Nouroz: Your heavy metal band tenacious is popular in Cuba. What is the reason of it?

Yoss: I think, the composition of the songs may be a reason of popularity. I myself love my songs.

 

Aho Nouroz: When your first book was awarded? How was your ecstasy and joy then?

Yoss: The name of the book was Timshel and it was published (1989). After getting Premio David award, I felt that I can write as that was one of the popular award in Latin America. Later, I engaged myself in writing.

 

Aho Nouroz: You saying that an award plays an important role to any writer?

Yoss: Of course. Award inspired any writers more than anything. But, the award should be transparent. My first award inspired me most. From then, I paid attention in writing seriously.

 

Aho Nouroz: How many books you wrote? All the books were science fiction?

Yoss: I wrote 31 books and all of them are science fiction. I write prose and essays for several type of newspaper but I can`t write poem.

 

Aho Nouroz: Palestinian poet Ghassan Zaqtan said that the young poets are living in endangered situation. The condition of poets also in our country is not so good. Tell me about Latin American poets.

Yoss: Palestinian poet was right. Not only your country poets but also, the young poets from across the globe are almost same. All poets sacrifice many things during their young age. Besides, the poetry is a great matter and poets spend huge time over poetry, so misery always prevails in their life.

 

Aho Nouroz: Have read any Bangla writings?

Yoss: Actually, I only know that Bangladesh achieved independence from Pakistan in 1971 and a lady is the chief of the country. But, recently, I got a translated book of poet Jibanananda Das. I started to read the book after arriving here in Dhaka. It’s a great writing.

 

Aho Nouroz: Recently, a book of you has been translated into English. Tell me about the book.

Yoss: Yes, the name of the book is `A planet for Rent` by David Frye. It’s a science fiction book and available in almost everywhere in America.

 

Aho Nouroz: What`s your feeling about the country (Bangladesh)? Do you want to translate your any books in Bangla? 

Yoss: Firstly, I can say that I will come again. I am impressed by the hospitality of Bangladeshis. Their amazing behaviour amazed me. If anyone wants to translate my book, that will be great for me. I am promising that I will visit again Bangladesh.

 

risingbd/Dhaka/Nov 25, 2015/Nasim