Kamal Benkirane, a distinguished author whose influence spans the French-speaking world from Morocco to Canada and France, has long harbored a deep-rooted passion for poetry. With degrees in French literature from Hassan II University in Casablanca and in education sciences from the University of Montreal, this Moroccan-Canadian writer excels as a journalist, poet, and essayist, continually returning to the art of verse. Born in 1970 in the vibrant city of Casablanca, Benkirane cultivated his love for literature in local libraries, where he spent countless hours immersed in books. He reminisces about his youth in Derb Sultan, a neighborhood where the mere act of looking out the window could lead to encounters with theatrical luminaries or renowned authors, a testament to the rich literary environment that shaped his formative years.
Charting a Literary Course: From Early Recognition to Journalism
At the tender age of 14, Benkirane's inaugural poem was published in L’Opinion des Jeunes, igniting his literary ambitions. Encouraged by this early achievement and a burgeoning appetite for literature, he delved into both Arabic and French texts. His literary journey included an exploration of works by influential figures such as Taha Hussein, pre-Islamic poets, as well as giants like Charles Baudelaire, Victor Hugo, Anton Chekhov, and his all-time favorite, Fyodor Dostoevsky. Following his academic pursuits, Benkirane embarked on a career as a French teacher while contributing to newspapers like Albayane and Le Matin. His passion for journalism eventually led him to Matin magazine and La revue des amitiés poétiques et littéraires, where he played a coordinating role.
In the late 1990s, he contemplated furthering his journalism career in France but, due to familial considerations, relocated to Quebec instead. Reflecting on this significant life change, he notes, "There was a significant trend towards migrating to North America at the time. My application was accepted, but the first year presented considerable challenges as I adjusted to my new environment. It was only after this initial period that I began publishing my first books." After several months balancing various jobs, he enrolled in a master’s program in education and educational psychology, completing it over five years. During this time, he also published his debut poetry collection, "The Diaphragm Elms," in 2005.
Poetry: The Guiding Thread of His Writing
For Kamal Benkirane, this first literary endeavor represented a culmination of his extensive readings and life experiences, both lived and encountered through classical poetry. His journey subsequently led him into cultural community work and journalism, culminating in his role as host of the arts and letters program, Agora, on ICI Télévision. Beyond poetry, Benkirane has authored essays and novels, yet poetry remains the core of his literary identity. His forthcoming collection, "Walking Is No Accident" (Toubkal editions), set to be released in 2026, will be unveiled for the first time in Morocco during the 31st International Publishing and Book Fair. This event coincides with UNESCO’s recognition of Rabat as the World Book Capital, further highlighting the importance of his work.
A recipient of the Verlaine Prize from France, Benkirane asserts that his literary creations are deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, where his passion first ignited. In discussions with the media, he reveals that his latest collection reflects his contemplations on movement and migration. He states, "In my 25-year migratory journey, I’ve observed the silence surrounding the act of walking. It represents a movement that teaches us to advance despite uncertainty. I aimed to explore it as an inner drive, a means of progression through instability and trauma. Walking is an inner quest: it symbolizes resilience in the face of loss. When passion fuels your pursuit of goals, walking is no accident." This profound work allows the poet to weave cultural references, such as the concept of 'aimance' as conceived by Abdelkébir Khatibi, into his literary creations. He elaborates, "I define aimance as that other language of love, affirming a more active affinity between beings."
Beyond his literary contributions, Kamal Benkirane has dedicated himself to fostering intercultural dialogue through his volunteer work. In 2006, he founded the cultural association E-Passerelles in Montreal, inspired by the principles of cultural exchange. Agora, under his leadership, organizes a variety of cultural and literary events throughout Quebec and Canada, while also venturing into digital publishing. As the director of this association, Benkirane advocates for numerous Francophone authors, particularly those lacking access to traditional publishing avenues. He has also launched the literary magazine Passerelle, which showcases works from emerging Quebec authors.
"Our mission is to celebrate the literary legacy of the French-speaking world through Quebec, promoting interculturality as a guiding principle and transforming the association into a cultural bridge," Benkirane asserts. The association is also behind the significant initiative titled "The Thousand and One Literary Evenings," which commenced in 2015. These monthly themed gatherings spotlight specific communities' literature while delving into Quebec’s diverse literary landscapes and migratory narratives. Throughout his literary and migratory journey, Kamal Benkirane remains committed to promoting the written word, democratizing the arts, and embracing the rich sensitivities that arise from cultural diversity. His efforts were recognized in 2017 when the project received the CMQ award for contributions from diverse backgrounds by the former Ministry of Cultural Communities and Immigration.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
