Born in 1934 in Rufisque, Senegal, Kiné is a self-described self-taught woman poet and the author of the poetry collections Chants de la rivière fraîche (NEA, 1976) and Élans de grâce (Éditions CLE, 1979). She was praised by Leopold Sédar Senghor, who wrote the preface to her first collection, noting her unique ability to bring together sensuality and spirituality. She has worked as a news journalist, but has always preferred introspection to social life.
Born in Paris to a French mother and a Senegalese father, Sylvie is the author of three collections of poetry published by Gallimard. Trained as both a literary critic and a historian, she is also known for her work on the complex conversations that have taken place between Africa and Europe and Africa and its Diasporas. Her areas of specialization include métissage/hybridity and postracial utopias. She lives in New York City, and teaches at SUNY Old Westbury.
