Standing Heavy

Gauz

GauZ’ (born Armand Patrick Gbaka-Brédé in 1971) is an Ivorian novelist, journalist, screenwriter, photographer, and filmmaker known for his sharp social criticism and satirical approach to contemporary African and European society. Born in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, he studied biochemistry before moving to Paris in 1999, initially to continue his studies. While living in France as an undocumented migrant, he worked in various jobs, including as a security guard in luxury retail stores. This experience later became the foundation for his acclaimed debut novel, Standing Heavy. GauZ’ draws on his experiences between Côte d’Ivoire and France to explore immigration, colonial legacies, racism, labour, and economic inequality. His writing often combines humour and irony with incisive observations about power and social class. Rather than presenting migration solely through suffering, he uses satire to reveal the contradictions of consumer culture and the complex relationships between African societies and former colonial powers. His debut novel, originally published in French as Debout-Payé in 2014, won the Prix des libraires Gibert Joseph. Its English translation, Standing Heavy, was shortlisted for the 2023 International Booker Prize. His subsequent works include Comrade Papa (2018), which received the Grand Prix littéraire d’Afrique noire, and Black Manoo (2020). Alongside his literary career, GauZ’ has written screenplays and documentaries and served as editor-in-chief of the satirical economic newspaper News & co. He returned to Côte d’Ivoire after years in France and continues to explore the country’s history, politics, and cultural identity through his multidisciplinary work.

Published

2022

Author

Gauz