EDITORIAL
We love
the annual ZIBF Writers’ Workshop: The photo shows, from
left, writer Aaron Chiundura Moyo, poet Chirikure Chirikure and ZIBF General
Council Chairperson Mrs. Ruby Magosvongwe, chilling after this year’s unforgettable Writers’ Workshop held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe on July 30, 2016.
Welcome
to our 99th issue after a really long time since we last posted its
predecessor. Gladly, we are back with a very interesting edition which we hope
will lift up your writerly spirits. This issue covers some of the exciting events
during the months of June and July. Thank you very much for the patience, you
inspire us. Remember we value your feedback so much. One love. Enjoy.
THE STORY OF THE 2016 ZIBF
The
2016 edition of the annual Zimbabwe International Book Fair may have slipped
into the past but its memories will be with us forever. Running from
July 25 to 30 under the theme “Igniting Interest in Reading for Sustainable
Development”, the book extravaganza had some momentous segments despite it
being drawn back a bit due to funding constraints. WIN Online Media Team snapped into some of
the book events and we hereby bring you the story of the Book Fair through
these few images.
Delegates at the Indaba Conference held on July 25 and
26 at the Monomotapa Hotel, Harare
Delegates listen to a presentation
Albert Nyathi reading from his new co-authored book My Son during Indaba
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Dr.
Lazarus Dokora officially opening the ZIBF Exhibitions at the Harare Gardens on July 27
Albert Nyathi performing at the official opening of
the ZIBF
Seke Teachers College Traditional Dance Group doing
what they know best
Some delegates at the official opening
A busy Zimbabwe Women Writers exhibition stand
Children enjoy proceedings at the Children Reading
Tent
Storytelling time at the Tent
Author Farayi Mungoshi with officials from the Library
of Congress
School kids at the Weaver Press stand
Some writers/WIN members at the Writers’ Workshop:
From left – Clever Kavenga, Chipo Musikavanhu, Chenjerai Mhondera and Yeukai
Mapingure
Aaron Chiundura Moyo (right) and a colleague at the
Writers Workshop
Mixing and mingling time at the Writers Workshop
2016 ETISALAT PRIZE FOR LITERATURE: CALL FOR ENTRIES
The Etisalat Prize
for Literature is the first ever Pan African Prize celebrating debut African
writers of published fiction. It is designed to recognize and reward debut
fiction writers of African citizenship. The platform was launched in 2013 to
bridge the growing gap between talented writers and the world at large by
giving first time African writers a platform where their writing prowess can be
presented to the world thus acting as a spring board for them in their budding
writing careers.
The call for
entries for the 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature which is in its fourth year
was announced on June 1, 2016 and will close on AUGUST 31, 2016. This year, our Judges will certainly be looking
out for creativity - an expression of innovation, which is key to the success
of the Etisalat brand.
The winner of the
Prize will receive a cash reward of £15,000, a sponsored Fellowship at the
School of Creative Writing, University of East Anglia, an engraved Montblanc
Meisterstück pen, a high end device as well as book tours in three countries.
NEW ARRIVALS!
To say
Zimbabwean writers have lapsed in their creative output is a falsehood as each
month books written by new and established authors are being published online
and in print via both self-publishing and the traditional publishing system. To
believe our words, try to go to bed with one of the following books published
in 2016. Reading is power!
On His
Blossom Vs Celestial Sympathy (2016, Balukwa Books) by Sympathy Sibanda Mazuruse
Sympathy Sibanda
Sympathy Sibanda Mazuruse is a communication
strategist, a humanitarian, a co-business owner and consultant. She is also a
voice over artist, performance poet, writer and songwriter. Sympathy says she
uses words to empower herself and others. For her, words are also weapons of
construction. “My poetry is inspired by life. Life is the greatest teacher.
What my friends, family, country and I go through inspires my message of hope,”
she says. The anthology is blessed as it features a poem written by her father!
Sympathy enjoys training marginalized women
to market their crafts on digital platforms. As a consultant, she provides
editing, marketing, and advertising services.
Painful
Tears (2016, Rock Printers and Publlishers) by Junior Dhauramanzi
Junior Dhauramanzi
Behind
The Wall Everywhere by Farayi Mungoshi
Farayi Mungoshi (left) with senior writer Virginia
Phiri at the 2016 ZIBF
“The short stories in Behind the Wall Everywhere stun with their shocking intensity and
tenderness. Almost everywhere – from the bridge on the road that leads into the
township and from the top of the all-knowing tower light, and even from within
the house of mourning, to the faraway lands of their supposed refuge – men and
women, black and white, strip off their masks to reveal passion at its most
elemental and sublime. Each of these characters is out of the ordinary and is
steadily perceived. Farayi Mungoshi is one of the most important, graceful and
honest new voices to come into print in Zimbabwe. He can teach you to care and
he can make you laugh too, if you still have anything left in your heart. Here
is a powerful and wild book, containing the genuine short story, sincere, individual
and strictly economical.” (An endorsement
at the back of the book)
My Son (2016, Imbongi
Arts Publications) by Albert Nyathi and Ignitius Mabasa
So much wisdom is shared in this book
Humour mingled with profound idioms
Advising the young about real life skills
Kissing at random can lead to the killing
Every facet of life is beautifully touched
Such powerful imagery cannot be missed
Providing entertainment pregnant with wit
Espousing ageless standards of due respect
All in the form of a fable set on a high table
Read and reread for your fill and leave fear
The above is an endorsement by Gilbert uMzenzi Mabasa
(The Teacher) at the back of the book
Writers Shimmer Chinodya (left) and Ignitius Mabasa
Albert Nyathi
Days Of
My Youth by Lisbon Tawanda Chigwenjere
Lisbon Chigwenjere
Click Here to read
Bookshelf’s review of The Days of My
Youth
Izinyawo
Zayizolo (2016, Radiant Publishing Company) by Tsitsi Nomsa
Ngwenya
Izinyawo Zayizolo yindatshana
eqathanisa ukuthethwa kwamacala kwelezolo, ngezindlela zakudala; lokwakhathesi
emthethwandaba yesiLungu. Kambe okwezolo kungcono na kulokwalamhla? Yikusilela
bani okukhona ekwenzeni kwalamhla lokwezolo?
Sikhumbula njalo amasiko ethu; awokucela izulu,
ukugcina inhlanyelo, amalima, ukuthathana, lokunye njalo. Zifundele uzizwele.
Sibona njalo intombi, uZanele Hadebe, ezidla ezibindi njengofudu. Yozala
nkomoni?
English version titled Yesterday’s Footprints will be coming soon!
Demo
Rine Ropa (2016,
Pen Featherz Media) by Kelvin
Mangwende
The
collection of Shona short stories, according to the blurb, “deal with the vast struggles that come with
being in serious or meagre relationships, marriage and the commitments for the
Zimbabwean populace in detailed well woven plots”.
Other
books by the same author include plays Chaminuka and Chimurenga, and The
Rainbird is Dead, a poetry anthology.
Editor’s
note: If you know of any novel, poetry anthology, play, etc.
published this year in any language recognised in Zimbabwe, feel free to write
to write to us: winzimbabwe@gmail.com
AN EVENING WITH SHIMMER CHINODYA
Theatre guru and founder of Theatre in the Park, Daves
Guzha (left), in an interesting conversation with Chinodya at the launch of
‘Harvest of Thorns Classic: A Play’.
The
official book launch of Harvest of Thorns
Classic: A Play (2016, Pearson Education Africa) written by renowned author
Shimmer Chinodya was held at the Theatre in the Park on Thursday evening, July
28, 2016. The play is based on the author’s internationally acclaimed novel Harvest of Thorns.
The launch
included a performance of an extract from the new play and the performance was
but a splendid display of talent as the actors/characters, events and mood
gripped the audience from start to end. Moments of laughter and sadness carried
the night away as justice to the play was done on the stage. Shimmer Chinodya
wrote the play, directed and produced it. After the performance, Daves Guzha
engaged Chinodya in a conversation that looked into various issues about the
author, the play, etc. The audience, composed of actors/actresses, writers,
poets, musicians, promoters and others, also had a chance to congratulate and
ask Shimmer a few questions.
The
book launch happened at the same time the Zimbabwe International Book Fair was
running, hence providing double joy for writers. Below are a few pictures WIN managed
to capture:
Writers were having a good time a few minutes before
the launch of Chinodya's play. From left: Stanley Mushava, Phillip Chidavaenzi,
Dakarai Mashava, Farayi Mungoshi and Memory Chirere.
Some of Chinodya’s books on sale at the launch
Writer
Monica Mupambawashe Cheru (left) was the emcee, seen here with a fan of the
writer and with Chinodya’s jokes, you just can’t stop laughing!
ENJOY STANLEY MUSHAVA’S ARTICLE ABOUT THE EVENT
GET READY FOR THE 2016 WRITIVISM FESTIVAL
(Details gleaned from Writivism ‘information
department’)
Venue: Uganda Museum, Kira
Road, Kampala, Uganda
The festival hosts a variety of events including book launches, film screenings,
performances, panel discussions and keynote addresses - 90% of the events are
FREE!
At the festival there will be Ugandan, African and
international authors.
If you'd like to purchase a ticket for one of the Premier events visit our
offices at the Uganda Museum, in the Uganda Society Library on Kira Road, or
call us on +256787818132, or
contact us on Facebook and/or Twitter.
FEATURED EVENTS AT WRITIVISM THIS YEAR INCLUDES:
- Long Story Short: Thursday, 25 August, 1800hrs
- How To Spell Naija and We Are All Blue: Thursday
25, 1800hrs (FREE)
- Keynote Address by Zukiswa Wanner: Friday 26,
1600hrs (FREE)
Zukiswa Wanner
- Double
Book Launch (A Poetic Diet and The Ghosts of 1894):
Friday, 26 August,
1800hrs (FREE)
- 2016
Writivism speakers include:
Peter Kagayi
(Uganda)
Kate Haines
(International)
Stanley Gazemba
(African)
Doreen Baingana (Uganda)
THE YOUTH PERSPECTIVE
With Mimi Machakaire
Puppet
I lie in the dark waiting to be controlled
I listen to the sounds of feet as though my box is
being patrolled
My strings lie limply waiting to be pulled
Thy master thinks I have no heart, no soul. I think,
he to be incredibly fooled
By his choice I am released, as the light shines upon
my eyes
Knowing what is to happen next makes me wish I could
cry
My life is however controlled, by the actions of thy
master
One false move and all this life turns to disaster
I watch him prance me around and wish that I could
tell him ‘No’
But I cannot speak that which my heart desires so
I dream that I will one day think, move and speak on
my own
But those dreams slowly die, become shattered, crushed
and thrown
My fragile body is sensitive to just one bang against
the hard wood floor
This happens often, as thy master’s fingers slip
forevermore
When this first happened I assumed him to be new
towards this game
But as the years went by I see no improvement to his
name
He has told me stories of his dream of fame
Despite being unable to speak I listen, and hope he
trains
Though there’s a part of me that wonders what he
thinks he would gain
For fame is only fleeting in this world, and
eventually causes pain
His skills I can feel are faulty to make it worse
And there’s a chance his profession has been cursed
For puppet masters are uncommon in this modern world
of today
Yet still he seems to not care and lives his life in
his own way
Nonetheless, my doubts I obey and do what he tells me
to do
I have no choice and this is true
When he is through, and his practice for the day is
done
He places me back in my box, and this is where I have
fun
When the lights go down, I attempt to move myself
around
I train my joints to bend on their own
And yet still they feel like stone
I practice with thy mind as much as I possibly can
For this is my dream to become a real man
As my wooden muscles soften bit by bit, night by night
My determination grows stronger as well as my might
I plan to one day, successfully teach myself how to
make my body move as one
And then escape the torture from thy master once the
job is done
Yes it will be sad to leave him stranded
As his profession as puppet master has been branded
But my life means more to me than his
And when that day comes I will leave and say goodbye
with a kiss
VOICE OF THE GIRL CHILD
Mudikani Gondora
Peace Is Possible Launch
It takes great courage
and deepest humility for one to stand for what is right this day and
age. It also requires a sacrificial heart to honour and uphold that which
benefits humanity. In this restless world full of turmoil and hopelessness, it
is comforting to see some great individuals rising to resuscitate peace and
sanity. However, it is a pity that in our communities we embraced socially
unhealthy cultures and beliefs which are robbing us of our brighter
generations. Religious practices are also part and parcel of this pandemonium
that snatches away all our happiness.
Cases of early
child marriages and child brides have become predominant because they were left
to spread from time immemorial to the present. Regardless of its known
disastrous implications and complications, the ignorant humanity does not consider
it so. Young, immature and still growing up girls are considered as appropriate
candidates for marriage. In most cases, they are forced into marriages of
convenience which undoubtedly are not for their own convenience. The
perpetrators take advantage of the girls’ vulnerability and inability to speak
out. They capitalize on their lack of knowledge. Girls as early as the age of
12 years are exposed to cruel experiences of marriage which even mature married
women cannot handle. These innocent girls are infected with HIV/AIDS,
exposed to STIs and exposed to cervical cancer by engaging in sexual activities
at that age. To worsen the situation, they are further made ignorant by having
their right to education ripped away from them. Will there be a fulfilment of dreams
she once had when at 15 years old she is married or rather attached to a 70
year old man and having her own baby? These hideous and harsh experiences leave
young people, especially girls, suffering both physically and emotionally.
However, if everyone stands up against early child marriages and say no to
child brides, the world would be a better place.
I would love to
applaud JCI Capital on its heroic initiative to introduce Peace Is Possible
(PIP). PIP was launched on June 14, 2016 in Eastgate, Harare. Young people
full of zeal and sympathy have seen the need to take action and participate
towards the reduction and abolition of the early child marriage nonsense. The
event was graced by visionary diplomats as well as influential organisations
such as GirlsRus, Tag a life, International Youth of Peace and ONHRI.
Highly profiled
woman Miss Nyaradzo Mashayamombe, founder of Tag of a Life, was expected to be
guest speaker but she could not make it to the event and she was represented by
Ms Emelda Vhiriri, the organization's Programs Officer.
The theme of the
launch was Sustainable Development Goals
#16 And the Importance of Partnership in Achieving the Goal.' Areas that
were discussed included violation of women and children’s rights, zero
tolerance to child marriages and the challenges our communities are facing and
possible solutions.
All this was in
attempt to try and create a healthier community for our girls in Zimbabwe,
Africa and globally. I believe that charity begins at home and I would like to
commend PIP for this spectacular, extraordinary and life transforming
initiative. With PIP and you and me, there is hope for a peaceful community.
#Peace is
Possible.
MBIRA DZENHETEMBO
(Poems by members of WIN-Zim)
Ndokutenda Sei?
NaTilda B
Gozho (above)
Wakandigamha
ndave kudonha
Wakandisimudza
ndadonha
Wakandirwira kune vaindidenha
Wakandimbundira ndagona
Ndokutenda sei?
Ndokutenda nei?
Ndokupei?
Wakandinyaradza ndichichema
Wakandiperekedza pakufamba
Wakandidaira ndichiimba
Kwandiri rako zino harisi rema
Ndokutenda sei?
Ndokutenda nei?
Ndokupei?
Wakandiita munhu anokosha
Wakandidzivirira kune dzese hosha
Kuna amai vangu wakava akatendeka
Pandakakudana hauna kunanaira sehozhwa
Ndokutenda sei?
Ndokutenda nei?
Ndokupei?
Born in 1996, Tilda Benadaty Gozho is currently studying for
a Media and Cultural Studies degree at the Great Zimbabwe University (Mashava
Campus). She is a devoted member of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe.
Tilda proudly says her role model and best friend is her paternal aunt, Mrs.
Alice Paul, with whom she stays. She is a product of the WIN Glen View 2 High
Writers Club.
Nzendo
Na Pumulani Chipandambira
Mukati mechanza changu
Muzere twuhova
Hatwuereri
Muzere twunzira
Hatwuna anofamba
Hatwuna kure kwatwunosvika
Twunondifungisa twurwendo twandafamba
Kusvika pandave
Hatwuna anoziva
Twurwendo
Twuzere mipangara
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