EDITORIAL
A member of the WIN Children’s Reading Club (Epworth) reading a book Baba VaRudo written by Memory Chirere
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elcome to our first and special edition of the WIN Literary Newsletter, an inspiring package of news for the writer.
We know you have been wondering why we have been offline for such a long time, the best answer, if truth be told, would be that we allowed ourselves to withdraw, observe, and learn. And surely, we have learnt.
Interesting how the writing and publishing space in Zimbabwe has undergone rapid change mostly due to technology. While few decades ago it would take a long and intensive process to see one’s book published, today it is a matter of hours, if not minutes!
There is great work being done by some writers and publishers (emerging or established) who are committed to creative quality and exploring new trends; we applaud their efforts.
2022 was a blessed year for WIN as we established a small but promising community library at our new base in Epworth. The library is already running a vibrant reading club for children living in the surrounding area. There’s more about it in this newsletter. Great many thanks to authors who have been supporting this idea.
In this our special issue, we have left out book reviews, columns such as The Youth Perspective, Ngatinyoreyi, The Source, Children’s Literature In Zimbabwe as we want to give these sections special space & treatment in our next issue.
We would like to thank our resilient members, the WIN Board, and literary friends around the world, for the support. You were and you remain bright stars shining upon our path. We love you all. Keep reading and writing. Enjoy!
HAPPY WOMEN’S MONTH!
The following is a Ndau poem by one of our members, Farai Mlambo, celebrating women’s uniqueness and embodiment of Ubuntu. Mothers of Africa, we send our love to you all!
Ndini Tsangaichuma
Ndini Tsangaichuma.
Ndinotsumba ganda rangu;
Ganda rangu rakaqithwa ngemufokozana.
Ganda rangu rakaenda nechinyamamphezi,
Cheindisiya neracho rinonyenyesa.
Rangu ganda rainga rakatsvukira zvinoyemudza,
Rakasvipira inga deko renzviru.
Risainga nemathothomba.
Rangu ganda rainga nepika,
Haikhona iriri rakati penu mbare,
Rangu ganda risainga rakaonyana,
Irona raitedzerera zvinodakadza.
Ndini inini Tsangaichuma,
Ndombi yekanyi, yakaseja kamale.
Yayeyai muzwe kana izwi rangu.
Rangu zwi rakadepferera,
Rinokekeya inga nzvirya.
Rinosheka zvinoaraidza.
Ndini ndemene Tsangaichuma,
Kubanze kwangu akuna unthani.
Ndipei usanga hwangu ndisimire.
Ndipei chikhisa changu ndigqoke
Mudzionerewo mwega kusisira kwazvo.
Unthu hwangu munohuziya wani;
Andito kuhehuka inga bungumupee.
Ndinodziehla pamberi peasharuka.
Kuhamba kwangu andiiti ekubhabhauka.
Ndihinei chipfuko ndichidengezere muone.
Ndiashidzei tsani ndimukhombidze chibatirwe chayo
Ndeimucherere ubhudhu.
Farai Chinaa Mlambo
THE WIN READING CLUB
Establishing the Missing Link at Community Level
WIN Online
A club member Shantel Mutarisi
Since opening its doors to the public in May, 2022, the WIN mini-library in Epworth has made best friends mainly with children. Parents in the neighbourhood and some friends in the book industry have also responded to this idea with open arms.
It started as a one room. A neighbour helped with the roofing, another provided a door frame, another a curtain and a youth named Courage Mlambo, an avid reader, volunteered to assist in the library.
A week after opening doors to the community the number of school kids who subscribed shot to about 20. The one room became too small and later a two-roomed house was sought within the premise.
The first separate visits to the library by WIN officials, Vine Ziwane and Tinashe Muchuri, were in May. On the day of his visit, Ziwane blessed the library with two copies of his published books, Broken Taboo and Silent Valley. Muchuri donated a few copies of his interesting Shona novel Chibarabada. Another writer who also sits on the WIN Board, Stella Chiweshe donated copies of her motivational Christian book for girls titled The Source.
The book gifts kept coming from authors like Godknows Maremera and Ericah Gwetai who has so far made an outstanding book donation to WIN since the launch of the community-based library. Gwetai’s last book donation which included Shona classics was received in December, 2022, via the kind agency of Mrs Priscilla Sithole.
In the past, WIN received books from individuals and organizations such as Theresa Muchemwa and Zimbabwe Reads.
Last year, PEN International in Zimbabwe ran a project named after the book The Invisible Child which the kids at the club found exciting as it made them aware of issues to do with children’s rights, especially the girl child. PEN Zimbabwe managed the project with three selected schools from which some of the club members come.
Writer and WIN Board Member Vine Ziwane browsing a book with one of Epworth avid readers Courage Mlambo, a volunteer at WIN
Speaking to WIN Online recently, the WIN director Beaven Tapureta who is also serving as voluntary librarian, said the project still needs everyone’s support as it is in its infancy. He said the library needs books.
“There is a paucity of children’s books at the WIN community library and we hope that with the continued generosity of authors and publishers, the reading material will soon be available to the Epworth young readers,” he said.
Be that as it may, WIN remains strong and is still committed to building a certain bridge for the writers and the readers of all ages and from all backgrounds.
NAMA HONOURS GREAT MENTORS OF MANY A TALENT
Beaven Tapureta
Barbara C Nkala
From left: Phillip Chidavaenzi, Davison Maruziva and Beaven Tapureta at the 2016 NAMA fete.
I am one of those happy for the great mentors, Barbara C Nkala, an author, and Davison Maruziva, media expert, who were honoured at the National Arts Merit Awards held in Harare on February 25, 2023.
Their outstanding contribution in different ways in the field of literary art and in the lives of many artists was recognized much to the joy of those who have had the blessing of being their ‘students’ at some point in life.
Gogo Nkala received the Lifetime Achievement Award and Maruziva the Arts Service Award.
In my life these inspirational personalities have made an indelible mark which always inspires me to never give up. They are examples of true mentors, not only for me but many others from different backgrounds. We salute you! We love you!
NAMA RESULTS IN THE LITERARY ARTS SECTION
Outstanding Poet - Obert Dube
Outstanding First Creative Work - David Chasumba
Outstanding Children's Book - Sloba and the Chameleon by Costa Chayambuka
Outstanding Fiction Book - The Quality of Mercy by Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu
Outstanding Poetry Book - Starfish Blossoms by Samantha Vhazhure
EUROPEAN UNION, CULTURE FUND, LAUNCH ‘CREATIVE ACTIONS 2’
WIN Online
European Union ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, speaking at the launch of Creative Actions 2 in Harare
The Culture Fund’s new call for grant applications under the Creative Actions2 project was officially launched at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare, on Friday, February 24, by European Union ambassador to Zimbabwe HE Jobst von Kirchmann.
Present at the launch were delegates from government and various cultural and civil society organizations and development partners.
The Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation, Hon. Kirsty Coventry, emphasized the importance of national museums in preserving a country’s history for future generations.
She thanked the EU delegation to Zimbabwe for their support to culture and arts sector.
“The government of Zimbabwe is happy to partner the European Union, working with Culture Fund in supporting emerging young creatives. The grants will help create a wide range of quality work, and this will enable our artists to contribute to the local and international creative economy,” she said.
According to a press release, the EU is contributing EUR 2, 060 500 over a period of 36 months (2023-2025) through the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust which is contributing EUR 108 000 and will manage this project.
The project will ‘allow artists to obtain small grants between EUR 1 000 and EUR 10 000 attributed on a rolling basis’. Larger grants between 10 000 euros and 60000 euros will also be available for organizations working in the creative sector.
The release said that Creative Actions2 project is fully aligned with Government of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS-1) and contributes to its implementation by funding innovative artistic and cultural expressions; empowering civil society, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, and by providing training and skills development programmes for arts and culture producers.
Speaking at the launch, H.E. Jobst von Kirchmann said EU’s support to the Zimbabwe cultural sector in the past decade has helped local cultural workers to tell the story of the country’s rich arts and culture.
Such support has been granted to local initiatives like, among others, Ignatius Mabasa’s project on promoting the story-telling tradition in Zimbabwe, the production and promotion of the Mbira instrument through Albert Chimedza’s one of a kind Mbira Centre and the rehabilitation of the Great Zimbabwe Shona Village and the preservation and promotion of the Ndebele culture of home paintings.
Culture and art, he said, are not just for entertainment but make important contribution to the economy as “culture creates jobs, makes us aware, makes us understand each other and bring us together.”
The Creative Actions2 project, the ambassador said, will provide a breakthrough to emerging artists.
“Our project will support culture as a goal in itself. It is my sincere hope that this project will provide a breakthrough to emerging artists, especially young women and men as it will stimulate Zimbabwean creations,” said ambassador Kirchmann.
The small grants, which are between EUR 1000 and EUR 10 000, are meant to encourage young artists to start small.
“And projects have not to be big. Great Zimbabwe was started with one stone, you can also start something big with only a few euros,” he said.
Among those who will benefit from the Creative Actions2 project are cultural practitioners, performing artists, literary artists, fashion and culinary artists, fine artists, all drawn from the ten provinces in Zimbabwe.
However, the call for applications emphasizes special attention shall be given to women, youth, people with disabilities (PWD) and marginalized communities in Binga, Matobo and Chiredzi.
For more information, visit https://www.culturefund.org.zw/creative-actions or send an email to info@culturefund.co.zw or call +263 242794617/ +263242794530 for assistance.
CONGRATULATIONS
TSITSI NOMSA
NGWENYA
Flashback: Tsitsi chatting with students at the 2017 Zimbabwe International Book Fair
…And the good news:
Enjoy the preview of A Portrait of Emlanjeni by Memory Chirere.
‘GREY ANGELS’ AVAILABLE IN SELECTED BOOKSHOPS
Zimbabwean author and PEN Zimbabwe executive member Virginia Phiri (left) hands over a gift of her novel 'Grey Angels' to PEN International Head of Africa Region Nduko o’Matigere from Kenya, at a PEN Zimbabwe meeting held on March 14, 2023 ,in Harare.
‘Grey Angels’ (2019) is available on Amazon and in selected local bookshops.
‘DREAMS UNDER THE NOONDAY SUN'
TO BE LAUNCHED
Gifted and young writer Cindy Usayi
FILMMAKER AMANDA RANGANAWA ON THE RISE
WIN Online
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Alisha Machumi (left), a film editor, and Amanda Ranganawa (right) at the launch of the film ‘Depth of Emotions’
Award-winning film producer, director, script writer and actress Amanda Ranganawa sees great progress happening in the local film industry although women filmmakers are yet to be as ‘loud’ as their male counterparts.
Speaking to WIN Online, Ranganawa who hails from Mutare said she is glad the business community is opening its doors to the arts sector.
“The local film industry is definitely growing. More good quality films are being made. The business community has become more open to supporting arts and also the emerging television stations have given film makers more platforms to sell and distribute their work,” said Ranganawa.
Ranganawa believes that it is possible for more women to achieve greatness if only they come up with stimulating content and remain focussed.
“Women film makers make great films. However, they are not as ‘loud’ as male film makers. I encourage the women to continue producing more great content, winning in their achievements and remain focussed. No good things stay hidden forever, the work will always speak for itself,” she said.
Her latest project ‘Depth of Emotions’, a romantic film shot in Mutare and produced by Mclara Multimedia Productions and partners, was officially premiered in January this year at the Golden Villa Hotel, Mutare, to an audience of about 500 people, thus priding itself as a well-attended premiere.
Ranganawa wrote and directed the film and she also is part of the cast. The film tells the story of Grace, a young woman who loses her womb when a fibroids removal surgery goes wrong. Ryan, Grace’s boyfriend, stands by her during this unfortunate phase and he decides to marry her. Ryan’s decision to marry Grace is met with opposition from his family.
A scene in ‘Depth of Emotions’
Ranganawa said that ‘Depth of Emotions’ tackles themes such as the problem of fibroids, love, barrenness, adoption, surrogacy and the African perspective as regards marriage and children in a home.
“The movie questions the depth of love between two lovers but poses the same question ‘How deep is your love?’ to society at large,” said the multi-talented writer.
Born and bred in Mutare, the multi-talented writer has an inspirational oeuvre which includes being the writer of the award-winning film ‘Kushata kweMoyo’ which was shown on Africa Magic and having worked in different productions such as ‘Amwene’, ‘All She Wants’, ‘Sins of the Father’, ‘Smoking Gun’, and ‘Broken Lives’.
VOICE FROM THE MOUNTAINS
Clever Simbarashe Kavenga (Mutare)
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Star from the east: Morset Billie
The city of Mutare is now a hub of artistic events, be it music, films, spoken word, etc.
Some time ago events such as book launches, film shows, poetry and music sessions and theatre had sort of fallen into oblivion due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now the cold silence has been broken, Mutare is singing loud and clear. Yes, the mist of silence has cleared off and joy is back in the valley of beauty and flowers. We have film producers such as Amanda Ranganawa and Igi Matope of Picture Africa, among others, now making Mutare proud.
In this instalment I bring you Morset Billie, one of the emerging artists who call Mutare home and now claiming his own space in the arts sector.
I first met Morset some years back at Mutare National Gallery during the Shaurai Poetry and Music Session. This guy hardly missed the subsequent monthly events. Surely, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Shaurai Poetry and Music Session at the Gallery could be the place where Morset took his first baby steps into the wild world of the arts.
I recall watching him reading his poems written on pieces of papers but the other days he would be reciting his poems. Here and there he would apologize to the audience when he stammered or missed a word or two. Then he would start all over again. Morset was at this time fighting his struggles and he never gave up.
With patience and hard work, the poet developed into one of the audience’s favourite poets at the Shaurai events alongside the ever green Shingirai Manyengavana, Maraire and Dean Murinda to mention but a few. Shingirai and Dean are now published poets and Morset Billie has joined these guys on the published poets’ podium with his collection of love poems titled When We Loved.
Born and raised in Mutare, he attended Chisamba Primary School and St Dominics Mutare for his secondary education. Towards the end of his high school days, he lost his dear father. As a grieving son with nothing to do, he found solace in writing.
Morset never looked back. After St Dominics he proceeded to Chinhoyi University of Technology where he studied International Marketing.
Today, he is in the arts sector full time. He is now a creative enterprise consultant. He works with individual artists and art organizations. Some of the artists he has worked with include poets Chirikure Chirikure, Batsirai Chigama and the musician Tariro Negitare, and others. As a poet, Morset has attended festivals and conferences locally and in the region in countries such as Malawi and Zambia.
His new book When We Loved, beautifully illustrated by a Kenyan mixed-media artist Gemini Vaghela, is available directly from the author and it is also found as an eBook.
When asked about his views regarding the book sector in Africa and Zimbabwe in particular, he had this to say, “Yes there is hope, and great opportunity. I think it's just a matter of realigning ourselves as writers with new media forms because the book as we knew it 20 years ago is continuously moving into the digital world.”
And to Morset, I say, “Rise, and keep rising like a real star from the east.”
SHORT STORY
Marcilline Badza, author of the short story The Bride
THE BRIDE
The rainy season had passed and the most tiresome work in the fields had been lightened. There was no more weeding under the burning sun. At least one could now manage to sneak to the growth point where you would hear the daily top stories of what was transpiring in the country.
A lot of men loved this moment though some would end up in useless fights over English football teams. Those who supported Manchester United seemed very hostile whenever they lost a match. I recall how badly uncle would beat us for mispronouncing his team at heart - Manchester United.
However, at home, it was ever busy because mother would barely let you sigh.
“A normal person should always be a busy body,” she would say.
She said these words almost every day when we thought that work with no play makes Jack a dull boy. The work at home intensified after the news reached us that babamunini Panganai (father’s younger brother) had successfully paid lobola (bride price) for the woman he so much loved. He was to bring his bride home and everyone waited to see the beauty they had heard of. The preparations began the first week of April, many crops and fruits had ripened then, including maize, pumpkins, ipwa, nyii, among others.
Mother took one of the pumpkins and reserved it for makoti.
“This one is so ripen she will love it, make sure you don’t put your hands on that pumpkin,” she said to us.
The other crew made sure the rocks near the gate were painted and decorated. After some days, we finished cutting collecting the firewood for the special day. Everyone was in jovial mood except aunt Senzeni who had been let down in love by one of the crooks in the city. I had only heard of the wicked love but now I could see how it had ravaged and malnourished tete. If I had known the lover surely I would beg him to come back and save her broken heart.
The big day came. Everybody wore their best clothes; even Elvis, who hardly changed clothes, wore something new though it had some patches at the back.
Finally, the awaited guest arrived. She was as beautiful as the sunset we had never seen; such glowing skin. The old village women tried to embrace her but she stepped back. She greeted us with the tips of her nails, then I saw how detested we were in her eyes. The three-legged pot with goat meat specially prepared for her was brought. They served her with great love but their cracked, work-dyed hands just killed her appetite. The elders noticed her ungratefulness and the ululations just died gradually….
POET CALLS FOR UNITY
Vongai Hillary Masuka, stage name Lareey
Young poet Vongai Hillary Masuka, popularly known as Lareey, has said that unity promotes success in the arts industry.
In an interview, Lareey said that she founded the Chitungwiza Poetry and Art Convergence in February, 2022, with the aim to promote togetherness among poets.
The organization has so far held arts events at her place in Chitungwiza, thus promoting artistic social interactions.
"The aim of the events is to promote social interactions, by so doing, we not only create friendships among each other, but we also call for unity and teamwork," she said.
The Chitungwiza Poetry and Art Convergence has so far seen about 29 poets and artists coming to either read or perform their poetry at Lareey’s house on different occasions.
Asked how she feels about her poetry events, she said, "It's a great relief, it's not such an easy task having your friends coming to your place.”
The get-togethers have attracted fellow poets and writers in Harare.
"I host these events right here because we can't afford any other venue but because we have the urge to grow the industry, we utilize the resources we have," she said.
Lareey is looking forward to publishing her debut anthology soon.
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(This is an official newsletter of Writers International Network Zimbabwe, published by the WIN Publishing Unit – winzimbabwe@gmail.com)
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