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Living with poetry in malawi and beyond

By Chrispin kapindira 


In Malawi, poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but a way of life. The country's traditions date back to , where stories, myths, and stories were shared through verse. This rich cultural heritage has been passed down through generations, with poetry remaining an essential part of Malawian identity.

Poems are well known for the creativity they bring in poets and many use them in expressing different views and ideas. However the creativity goes beyond, and they even portray Malawian culture and traditions.


Poetry has also pushed more youths to be more creative as some reports show that over 35% of the country’s urban youth are engaged in some form of poetry—either as writers, performers of different kinds of poetry.


A very familiar name to the industry, Tendai M. Shaba whose journey has has been marked by his personal experience with a strong connection to the universal themes. His works look to relate the lives of those related to human emotions. Tendai's journey in poetry started with his affection for literature and storytelling aspects which he has been revolving around for years.


In an Interview with Shaba, he said his first book, 'Moments to Cherish' (2020), marked his formal entry into the literary world. The  collection was well-received and showcased his ability to capture the intricacies of life’s cherished moments. "


He also  said that Malawian Poetry has always been a significant tool for addressing burning social and societal issues. He said that  either formally and informally, literary work is work. Through selling books and public speaking engagements.


"Poetry is an entrepreneurial venture for most people who are most creative, and this should not dominantly be the case. There must be functional organisations and systems that incentivize creatives both from the private and public sectors  so as people make lots of paper from poetry" Shaba said.


Shaba's most recent works is the 'Living with the Wildflowers' this year, which  represents a culmination of his experiences and growth as a poet. This collection is deeply personal, dealing with themes of grief, loss, and healing. Shaba's intention with this book is to offer comfort and companionship to those dealing with loss, using poetry as a medium for transformation and healing.


One of the veteran poets in the country, Sambaligwa mvona whose  genesis in writing started with poetry in the mid 70s when several international publications and anthologies accepted his poems including The Zimbabwean Parade magazine and the American Poetry Anthology. He  later approached Heinemann Publishers to publish his  collection of poetry but the UK publishers advised him to revert to prose writing for quick publicity, fame and sales.


Mvona said that there are many great poets in the country and in fact many scholars describe the nation of Malawi  as bigger than the great powers of the World. Malawi poetry is read in many world's school curriculum but Unfortunately many readers do not understand poetry, hence the slow selling pace.


"I published my first collection of poetry in 2001 entitled 'The Sun at Njuli'  and later the Poem  was accepted to be read in Secondary schools. This indeed worked wonders as in the quickest moment more than 90 short stories were published in various newspapers and magazine, local and international" He said.


He also said that "For many years the Norwegian goverment through Norad and the royal Norwegian Embassy has been funding writers throgh capacity building, competitions and training clinics but the Malawi Government never partenered with the foreign government"


He added that after they pulled out writers are in bad shape, there are very few quality books published and no competitions and training sessions.


He also said that poets are great thinkers and as such they write because of passion and that Writing in Malawi does not get political will,  yet writers are custodians of culture and education.

Today Mvona  has  authored 16 fiction and non fichion books, of which some of them are  read in schools.

 

 

 

 

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