LOCAL poets will this Friday come together for the country’s maiden World Poetry Day commemoration at Book Café.
Report by Kundai Marunya
Dating back from 1999 after a declaration by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), the commemorations have grown into a global movement. Countries all over the world are taking poetry seriously and supporting it to spread the message of peace and development.
Popular poet who doubles as the event’s organiser Barbra “Breeze” Anderson said the celebration shows unity of purpose in the fraternity.
“I am delighted with the ever growing number of poets in Zimbabwe who have shown unity of purpose by coming together to celebrate one of the most important days for poets through displaying prowess in the art,” she said.
“This will make Zimbabweans more aware of the art and will increase its reach and hopefully its support will increase as well.” Various poetry platforms among them Mashoko Spoken Word Movement (Magamba Network), House of Hunger (Pamberi Trust) and “Poetry And . . .” will participate in the commemorations.
Magamba Network marketing manager Lesley Makawa, better known as Outspoken, said the event will be lit by guest performers “Various performances are meant to raise the appreciation of poetry not only as a means of communication, but also as a tool for social change,” he said.
“The event will take place from 8-11pm and will be graced by guest performances which include award winning Zimbabwean author Shimmer Chinodya and the only Mbira Punk Band in Zimbabwe — Chikwata 263.” Outspoken said Upmost featuring reggae band House of Stone will be the main act of the evening.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“The main act on the day will be Upmost MyBruthazKeepa and House of Stone who have been taking Harare by storm with their Poetry and Reggae vibes,” said Outspoken.
“This will also be the main highlight of the celebrations. “House of Stone is not a newcomer to the music scene and have been churning out some amazing songs making them a sought after reggae band in Zimbabwe.”
The lineup from House of Hunger Poetry Slam will include Arnold “So profound” Chirimika, Tendekai “Madzitatiguru” Tati, Allen “MwanawaAfrika” Chitsanzara, Moreblessing “Momo” Size and Peggie ‘Umind’ Shangwa.
Performers from “Poetry And . . .” include Qhawe, Barbara “Breeze” Anderson, Dimitri Kwenda, and Nash “Flowsick” all staging with live bands Zimbabwe’s poetry presence has been growing gradually over the past few years and many poets have managed to churn out messages promoting peace, unity, tolerance, shunning corruption, celebrating diversity, encouraging youth and women participation in national processes, raising awareness on climate change, fighting HIV and Aids among other important issues
