Poetic toasts by Hupepechule, Mambo Guramatunhu, Dr Malinga, Nomonde Sky (SA) solidified the importance of literature and resultantly gave the guest of honour Petina Gappah motivation for a stage presence to speak to a houseful of audience as she officially opened the 11th edition of the Litfest International Literature Festival at the Nhaka Gallery in the Avenues in Harare.
The Litfest International Literature Festival ran from November 27 to 30 at the Nhaka Gallery, Alliance Francaise and the Harare City Library.
An academic, researcher, lawyer, writer and literature editor, Gappah recited her favourite literature quotes and Shona riddles. She stressed that literature is important to human society as it makes people understand the world, their past and promote cultural and religious tolerance while also promoting human dignity and improved communication.
Gappah begged for acceptance of a broadened scope in the understanding of the history of Zimbabwe, adding that well written literature be it fictitious or realistic could help to construct a dependable cultural heritage history and nurture it.
“…The single story about Zimbabwe was being written from what I thought was a narrow historic perspective.This is not to say that their story was not true, but that it was incomplete. So, l decided to weave my own strand in what l imagined to be the complex tapestry that is the story of Zimbabwe. I decided to add to what Chinua Achebe calls the balance of all our stories.
“l have written contemporary fiction about Zimbabwe. I have written historical fiction about Zimbabwe in the context of Africa because the story of Zimbabwe did not start in 1980 it did not start with UDI [Unilateral Declaration of Independence] in 1965. The story of Zimbabwe is as old as great Zimbabwe. It is even older than that. The story of Zimbabwe starts as far back as Guruuswa, when some of our ancestors came down from the Great Lakes region which incidentally explains why Kinyawarwanda and Shona share commonalities,” Gappah said.
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Chirikure Chirikure, the director of the Litfest International Literature Festival, said he was moved to reflect on the continuous growth of the festival from its humble beginnings and thanked the sponsors for their unwavering support.
Solidarity messages in support of the festival came from Napoleon Nyanhi, director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Alliance Francaise director Fanny Gauthier, lreland ambassador to Zimbabwe Austin Gormley and Francesca Onai Midzi, programme manager, governance, human rights and social sectors section. Speakers highlighted the importance of well written literature for entertainment as well as preserving a cultural identity. They promised more support for the future edition.
Through the name, mortar and pestle riddle (Du Du Muduri), Gappah recalled the names of legendary Zimbabwean old and contemporary writers and stressed their importance in making the history of the country known through their narratives.
“There’s a big difference between inheritance and legacy. Inheritance is what you get from those who are gone and legacy is what you leave after you are gone,” she added.
Mambo Guramatunhu, published author, spoken word poet and arguably the most sought-after director of ceremonies, took to the stage a series of Shona poems of adoration and praise for African beauties and customs. For Guramatunhu the year 2024 has been highly remarkable and filled with numerous accomplishments and milestones. He had a NAMA award, as well as several other awards from across the country. When everyone thought Guramatunhu had sealed it all, Dr Malinga resurrected the audience with his love cry poem Lerato. Guest of honour Gappah said instead of being depressed or stressed by their own Leratos, men should instead seek counselling and shun such women for life partnerships.
Calm and composed Mzansi poet Nomonde Sky showed great prowess as she enunciated cultural asceticism. She took off her rings and shoes because she believes the stage is a holy ground. The musical duo of Gugulethu Garwe aka Ulethu and Lovedale Makalanga aka DJ Discord warmed up the stage and set the pace for everyone through the performance of three songs.
Music producer Mono Mukundu said the 11th edition of Litfest was important as it promoted and celebrated the culture of reading.
Melbourne-based Rumbidzai Dunduru aka Rumbi Chen was also present and writing notes to strengthen her book launch held last week.
“'Landing in Fifteen Minutes' (aviation thriller on drug abuse). This is my second collaboration with Elliot Chatima. It is an aviation thriller that is tied to family secrets, betrayal, love triangles and a society grappling with drug abuse,” she said.
Former beauty queen Brita Masalethuni lead the proceedings of the event.