THE once celebrated singer Marshal Munhumumwe might have long departed this world, but his good works continue to inspire many who included his nephew, Stuart Munhuumwe McMangani.
Munhumumwe, who fronted the Four Brothers band became a household name and force to reckon with in showbiz through such hit songs as Mbereko Yakaramba and Pfimbi Yangu, among others.
However, as fate would have it, he breathed his last in 2001 after suffering a severe stroke. May his soul rest in peace.
But he left a lasting impression as new generations, such as MacMangani, continue to draw inspiration from his works
The Namibian-based multi-talented McMangani — a poet, author and choreographer — told NewsDay Life & Style that just like his uncle who raised awareness on contemporary issues affecting society through music, his desire is to do the same through poetry and literature.
“My uncle used to express his feelings while at the same time raising awareness on different societal issues through music with such songs as Pfimbi Yangu. I have decided to expand his mission, not only through music, but also writing, performing arts, painting and poetry,” he noted.
“My desire is to raise awareness on contemporary issues that affect individuals in society that include sexuality and gender-based violence through poetry, literature, and choreography the same way my uncle did through music.”
McMangani, who launched his arts career in 2017, is also a teacher by profession who holds a diploma in education attained from the University of Zimbabwe in 2016 and advanced certificate in teaching with mathematics from North West university South Africa in 2021.
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He also has an advanced diploma in special needs education attained at North West University, South Africa in 2022.
“Apart from being a teacher in Namibia, I perform poetry and African dance in most Southern African countries that include Zambia and Botswana, raising awareness on women rights and development,” he said.
Through music and dance, the poet believes in helping people with traumatic experiences.
“As an artiste, it is also my role to use my artistic talent to help people who have gone through traumatic experiences to overcome their dismays. Even though it does not take a day, but gradually these individuals carry some testimonies,” he noted, adding that he does this as part of charity.
Away from the stage, McMangani is also a published author.
“I have written a book titled I Am Your Mother, which is very rich in English literature and can be used for General Certificate of Secondary Education purposes, in universities by people who study literature in English as well as sociologists, philosophers and for entertainment purposes,” he said.
“I have written various articles in the Namibian Press raising awareness on sexuality and gender-based issues between 2020 and 2021. Along the way I have also painted work which communicates various themes taking place in African society and they are yet to be judged and exhibited.”
Apart from I Am Your Mother, McMangani has also published Was It Supposed to End That Way?, Demon of Corruption, The Stranger and I Sacrificed My Life for You.
