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It appears that mother languages like Shona, and SiNdebele, literature is vanishing into the background. Yesteryear, we could tune in to Radio 2 to listen to Kuverenga Kwemabhuku by Simon Pashoma Ncube.
He was good with the mother tongue. The eloquence and confidence in his voice made listeners enjoy literature. It was some sort of advantage to those who couldn’t afford to buy hard copies.
Sifelani Chikwape has managed to keep the fire burning, dishing out from upcoming writers. However, it is no longer as it was back in the day. Could it be because of online books? Maybe today’s youths have found entertainment in other avenues.
There are yesteryear books that have made me wish I was born earlier to meet the departed literature heroes.
Archbishop Patrick Chakaipa’s books Kusasana Kunoparira and Garandichauya appear to be the best love stories that have stood the taste of time.
Sometimes, I’m left to wonder if he had not joined the Priesthood. He would have been the Doctor of Love in literature. He made the scenes real (may his soul rest in peace).
It takes time for authors to make an impact, especially now that academic arts degrees have been scrapped.
Shona literature is now a stand-alone subject at the secondary level, hence destroying the reading culture.
Chiundura-Moyo’s Pane Nyaya can easily compete with Kusasana Kunoparira. I liked both Archbishop Chakaipa and AC Moyo. I have been fortunate enough to meet AC Moyo, Memory Chirere, and Chirikure Chirikure.
Writers tend to die paupers. I think corporates should consider appointing them as brand ambassadors.
Being a fan of love stories and poems, I envy the Late Archbishop. Even if I pursue novel writing, the bar set is too high.
Elizabeth Taderera, Ruvimbo Martha Jeche, Chengeto Nyagumbo, and some other writers are trying hard to keep the indigenous languages alive.
More language festivals must be held. It’s your duty and mine to do that.
