Mangaliso Kabulika
AUTHOR Max Magaba has called for the prioritisation of indigenous languages in book writing.
Magaba recently completed his Shona poetry anthology ‘Pachedu Sahwira’ which is set to be released in March and features the work of 50 Shona poets.
The anthology addresses friendship, unity and social issues that are prevalent in the community which affect young people.
Magaba emphasised the importance of accurately reflecting the diversity of experiences and voices within the Shona community.
He added that despite being full of talented authors, the book industry in Zimbabwe lacks funding, infrastructure and access to readership.
“The 65-poems anthology explores a variety of themes and topics, including love, loss, friendship, family, nature and more.
“The poems are a reflection of the experiences and emotions of the authors, and they provide a unique insight into the lives and perspectives of young people in Zimbabwe.
“It also celebrates the beauty of indigenous languages, and the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe fostering a culture of love and respect for one’s roots.
“I wanted to make sure that the anthology reflected the reality of life in Zimbabwe, and that it didn’t shy away from difficult or challenging topics.
“It was also a challenge to balance the different styles and approaches of the authors, while still maintaining a cohesive and coherent theme throughout the anthology,” said Magaba.
He said there were a number of talented authors and publishers doing great work to promote literature and literacy in the country.
Their work was, however, being eroded by the lack of funding, infrastructure and readership.
“Despite these challenges, I am optimistic about the future of the industry, and believe that with continued effort and dedication, it can continue to grow and thrive,” said Magaba.