Braving the embarkation on forbidden territories, the select few set examples for those that fight shy to follow suit. Bringing out the potential with in them they are seen coming up with works that are worth to crow about.
Skimming towards Zambia The Ethiopian Herald Special Sunday Edition has just contacted a young poet from there who managed to push the frontier of her fans’ base on hello poetry poems blog. Excerpts
Greetings from The Ethiopian Herald: Who is Chabinga Tapiwa (Tapiwa Individualist)? Could you brief us on your Bio-data?
Tapiwa: I am a female aged 22, currently studying Pharmacy in Zambia.
Herald: How and when were you attracted to the wonderland of poetry? Do you have role models from Zambia, Africa or the world? Which approach do you use modern or classic? Do you have your own styles?
Tapiwa: I began to write poetry after completing high school, being naturally drawn to books, my interest to write down my thoughts was not strange but it was really kindled when I came across hello poetry. And I knew I found the place to place my thoughts.
Herald: On what themes do your poems revolve around? Do you use poems for art for art sake or art for life’s sake? Do you use them for entertaining or conveying a message or in between areas?
Tapiwa: I don’t really have role models. No idols really, life itself inspires me. I use the modern approach when writing, I don’t really have a particular style, but my main pattern is usually freestyle, which I believe is easy to understand and relate to. My poems are based on reality. I usually write on things that are supposed to encourage and uplift people which are motivational or even inspirational. I do it in form of notes. Sometimes I like to rhyme.And I do love edifying poetry that is what I usually prefer to read.
Herald: Could you brief us on the ups and downs you faced in the penning down poems (+ve/-ve feedback)? In how many blogs do you participate? What are the advantages of participating in blogs? Are you a published poet or do you have a plan to get published? Have you participated in poem anthologies? Also have you won prizes?
Tapiwa: The challenges faced in poetry writing are usually that some topics are a bit taboo, therefore untouched. There is a pressure to write about what everyone can relate to unlike writing on some of those deep things that only few individuals can relate to in order to boost the attention acquired from a larger group of people.
Also poetry is not well appreciated and therefore gets little or no attention. The only blog I’m on currently is hello poetry but I plan on expanding my base. And also intend to get published. . School has somewhat taken over but I do participate in a monthly local magazine called the speak out, sometimes. I did a story which ran for a few months and an article. I am hoping to be a published writer soon.
Herald: How many poems do you have on hello poetry and also how many followers?
Tapiwa: I have 699 English poems on hello poetry and 347 followers.
Herald: That is great. But do not you think participating in different blogs pays?
Yes that is right, I haven’t tried for different blogs and anthologies but that could be of great help in terms of getting more exposed and learning different types of writing. Plus it would be a boost if I won. I could use some of that.
Herald: African poets of the past were using poetry to fight colonization. Some say African poets of these days must use poems to fight corruption and power mongering. What is your take on this thing? Also what is your opinion on the recent catch phrase “African Poets must unite to draw added attention and convey required messages?”
Tapiwa: I think it would be useful to use poetry as a tool to fight corruption since it is a form of art that can grab people’s attention, especially youths and can actually be listened to. And it would definitely have to be in video form, or audio in as much as reading is for everyone not everyone embraces it.
Herald: What is your message to those who harbor the feeling poetry is a domain for the select few (Reading/writing)?
Tapiwa: I believe poetry is for everybody since it is diverse. Moreover as long as you feel and have the ability to put your feelings on paper, you are a poet. Otherwise we can read and appreciate those brave enough to write their hearts out.
Herald: If you have a message for young Africans you are welcome.
Tapiwa: My message to young writers including myself is that we should persist on putting positive ideas out there and build our lives outside the pen and paper in order to increase exposure and also increase ideas on what to write on. And build a better world.
Herald : Tapiwa Individualist we thank you for your time.
Thanks for considering my work. I highly appreciate.
The Ethiopian Herald SUNDAY EDITION October 13, 2019
BY ALEM HAILU
