THE SAILORS REVIEW 57TH ISSUE (10 APRIL 2022)

The

Sailors Review 10 APRIL 2022 ISSUE no. 57

“If I read it! Then everyone will read it”

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VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

MAKOMBORERO NHAU IN ART, SHE IS LIKE NATURE DOING WHAT NATURE DOES

In Art, she is like nature doing what nature does The teenage author speaks

I

am Makomborero Nhau, a writer of all poetry genres. Writing is a feat I have achieved from the early years of my life. Inside me resides a natural form of sophistication, for I thrive to experience new things and expand my knowledge of different things. I see myself as a phenomenal and empathic poet and author, hence, my stage name is Poetess Empathic. My parents found me to be their package of blessings, having christened me 'Makomborero'. I stay in Eastlea, Harare, Zimbabwe.

When I look at the person in the mirror, I see Makomborero the visionary, democrat, servant and leader with a growth mindset. I also see a youth advocate trained by Yalep, a certified youth leader, time manager, cv writer, interviewer and a learner with self-taught study skills. I am a person of many skills. The list is endless.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE MAKOMBORERO NHAU IN ART, SHE IS LIKE NATURE DOING WHAT NATURE DOES

I work with interpersonal, naturalistic, musical, existential, intrapersonal, and visual-spatial intelligence. Visual-spatial intelligence has to do with a vision, and how it impacts you as an individual and makes you cognitively understand something. Existential spatial intelligence, also known as spiritual or charismatic is about being influenced spiritually. Naturalism is about nature and its impact on people and the environment. Interpersonal intelligence is concerned with personal intelligence in external relations whereas intra-personal deals with the self-introvert version. These forms of intelligence unnoticeably influence us daily.

At present, I am undergoing my Ordinary Level studies in commercialized arts (a combination of arts and commercial subjects). The combination gives me two optional choices in furthering my education and career. As time puns out the best route shall suffice, but either way I will be better placed. I desire to inspire people to be the best they can be. I have many thoughts on my career path, but I’m mainly attracted to ophthalmic options and being a chef. I may decide to stick with writing but as a hobby. Who knows what the future will bring.

In 2020 I published my first book; "Profused feelings," where I used socio-economic and love themes. It’s a poetry book about people’s day to day emotions and experiences. I believe it contains information that most people can relate to, for example, teens, Christians, the old aged too. The book touches on topics such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), adolescence, motivation, Christian life and love lessons. There are also poems focused on how people live their lives, mostly how they respond or get affected emotionally by their experiences. Everything is bottled up in that book, I freely let the reader into my world. This is why the title; "Profused feelings," (composition of both long and short narratives) is appropriate for the book.

In every journey, obstacles militate, and I was not spared from them. I faced several challenges in publishing my book. The most notable being finance. I had no funds to publish the book, but with time I managed with the help of my aunts. In

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

MAKOMBORERO NHAU IN ART, SHE IS LIKE NATURE DOING WHAT NATURE DOES

vernacular we say; "kuwanda kwakangonaka" (two is better than one). Typesetting the book using my cellphone proved to be another obstacle as I did not have access to a laptop.

Post-publication I also faced issues to do with my work being misunderstood and misinterpreted. Some readers went even a step further renaming some of the poems. Age has been a disadvantage because in some cases people do not take me seriously as I am young. Still hovering around are challenges relating to finances. I wrote the book a year ago, but I am still yet to host a launch for the book.

It is said that; "you are either born with it or not."

Some things we learn in life and through life experiences. In my case, I believe I was born with the gift to write and it is something that I continue to learn and develop every day. I am still learning about myself and what inspires to write. My teenage life experiences and the people around me are also an inspiration for VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE MAKOMBORERO NHAU IN ART, SHE IS LIKE NATURE DOING WHAT NATURE DOES

me to write. From a young age, I used to write in my diaries and till today. A sister from my school played a significant role in my journey because I would write for her. My friends also motivated me to publish my work. I get inspiration from the environment and what takes place in the world at large. I believe that I’m unique and stand out from others. My poetry is more straightforward, for I KISS (keep it simple and straight).

My book is also inspired by my faith, Christianity. This has played a huge role in my upbringing. I attended school at Sinoia Primary in Chinhoyi. Prayer and praise was a ritual practised daily.

As a side hustle, paper crafting and recycling are part of what I do every day. I’m artistic and so much in love with anything art. Crafting came about when I was a prefect for an ECD class and would make some art to babysit and entertain the children. I work on crafting when I am free or when I get an order from someone interested in my work. When crafting what I do is wrap magazine paper or fold paper into cones to make a flower bouquet. The bouquets can be used as decoration pieces.

I am glad I am a Sailor and my ride so far in the Sailors ship has been amazing. I’m learning from experienced and upcoming artists. I’m learning more about the industry and how things work. The Sailors are excellent and spell success daily and I'm adapting and adopting every day.

I would encourage fellow artists to keep focused on their work and never give up. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. God will eventually make things happen.

To get in touch with me reach out to me at: makomboreronhau@gmail.com +263780978772or +263716626305 Facebook: Kristy Nhau Instagram: makomborero.nhau Twitter: NhauMakomborero

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

MAKOMBORERO NHAU IN ART, SHE IS LIKE NATURE DOING WHAT NATURE DOES

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THE SAILORS TRUST Takudzwa Chikepe seremumu@gmail.com FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Brian Tawanda Manyati tawandamanyati@gmail.com FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR Martin Chivaku chivakum@gmail.com MARKETING AND DIGITAL STRATEGY DIRECTOR Sithembeni Tanya Madziwa madziwathembie@gmail.com BOARD SECRETARY AND CONTENT PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Tatenda Murangi sibucohub@gmail.com EDITORIAL AND DESIGING DIRECTOR

THE SAILORS REVIEW Publisher T.P Chikepe seremumu@gmail.com PUBLISHER Learnmore Chikuwe mcmassivestudios@fnbconnect.co.za GROUP DESIGNER THE SAILORS REVIEW is published forthnightly by

Violin Chipamaunga chipviolin18@gmail.com PROOF READER Tallence Sanyangowe tallencesanyangowe@gmail.com GROUP PUBLICIST Tirivanhu Gono tirinelson.ten@gmail.com CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER 8

Publisher T.P Chikepe (Private) Limited (12431/2020), in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa. No article in this publication should be used without a clear permission from the publisher. Failure to invite our consent will attract legal action.

The Sailors Review 2021(c) For more information about this publication, please contact us via mobile : seremumu@gmail.com (+263) 772 488 777) (+1) 919 937 4319

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

VISION Grooming world class artists through appreciating poetry and other forms of Art

MISSION To publish the power of Poetry and promote other forms of art by creating a sustainable workstation for artists, to fully connect with each other and the world at large

GOALS Enhance quality products and services Increase brand awareness Redefine the meaning of Art and its power Being resilient and sustainable

OBJECTIVES Schedule regular online training seminars Invite different trade experts for workshops Promote group competitions and awards among artists Discover and incorporate outstanding artists Make use of social media and all media institutions Encourage quality art production and funding superlative projects Creative outreach programs for schools and the communities at large Organize International tours and invite artists in resonance Build a culture of humility and respect To inspire the whole world to be an inspiration

VALUES Passion Commitment Teamwork attitude Transparency and professionalism Respect, honesty and trust Humility and thoughtfulness Every artist matters Embrace deep artistic research A lifetime of creating, publishing and sharing art Gifts oriented approach Be a visionary and nurture more visionaries VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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NAVIGATING UNCHARTED WATERS

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WORDS IN VERSE I: ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA'S QUOTE

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BY SIGHT: SANYANGOWE FAITH

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ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC: DALIVALDO STARLEY

THE NARRATIVE PROGRESS MUWADZURI

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WORDS IN VERSE II : JOANNE DURHAM

WORDS IN VERSE IV: NHETEMBO

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UNLOCKING GREATNESS

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ARTIST LOUNGE I : DOMINIC BENHURA

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AHOY

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ARTIST LOUNGE II: JACKALINE WAZIRI

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ARTIST LOUNGE III: ANORD SICHINSAMBWE

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WORDS IN VERSE III: LINDA TROTT DICKMAN

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ARTIST LOUNGE IV: EZRA ALAGBADA KING

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ARTIST LOUNGE V: NYANDURI LMC

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Dominic Benhura, Makomborero Nhau, Ruvimbo Munozohamba, Angela Chirenda Rugara, Martin Chivaku, Caleb Hwariva, GEO, Proverb Nesta I, Oxygen Five, Dalivaldo Starley, Ezra Alagbada King (Nigeria), K. Asare-Badiako (Ghana), Nobuhle Maseko (South Africa), Jackline Waziri (Tanzania), Auspicious queen (Nigeria), Mela Blendz (South Africa), Anord Sichinsambwe (Jamaica), Joanne Durham (USA), Zolisa Gumede, Frank Nyamundero, Linda Trott Dickman (USA), DrThembieTanya, Nyanduri LMC, Progress Muwadzuri, Brother Takudzwa Chikepe_The Preacher/VaChikepe: The Poet Photography - Gregory-Halle-Petiot, Mikhail-Villegas, Valery-Rabchenyuk, DDP, Cristina-Gottardi, Trac, Trevor-Mckinnon LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

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WORDS IN VERSE I: HE IS FOR US A fool is one who runs to Where angels fear to trade But what can we do if we are bred to raid We all need the love of God Mercy, not just favour The Lord, my God An enchantment of purity He who is dipped in humility The only one who utters the truth Delivering me from Those who want to suck the life out of me I lack a lot of things to the world But The Word I feed upon, I lack nothing For it is everything to keep me alive, And the only way to survive In this squid game called life The Author of peace He who put my worries in cuffs My past has passed Now I no longer lust for what the world gives For I know none of it ever lasts He is for us

By Ruvimbo Munozohamba munozohambaruvimbo@gmail.com 0774767346

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WORDS IN VERSE I FIND GOD

ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA'S QUOTE VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS

As the heavens Are higher than the earth, So are God’s ways higher than ours.

His thoughts are not our thoughts Proclaims, Prophet Isiah He is God of the valleys He is God of the mountains He is God who is all sovereign He is God who loves all His creation We are to seek Him While He can still be found He awaits to embrace us all With patience of a quietened storm To have true life Is to seek the living God Then found life will overflow In gracious abundance of grace As the rain and snow Descend from heaven And do not ascend back without Watering the earth and flourish it His word that goes out From His mouth will not return To Him empty but accomplishes His purposes for all of His creation Keep not this to self Share with all and sundry Call out on top of mountains Call into the deep depths of oceans Chase not shadows that look real But will disappear like mist Find Christ who is the way And be rooted in Him VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

By Pikitayi The Poet Angela Chirenda Rugara angelarugara@yahoo.com +263 775393576

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WORDS IN VERSE I ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA'S QUOTE VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS

OH! LORD! I just hope and pray that one day when I go on my knees, I'll be praying not because i want change, but because I love GOD. like, who art in heaven...and the rest of the words will be from the core and not from the mind.

It's just a time and a day and time and chance happen to them all who believe but I'm on a period of being less grateful and blameless GOD for everything.

I mean we all want change but who wants to change?

I mean we want GOD but who wants to live like his child?

I mean if we all can believe the story of dinosaurs and how they became extinct -- I mean come on!

I just hope and pray that whatever I pray for is to please GOD and not something to make the world a worse place.

By Martin Chivaku @DA_Scripta chivakum@gmail.com +263718777471

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WORDS IN VERSE I ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA'S QUOTE VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS

ANCHORED IN CHRIST'S LOVE To me!

Some came, Some come With massive And destructive Weapons.

My enemies try.

But because I can't die They cry!

All they need is to Scatter me in pieces; Ohh bless them God!!

To and fro Because of them I can't be tossed.

I am not Judas The son of Iscariot I stand still Serving God's purpose While deep rooted In his soils.

Life after life Am sip-sucking From the tree of Life Time and Time Till my thirst is quenched.

For the poor in spirit And the poor in flesh Food I restlessly supply For I know my days are numbered To all the evil and the good.

More life, more blessings!

To everyone everyday.

By Caleb: The Poet hwarivacaleb@gmail.com +263774806738

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WORDS IN VERSE I ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA'S QUOTE VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS

BEING BETTER The quest for independence Made me break out Deafened to the loudest shout A flock always seeking greener pastures Drink and merry became the order of the day Numbers and letters defined me Meant to explode and explore Surprisingly l imploded Walls crushing within The sound of my begging spirit became a metronome Missing keys and strings A Pharaoh in my own eyes Sleeping in a bed of frogs Food filled with flies could barely see the spice Logs shuttered my heart and eyes The blind cannot lead the blind What more himself?

Crying for arms in slumber But the judgemental nature Termed me a beggar Gave me alms instead Only He who crafted the genetic makeup of my veins would understand Sensation on the skinhead Earthly pleasure lasts only but for a moment Took a moment Inclined my ear to instruction Retrospect and introspect only to convert Livelihood under seige His and mine had to converge

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WORDS IN VERSE I ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA'S QUOTE VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS

Existing through the ages holding the earth in His hands To such l had to turn Finding Him meant loving myself and His creation great and small AWOL l had gone Yet came the call Disregarding the satellites And the boosters From the hand of the Fowler l had to be ousted Come home A home not defined by structures Rather by conscience Red sea parted Emotional and spiritual blindness departed A new chapter started A bridge erected Come to Him all those heavy laden Such as l have l give unto thee

by GEO jeffiejell@gmail.com Twitter:Jeffiejell1 Instagram: jeffiejell1 +263774136909

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M ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC

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ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC

NEW RELEASES

“ZiMunamato” is the name of my latest song. ZiMunamato, is a Shona word which means “A Very Big Prayer.”

Another name of this song is “Shema” which in Hebrew, means “Hear”. This song resonates with a Jewish prayer that is found in meditating through Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

“This song is soaked, is serenity; spiritually activating, with a constant meditational thought line, that pounces on every heartbeat of life, with thurds of great joy and continuous amazement...”

Listen to this song on YouTube, Spotify: Amazon. For more information go to Facebook

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ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC NEW RELEASES

It's a blessing ain't it? To love and to be loved. To experience real and true love. Sometimes it don't come easy so when it does cherish it. Never ever take for granted they that love thee.

Click here to listen to Proverb Nesta I's latest single "Spirit of love"

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ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC

NEW RELEASES

Oxygen Five - Mazino ft Cheezy A and Kidd M is a track about the struggle we are facing in the country due to many reasons like corruption. On the video you will see a graduate wearing a cap of knowledge and a gown pushing chingoro (scotchcart) selling bananas which is an expression that we are forced to do jobs that we didn't go to school for. Inorder to get a job one has to have a 'connection' with powerful and influental people. So basically, Mazino PaZimbabwe zvakaoma paZimbabwe.

Listen to the song on YouTube

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ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC

DALIVALDO STARLEY WHEN BEING MULTILINGUAL IS YOUR GREATEST ASSET

WHEN BEING MULTILINGUAL BECOMES YOUR GREATEST ASSET The Ambassador sings it away

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eing multi-lingual is one thing most people would 'die' for. It's not just about knowing how to speak or write, but how to capitalise on these languages and be able to make a dollar out of them. Darlington Ntokozo Moyo, popularly known as Dalivaldo Starley was born on the 19th of November 1999 at Luveve hospital (City of Kings & Queens) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He is a prominent and diversified lyricist with music which falls mainly in the genres of Afro house, Afro Kwaito, Amapiano, and Hip Hop. He started off his music career when he was 15. His first recording was in 2016, but got active in 2018 till to date. Currently, he is working under a record label called Chil4Ril and performs mainly in his native languages Ndebele, Shona, and English. Here is what Dalivaldo Starley had to say:

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ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC

DALIVALDO STARLEY WHEN BEING MULTILINGUAL IS YOUR GREATEST ASSET

Chil4Ril (real name Crispen Nyandoro) is a DJ, Producer, Entrepreneur and promoter.

Chil4Ril Movement is a recording label, music distributor and self-owned company which was established to uplift the young generations, with the likes of upcoming artists, models, actors, photographers and videographers to name just a few.

I write songs as a way of story telling pertaining to my lifestyle and about things that happen on a daily basis in our society especially - the ghetto and secondly uptown. Every day before the sun goes down, I write something and I come out with a nice song be it sad or celebratory.

It depends on the mood and current situation that l will be facing at that particular moment. My producer is my mentor; hence l am not the one to judge if the song I am working on is a good song or not. He is the one that guides me through during the production process and achieving the goal of a good song. My fans are also there to judge the finished product, of course. In other words, these two are the ones to convince me whether it's a good or a bad song.

Some say Zimbabweans are music copycats especially on identifying with own Zimbabwean beats, but we can't paint all with one brush. Not all are like that, if we look back in the day there was time when Sungura and Traditional music became national anthems in our beautiful nation called Zimbabwe and those were the best genres ever in Zimbabwe. Those genres were slowly replaced by Zimdancehall, Hip-hop and Afro-pop. These genres yes, I do agree may be imitations, added to a Zimbabwean sound. But the likes of 24

Jah Prayzah, Alick Macheso, Thomas Mapfumo, Jays Marabini are still goign extra miles to keep the original Zimbabwean sound and that much l appreciate .

As l have mentioned above l sing in mostly three languages, the reason why , is because I want my music to be appreciated by whoever is related to or understands any language that I sing. And also, to mobilize more fans from different angles and places. The advantage of singing in different languages is that l can go and sing in South Africa for example and make fans who relate with isiNdebele. And also, in other international countries that relate with the main language English hence, I can easily cross over worldwide and be part of bigger shows.

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ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC

DALIVALDO STARLEY WHEN BEING MULTILINGUAL IS YOUR GREATEST ASSET

I have done so many collaborations with international artists and you should expect more collaboration from foreign artists. I have a track l did with an artist from Liberia, King DOC called 'My love will never die', and it became a hit from different angles.

It found its way onto the African music top 10 (top 10 charts) at Metro FM in Zambia in March 2022, a show which was sponsored by Zikomo awards. My song was amongst the top big songs from big artists like, The Ben (Rwanda), Diamond Platinumz (Tanzania), Ntosh Gazi (John Vuli Gate hit maker [South Africa], Otile Brown (Kenya), Spice Diana (Uganda) to name but a few.

As musicians we face so many challenges more than we expect. In Zimbabwe one such challenge is not being able to get access to cheap data bundles for easy access to the internet. As such only a few people still manage to make use of platforms such as YouTube, Google, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. At the end of the day, we as the musicians get less views on our posts from people in our country.

With YouTube, views and subscriptions of at least 1000 enables one to monetize and gain profit from their YouTube channel. I've been in this music industry for a quite some time and my YouTube channel is still small in numbers, but it is growing bit by bit. As for me, I'm glad and grateful of those views and subscriptions because they are organic following (natural following without any additional of money). The only thing that I can do to boost my fan base and following is to go an extra mile, strategize and mobilize the citizens to believe in me and support my talent so that I benefit from those social VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

media platforms.

The year 2021 was a marvellous year for me as I became the Zikomo Brand Ambassador (Zimbabwe). The only one thing that made me to qualify for these international awards was my hard work and unique music sound that I compose and deliver in and outside the land of Zimbabwe. Because of the fact that my music is unique, it reaches the good standard that is expected for global marketing.

As an artist, I've achieved so many things and to name a few I'm now owning my own fashion labels, that is, the one for my music and the other one for African attire.

These labels are called Dalivaldo Starley Fashionz and Afrikan Ghetto Artz. These are the biggest achievements l have had so far. And I can safely say l made it for real.

My piece of advice is that artists should believe in themselves more than the critics and the negatives. You are enough on your own. The sun rocks alone the whole day but it still shines, so be like the sun, shine alone. Zvinoita chete. Kuyayenza kuphela!

To get in touch with Dalivaldo Starley subscribe to his YouTube channel and Instagram @dalivaldostarley_official.

Don't forget to view his music and don't skip the ads on YouTube, they add a monetary value to the artist.

Interview by DrThembieTanya madziwathembie@gmail.com +263719675521

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WORDS IN VERSE I HOME The last time I remembered home, My heart went out of my body I was lifeless.

You see, I can't keep memories for too long, My mind can't wander any longer.

The last time I remembered home, I saw his hand on my body Trying all he could to force me to do it.

In my darkest moment, I couldn't hold on To the old me, Life played me I wanted everything happiness couldn't give; A permanent thing But who am I to tell the world how I feel?

In my loneliness, my tears couldn't save me, In my sin my perfection wasn't enough.

You talk of home, but all I remember is trouble, You talk of home, but all I remember is how my tears couldn't save my pride.

I found a new song, A new comfort I found a difference, The oil that gladens my heart.

The last time I remembered home, It was hot and sunny, The memories of the past can't be hidden.

But the last time I prayed, My battle was parted, My fear was settled.

Nothing lasts forever, Even my troubles can't stand my prayers.

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By Ezra Alagbada King Nigeria +2347030261469 VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

WORDS IN VERSE I ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA'S QUOTE THE 100 SAILORS INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES

COOKING We prepare our cries in a basket of vegetables We grind our grief as we do with pepper in an earthenware Then swivel our supplications in a pan oil. This is a new dawn the boys are blurring their worries in the air like hiccups Or call that a way of servicing a body to final salvation. Say this poem is the bestower of sins. It prostates on ragamuffin bodies—impure and watch them clean themselves in salivation. The first time a boy knew God, he snooped himself into a saucepan to get rid of his umbrage and how do you kiss God with a fragmented skin, not able to touch a body into healing anew?

If you wish to be born again, learn how to cook a body into purity.

By K. Asare-Bediako Uganda +233243077136 VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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WORDS IN VERSE I ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA'S QUOTE THE 100 SAILORS INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES

THE WITNESS OF MY LIFE Lord, my God you desire all praise.

As the moment you trickled into my life, you showed me the way.

And I learned that with you anything is possible.

Through all hardships you held my hand Through all happiness you rejoiced with me.

The sentence, “I am alone, I have nobody," I shall never use while living on this earth, as you are with me 24 hours a day You are the planner of my life.

From day one till this day on, you have become life itself.

I have doubted you not once not twice, but multiple times that I admit.

You have always proved me wrong.

You went all out for me No matter the time period.

You kept your word.

The thoughts of the past Bring tears, anger, heart aches And a lot of questions.

If you were not present in my life Lord, where would I have been?

Would I have been penning this words on this paper right now?

No words can describe you.

And if I had to tell my story, no amount of time in this world would be enough.

If I had to thank you, no words would be right to express myself.

But praising you, is my number one priority.

Every second and breath I take will be dedicated to your praise.

Lord you are the Truth, Life and the Light.

You are one within me.

I shall live in the shadow of you, all my days on the land you created.

By Nobuhle Maseko_the ink spreader South Africa palisamakosibate@gmail 28

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

WORDS IN VERSE I ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA'S QUOTE THE 100 SAILORS INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES

GOD FIRST Where can you hide?

Who can you be?

With whom can you associate?

Without the knowledge of Almighty, The Lord of the universe?

God is the beginning and the end, God is in our midst You learn, You associate, You create, In this beautiful cruel earth!

Lord of the Earth, Lord of the heaven, Sees all you do.

Without His consent, You cannot be who you are!

The Lord of the living!

God first!

Without Him You will be stable Like stagnant water.

Without Him, You won't be able to burst, Hmmmm Kos'Obab'ire Ile aye Ile asan, Ile aye ese bata mefa, Lais'Edumare, Everything will be motionless Partner with Him.

Without His approval, You cannot meet him.

Without His stamp, The deeds cannot be done.

Put God in all you do, He owns the living and death!

In His artistry dimension, Human joins the sacred mission To help serve humanity and revive holy duty In collaboration with him mighty Peace, freedom like an uncaged bird Will we always feel when embedded.

By Auspicious queen Nigeria owatokunowadoyin@gmail.com 07036281021 VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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WORDS IN VERSE I ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA'S QUOTE THE 100 SAILORS INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES

THE WORD Don't forget my chains I am a minister of The Word I might be bound and in chains But The Word of God is not bound and in chains Yes, I suffer for the sake of the gospel But what is the point of the temporary things in life I let my hope keep me joyful Because to live is Christ And He will be honored even by death I am a minister of The Word I will do my best But it is not my own might that does the work So whether written or spoken word Like poetry, it will be a rhyme A pattern going down your bloodline A word that will exist even after time It expresses every stanza It finesses every part, every manner That is in you that needs a double-edged cut to the flaws that take you as a tenure I build music If God gives me the blueprint Then my tongue will be the pen and my lyrics will be the ink to my songs If not, Then my experiences of life will make tones that are secular But God is all rounded, God is circular For the God that allowed it will get glory from it Cause I, above all things, am a minister of The Word An influential voice with creative tools So if I speak words and He is The Word then there are no rules God will use Anyone He wants to use However He may choose Because God is everywhere and in everything Even in the thing you are least expecting Like Mordecai, He takes away the rags and gives you the king's ring So He can take out the impurity in art when I rap, dance or sing 30

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

WORDS IN VERSE I ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA'S QUOTE THE 100 SAILORS INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES

If I speak words when I exhale and He is the Word Then I am a minister who is in jail But The Word I speak is my bail Because it died, it bled It canceled out what the accusers said With my mistakes, I made my bed But don't judge me by the cover that used to be my sheets because I am clean and the old is dead And I am a minister of The Word Whose only job is to advertise this 100% cleaning detergent This peace for your disturbance This calm to your stormy turbulence This fulfillment to your purpose And my gifts in partnership with the Holy Spirit are at your service.

By Mela Blendz South Africa melablendz@gmail.com IG: @melablendz 063 167 9143 VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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WORDS IN VERSE II:

MAPS Every home needs a map of the world.

Hang it by the entrance.

Bless it as you might a cross or a mezuzah when you come and go.

Trace your finger across continents not your own.

Say names of countries whose sounds tickle your throat and move your lips differently from your own language.

Be curious about who lives there, sharing seas and stars.

Hope to meet them, fellow earth-dwellers, all calling this planet home.

By Joanne Durham https://www.joannedurham.com/my-writing First published in Love in the Time of COVID Chronicles,

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ARTIST LOUNGE I:

From Passing Time, To A Source Of Living Shumba: The Sculptor

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ARTIST LOUNGE I:

DOMINIC BENHURA FROM PASSING TIME TO A SOURCE OF LIVING

A

man who knows what he wants to achieve and works till his dreams come true is a man who knows how to succeed. Dominic Benhura, popularly known as Shumba after his totem is one such individual.

The successor of the Stone age who was born three months after his father's death and grew up under the care of a single determined parent 'mhamha,' on the first of October 1968 in Murewa. Back then sculpting by Africans was considered anti-Christian by the former Colonialists.

However, at the tender age of 6, he had already started his art using clay whilst herding cattle to pass time. Animals, mostly bulls inspired him during that period.

BACKGROUND My grade 1 time was at Kambarami school in Murewa, grade 2-7 at Tafara Primary and form 1 - 4 at Tafara High School in Harare. I did my Advanced Level studies at Oriel High where I studied sciences (Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

However, this was only for my first term of form 5. After observing how my mother was struggling to provide, I decided to quit formal school and jumped directly into sculpting to assist her. At that time, she was a vegetable vendor living in a single room and could barely make ends meet.

When I came to Harare in 1979, I got introduced to artists with stone artwork skills. I VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

was fascinated by their work. I worked with clay which I would mould into art pieces while they were using rocks that they sculptured to make different objects. From what I was used to, this was the opposite.

Instead of adding on clay to create a sculpt, with stones you take away! My first solo exhibition was in 1996 at Chapungu sculpture park where whimsical sculptures were well received since the artists then were producing static pieces. I sold a lot of my sculptures and was able to purchase my first home six months after l quit school. I believed I could buy my own house from sculpting since I had managed to pay for part of my primary and secondary education by selling personal artworks whilst at school. Sadly, my mother was not able to witness it. She had passed away. At one time my mother told me she had a dream of me being capped at university. At least the Women's University of Africa gave me an Honorary Doctorate in Culture and Heritage in 2019, but unfortunately, she was long gone.

I am now a father of five, two boys, twin daughters, and another daughter. Three who are doing their post graduate studies.

My family was all born around art in and outside the home. However, none is following in my footsteps seriously yet. My eldest son occasionally sculpts, and my other twin daughter is studying Fashion and Design in Europe, the rest help with photographing, documentation and technological stuff when I need assistance.

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DOMINIC BENHURA FROM PASSING TIME TO A SOURCE OF LIVING

WHAT SCULPTING MEANS TO ME? Sculpting is a process of transforming an idea into existence through physical media such as clay, wood, stone, glass, metal, and plastics. Thus, accordingly creating 3-dimensional artworks, shapes and figures in wood, stone etc. It is vital to note that sculpting is not an imported art. That's why we have the Zimbabwean bird sculptures at Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

Art documents and preserves a nation's culture with time.

Despite having decided to venture into sculpting to make a living. To me, sculpting is more of a hobby than a business. My ideas emerge from the natural environment, people, animals, and plants. When I transform my ideas into self-satisfaction the result becomes good art. With that in mind, criticism is something really good to appreciate, whoever does will be telling me that I can do better even if I would be satisfied. Despite having been in the game for so long, I am still navigating new ideas and slowly but surely growing in experience, enjoying the profession, increasing my list of collectors, and travelling too.

True artists are always identified by their creativity. In actual fact, artists should not go where the path may lead, instead, they should go where there is no path and leave a trail. This means the should be themselves and not imitate others. If one has a talent, he should keep going. Artists should desist from making art for money but be passionate and let their talent show.

Thus, creating work that is self-marketable.

For instance, a famous Dutch Artist Van Gogh never made money in his lifetime but 36

is now worth much.

Being original, consistently improving, introducing new ideas and experimentation is the source of my establishment.

I respected Nicholas Mukomberanwa very much such that I asked him to write a foreword in my first book about me in the 90s. The artists then were very passionate about their careers. They produced original exciting work, and you had to prove your worth to be noticed. Artists back then hosted solo shows. Very few can do it now.

The majority are now artisans. Art dealers back then emphasized on producing original work unlike now when some local and foreign dealers just buy original and copies as long as they can sell.

One of my biggest milestones as a consequence of my work was meeting Nelson Mandela. To date, this is still humbling. I have been traveling repeatedly to and from shows in different cities countries such as Germany, Ireland, Holland, Australia, Denmark, South Korea, Singapore, Kenya, Switzerland, Botswana, South Africa, United Kingdom, Zambia, Dubai, Belgium, Israel, and United States of America. As such I get clients from different cities around the world, mostly by word of mouth.

DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

ARTIST LOUNGE I:

DOMINIC BENHURA FROM PASSING TIME TO A SOURCE OF LIVING

SOLO EXHIBITIONS 1996 Stone Gallery, Holland 1997 Chapungu Gallery, Harare Alden Biesen, Belgium 1999 Melbourne Flower Show, Australia Standard Chartered Bank Arts Festival, South Africa 2000 Kubatana Gallery, USA Hannover Expo, Germany 2001 Native Accents Galleries, Florida, USA Kubatana Gallery, Atlanta, USA Zuva Gallery, Arizona, USA Cornell Museum Delray Beach International Hampton Classic Horse Show, Bridge Hampton, NY, USA 2002 Munhumutapa Gallery, Cape Town, RSA Zuva Gallery, Arizona, USA Phoenix Botanical Gardens, USA Native Accents Gallery, NY, USA International Hampton Classic Horse Show, Bridge Hampton, NY, USA

2003 Rice Lake Show, Toronto, Canada 2004 Johanes Larsen Museum, Kerteminde, Denmark Berlin Botanical Garden, Berlin, Germany Kuaba Gallery, Indiana, USA 2005 Zuva Gallery, Arizona, USA 2006 Zuva Gallery, Arizona, USA Manas Art Centre, S. Korea 2007 Zuva Gallery, Arizona, USA National Gallery of Zimbabwe 2008 Leiden Botanical Gardens Hollland 2009 Beverly Hills arte-fare 2010 Beverly Hills arte-fare 2012 Miami Solo USA 2013 Wild Geese Festival Harare 2014 Guest Artist - Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens N.Carolina USA 2015 Stockholm Sweden 2019 Amanzi Restaurant

PIECES ON PUBLIC DISPLAY AND COMMISSIONS

PRESIDENTS COLLECTIONS

Harare International Airport, Zimbabwe Town House, Zimbabwe Embassy of the Netherlands, Zimbabwe Embassy of Norway, Zimbabwe Carmel Park Indianapolis, USA Punta Guorda Sculpture Park, Florida, USA Chapungu Sculpture Park - permanent VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

President Xi Jinping - 2 Pieces (China) President Mugabe (Several Pieces) President Nelson Mandela -1 piece (Zambia) President Rupia Banda -1 Piece (Zambia) Princess Maxima (Netherlands) H.E President E.D Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe) 37

ARTIST LOUNGE I: All sculptures done by Dominic Benhura

DOMINIC BENHURA FROM PASSING TIME TO A SOURCE OF LIVING

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ARTIST LOUNGE I:

DOMINIC BENHURA FROM PASSING TIME TO A SOURCE OF LIVING

AWARDS AND COMPETIONS NAMA: National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Merit Awards NGZ: National Gallery of Zimbabwe 1988 NGZ Heritage, award of merit Zimbabwe 1996 Remise Academy, International Workshop, 2nd prize, Denmark 1997/8 National Gallery of Zimbabwe Excellence in the Visual Arts 1997 NGZ- Zimbabwe Heritage, award of distinction, Zimbabwe 2001/2/3/4 Dans papers readers choice ‘Best of the best’ - NY, USA 2001 NAMA - Outstanding Achievement in 3-D visual arts 2002 NAMA - Awards, Award of merit in Visual Arts 2003 NAMA - Award, Arts Personality of the year 2003 FMO Development Bank, Holland, 1st Prize 2004 NAMA - Award, Outstanding Mixed Media 2004/5 NAMA - Outstanding Achievement 2004/5 NGZ - Excellence in Visual Arts 2006 NAMA- Arts Service Awards 2006 NAMA - Arts Personality of the year award 2007 NAMA - Certificate of Merit Outstanding

Achievement in Arts Service Award 2007 Zimbabwe Tourism Arts Person of the year 2007 Junior Chamber International (JCI)

One of the The Outstanding Young Zimbabweans 2008 The world children’s prize

(The global friends award) 2010 NAMA - People’s Choice Award Visual Arts 2010 NAMA - Best Media Mixed 2010 NAMA - International Council

of Africana Womanism

distinguished Honouree (USA)

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ARTIST LOUNGE I:

DOMINIC BENHURA FROM PASSING TIME TO A SOURCE OF LIVING

I intend to expand from only nurturing talents to promoting and marketing other artists and creating an enabling environment with the help of local and international friends. Currently, I am working with artists at my studio (Dominic’s Studio). This initiative started in 1994. As such, I provide material, food and transport to new and upcoming sculptors who desire to come to the studio in search of assistance and knowledge about sculpting. All this is provided free of charge to those who are interested. I have had the opportunity to work with established artists like: Semina Mpofu, Sam Kuvhengurwa, Eddie Masaya, Stanford Derere, Garrison Machinjili, Tonderai Marezva, Raphael Machinjili, Jonathan Gutsa, Wenceslous Marufu, Fabian Madamombe, with whom we collectively encouraged and nurtured artists like Brighton Layson, Tendai Mutinhima, David White, Godfrey Marufu, John Gutsa Benjamin Makushambengo, Zebediah Gutsa, Beaven Kututwa, Christine Ndoro and Ruth Nyandoro, as well as school kids who come to tour my studio. My main input is to provide the necessary materials and an enabling environment for those with the talent to flourish.

Artists must stay away from drugs; one does not need any enhancement to 40

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ARTIST LOUNGE I:

All sculptures done by Dominic Benhura

DOMINIC BENHURA FROM PASSING TIME TO A SOURCE OF LIVING

talent. It hinders your progress. You need to hang around with people you can learn from or who are excelling in one's area of interest. The right friend is the only key to unlock the doors of success."

For those who wish to learn more about Shumba and sculpturing feel free to contact him on, dbenhura@mweb. co.zw, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Interviewed by Griot Kunyora Kutaura Tallence Sanyangowe tallencesanyangowe@gmail.com +263776648176

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BOOKSHELF Don't Give up Africa: English Poems Anthology

by VaChikepe the Poet (Author), Clesirdia Nzorozwa (Author), Princess D Musonza (Author), Ashley Murove (Author), Tallence Sanyangore (Author), Clifford Tarerwa (Author), Patience L Gumbo (Author), Blessed Ndlovu (Author), Brian T Manyati (Author), Shorai Matambanadzo (Author), Tatenda Murangi (Author) This anthology is the first English volume compilation thought out and originated by the young and upcoming artists and poets coming together under the publisher vachikepe.blogspot.com social networking cruise ship of like-minded individuals in Africa, Zimbabwe. Promotion of the works of upcoming talented young artists emerging from Africa`s developing nations is the main reason behind the existence of the brand name VaChikepe: The Poet. The young people coming up together have through time had the opportunity to organize themselves and be creative in various artistry areas that not only include writing and poetry but music, fine art and sculpture as well. Among other things, publishing written works to the world at large has been an endeavour that this very first anthology volume, to come from a united stable, has made a reality. To these inspired artists, each coming and passing day has served to be for sharpening writing skills and motivating one another to keep surging forward towards greatness with a lot of faith.

The compilation is, therefore, to a greater extent unedited to maintain originality and each writer’s style, and will serve as a lasting reminder of how from humble beginnings thoughts and raw talent were exhibited with conviction and self-motivation to help inform and change or shape the world positively through poetry. Click here to order 42

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

Living Your Purpose

by Frank Nyamundero (Author) We all seek to live a life that carries a meaningful impact and fulfilment.

This devotional is a tool to help you find and understand the meaning of a life lived in its rightful purpose. We were made for a purpose and we should live to have a significant life. Click here to order

She, Her, Woman

by Zolisa Gumede (Author)

A poetry anthology on a woman's journey in womanhood. The anthology takes the reader through a woman's understanding of relationships.

It also takes the reader into childhood memories, love, fear, yearning, motherhood, and then emotional growth and everything that defines a woman's condition. This anthology contains the being of a woman.

Click here to order

Emotional Evolution: Thoughts by Pikitayi

by Angela Pikitayi Rugara (Author)

Through the journey of life, I aspired for success in the jungle of politics, economics and technology. Having walked that path I retired from formal employment to embark on a new adventure in art. Unbeknown to me that was where my passion was buried all along. I have never been afraid of failing, but always love to try out new things that rouse my passion. So I decided to write poetry in the hope of capturing lives and the feelings therein. Is it not humanity’s deepest need to know that we are all connected? This gathered record of poems seeks to show emotional evolution experienced, not only by the seeker of art but by a stranger walking alone; the friend who misses; and the mother who believed she was unseen. The greatest intent of this work being: It’s okay for one to express themselves as they feel. If you cannot talk then write. If you cannot fight for those in pain then speak for them. In my culture, we are often very private about how we feel. The natural answer when someone asks how we are is “Fine or okay.” These two words hide a lot of unexpressed emotions as people often give answers to one of those words with a smile. I have seen smiles with sad eyes. As you read on I hope you find yourself and others in these poems. Click here to order VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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Mental Gymnastics Paperback

by Takudzwa Chikepe (Author), Caroline Brae (Editor), Talula Merriwether Mays (Illustrator) Vachikepe: The Poet has a unique style of poetry, as he often thinks in Shona and writes in English or thinks in English and writes in Shona.

He lives in Norton outside of Harare, Zimbabwe and his word usage reflect the Queen’s English, henceforth, you will find British spellings not common in the western world. His work has a musical quality with the use of repeated choruses, phrasing, and wordplay, as the Shona have a rich history of traditional storytelling. This first collection reflects his poetic journey from January to July 2018 and encompasses his travels near and far. Click here to order

The Fight Room

by Zolisa Gumede (Author)

When the Doc went into psychology she didn't think that she was the kind of person to compromise her values for a farfetched possibility of finding love. It is for those compromises that she is attacked and left for dead. Any of the addicts, sleepwalkers or struggling couples that make up her patient list could have done it. Is her near-death a bid to silence a dark secret or is it karma for her indiscretions?

Besides being a goodie-too-shoes, judgmental, snobbish, at times pretentious woman, Lin, always thought that hers was the perfect marriage, if only with a few problems. When she lost her baby she thought therapy would heal her marriage. Instead, it is during therapy that she discovered that she and her husband might not be perfect.

From Mark's perspective, it was in therapy that he lost everything that he believed of himself and what if he never finds any substance to himself, besides, he is a murderer and thief.

Every struggle they are all having with themselves might not matter because Ndlovu is coming for all of them. He is determined to bring to justice everyone who had a hand in his wife's murder and that could be all of them. Click here to order

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VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

We are VaChikepe and The Hundred Sailors (VHS) a non-profit Poetry, Music and Arts ensemble managing not less than 500 Artists in Zimbabwe and the African continent excluding affiliate artists in Europe, America and the Carribean. We publish a high quality journal namely The Sailors Review (TSR) for circulation globally and exhibition of talent with an estimated online readership of around 5 million recipients with each edition.

For being a non- profit organisation, our operations can only be sustained through well-wishers as well as us subscribing annually and innovatively serving beneficially as team members. We therefore call on freewill sponsors to act on their own volition in assisting us in cash or kind as and when they find it necessary to chip in.

You can send your donations to: CBZ Bank Details Account Name: PUBLISHER TP CHIKEPE PVT LTD Account Number: 66961798730013 66961798730023 (USD Nostro)

Other Platforms: Venmo: @Takudzwa-Chikepe (seremumu@gmail.com) Paypal: seremumu@gmail.com

or contact Takudzwa Chikepe seremumu@gmail.com FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

Brian Tawanda Manyati tawandamanyati@gmail.com FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

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ARTIST LOUNGE II: 46

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ARTIST LOUNGE II: JACKLINE WAZIRI MWANA: THE TANZANIAN PRIDE

Mwana: The Tanzanian pride Rebuilding the motherland through the African child

T

he word "Mwana" is very common in Zimbabwe. It is found in the Shona language and it means child. However, in Swahili, it has a deeper meaning which refers to great passion that brings healing, truth, light, awakening and unity to the African community, the African child in particular. Children are the future. It is up to them to uplift and rebuild Africa. Jackline Waziri is a Tanzanian poet who is based in the United Kingdom, author of Mwana poetry collection and the founder of the Mwana Events platform.

Here is what she had to say about herself and "Mwana."

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ARTIST LOUNGE II: JACKLINE WAZIRI MWANA: THE TANZANIAN PRIDE

"Mwana Events is a platform that highlights and portrays artists from Africa who are based in London. It was established in 2020 and has worked closely with the local community, by providing a focus for African culture, African creativity and African art through poetry, music and culture. All this is made possible by hosting events in communities. Mwana Events came to life when Mwana poetry collection was about to be launched, despite the fact that the world was in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdown restricted gatherings in public spaces, therefore the collection was launched virtually via Zoom. Ever since, Mwana Events has been the beat of the drum across all towns. We have had artists from different genres participate in the events. We have worked with the following artists:

"As Mwana, we have obtained the following achievements: Achievement Recognition Awards (2021) Creative Business Minds (ARA) Young Entrepreneur Game Award (2021) for the 16 - 30 age group Recognition for Enterprising Mind, Creative Thinking and Writing for "Celebrating the monumental contribution of black people to humanity in a 'spirit of togetherness among our diverse communities and businesses.' "

Okeme Jerome (Nigeria), Antonette Clarke (Barbados), Akimana Divine (Rwanda), P. J Kpatasue, (South Sudan), Hadija Halifa (Tanzania), Destiny Likambi (Cameroon), Freddy Macha (Tanzania), Hamida Mbaga founder of Allthingsafrican from (Tanzania), Benjamin Fernandes founder of Nala (Tanzania), Ticha Vibes (Tanzania), TYMILYFE (Kenya), Penawd (Nigeria), Kelly Haso (Tanzania), Saidi Kanda (Tanzania), Lantern Carrier (Grenada), Charly (Nigeria), Sir Grrraciano (Nigeria), Ackeelwrites (Jamaica) and of course Zimbabwe is no stranger to Mwana Events. VaChikepe: The Poet has also shared his light with us.

VaChikepe: The Poet shared his work, "The bank of Africa" and 'The African Dream'.

Poems never fail to set the whole of Africa on fire in hope for a new tomorrow.

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ARTIST LOUNGE II: JACKLINE WAZIRI MWANA: THE TANZANIAN PRIDE

"In the beginning poetry was a hobby that became a gift and eventually a profession.

I define poetry as she is: a light without fear and a hope without borders.

She is UHURU! I am grateful that I found my calling through my source of inheritance, Shaaban Bin Robert "Father of Swahili." He was a poet, an author and also my great-grandfather. My wide range of life experiences have also given me a true purpose to life, I am forever grateful."

The power and love for art has put us creatives, on a path and journey where we are able to communicate and share one voice.” You can get Mwana Poetry collection via our website www.jacklinewaziri. com. Below are book reviews of the collection. Please read to gain more knowledge about the collection and how the world accepted the collection.

BOOK REVIEW: "Mwana is a raw and refreshing collection of poetry embracing profound themes in relation to community, the children of Africa and the unapologetic voice of Jackline Waziri through a transition of many journeys and overwhelming experiences." ~ Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez (Author & Founder of Africans in the Diaspora).

"Mwana, a small, concisely crafted work looks like a hot dart thrown from a street in Kinondoni all the way to London and beyond. Why make a noise about such a tiny book? Number one, it is easy reading. Number two, it is a microcosm of a young African woman telling in simple verse where she came from and where she is going." ~ Freddy Macha (Writer and author).

“Mwana takes us across a landscape of memories and reflections about identity, the idea of home and belonging, tinged with nostalgia. Jackline is a promising poet with a great future."

-~Professor Joseph Mbele (Author).

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ARTIST LOUNGE II: JACKLINE WAZIRI MWANA: THE TANZANIAN PRIDE

“I was born in Dar-es-Salaam, my family tree stems from Tanga, Tanzania. I share my voice because I love who I am, where I come from, my sense of belonging, culture, identity, language, music, dance and food. The list is endless. I can continue forever - the scent, the feeling of home, the children. All are too authentic and real to hide and deny Mama Africa. The way we talk, walk and the way we cook is unique. Therefore, our children and their children need to be able to stand tall with pride wherever they are.”

“I have been doing poetry for a few years now and Mwana (2020) is my first collection. I think she needs a sibling, therefore expect another collection by the end of 2023. A new collection of poetry from Tanzania is coming to the world again. This time it will be focusing on a new leaf away from my identity and culture. It will invite new conversations on healing of our communities and the world."

“In the next couple of years, I foresee myself somewhere painting my voice to many and when I look across the room, I see the youth especially the African youths with a voice and a future. So, generally, in the next few years, we wish to uplift youths in the arts field to greater heights.”

“My advice to fellow artists in Africa and the world over is that let us encourage the black child to write. Let us have more black writers, poets, authors and let us have more black readers."

My social media handles are: Instagram | Facebook - Jackline Waziri Website www.jacklinewaziri.com.

Interviewed by: Martin Chivaku @DA_Scripta chivakum@gmail.com +263718777471

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ARTIST LOUNGE III: 52

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ARTIST LOUNGE III: ANORD SICHINSAMBWE WHEN LOVE IS THE NOTION

When love is the notion Poetry in Love is the love portion!

L

ike every 'means' of production, entrepreneurial skill is a scarce commodity. Art enablers are few and far between. There is a limit on willing and able assistants when the harvest is plentiful. In a world adorned with a variety of gifted people ranging from all walks of life, promoters are hard to come by. Therefore, we ought to celebrate a rare crop of men and women in the mould of Anord Sichinsambwe. He is a compatriot who has aided poetry, reggae music and other art forms either by participating in or hosting exhibitions and events such as the recently held "Poetry of Love," on the 14th of February 2022. The following artists took part: VaChikepe: The Poet, Wise Wurdz, Ritchie Innocent and Maxwanette A Poetess, among others. Gathered below are a few words Anord shared

"I was born in 1997 in Tanzania in the Rukwa province and moved to Jamaica at the age of 9. I attended Moravia Primary School, Decarterete College and Black River High School. After that, I moved on VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

to Bethlehem Moravian college where I did a Bachelor's of Education in English.

Reggae music is poetry. Poetry is not only about words. It is the foundation for all musical forms. I mainly focus on reggae and I am also a poet. I have been writing for almost 10 years and I host an annual event where poets come to showcase their work. I cater for all creatives who are interested in showing their talent. I believe it is my social responsibility to give back to society. Furthermore, the creatives benefit in so many ways.

The "Poetry of Love" event was successful.

The naming and theme of the event coincided with the month of love, Valentine's day and black history month. We hoped to transform individuals and communities through love. Different poets and artists were invited in the hope of encouraging collaborations and partnerships to host more events. Currently, I am a part of a group that features young poets. Some of them were included in the poetry event.

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ARTIST LOUNGE III: ANORD SICHINSAMBWE WHEN LOVE IS THE NOTION

I also featured some of them on several platforms. We have worked with different artists from different countries. For example: Kyrone King, Inkosi, Stephanie Alaine Brown, Lyrrkz, Esquire, and Kalm Medz.

My main reason for conceptualizing the event was to promote love. I hold the view that there is lack of love in today's society. Many people are focused on their lives and on how to be successful. In the planning process it was Maxwanette who was willing to work and plan with me. I am grateful for her help.

With the Poetry of Love event successfully done and dusted, having been well attended and with all those invited presenting, in appreciation Wize Wurdz rewrote the pregnant colloquy "Neva see di trouble ahead". As if to advise us all to show up than fail to do so out of assuming upon invitation that things may go wrong.

This line however originated from a poetry collaboration between him, Toots Hibbert and Ritchie Innocent. Their poem had highlighted what can happen when children are not responsive to the advice of their parents. It can lead to a path of destruction.

2018 was one of the best years in my journey because I found exposure to several talented individuals in the art industry. I had an awesome experience at Poetry of Love event and learnt a lot.

I met great artists such as Mutabaruka and they all encouraged and inspired me. I hope to publish a book soon, and also win the Nobel peace prize for literature. I hope to continue hosting Poetry of Love event and invite more and more reggae artists to take part.

I am always open to change and the new normal has allowed me to adapt. As a result of technological advancements, events, launches and interviews can now be done virtually. Last but not least, my motto is - Contentment is the beginning of peace."

Richie Innocent: One of the perfomers at the Poetry of Love event. Click to view video recording: 54

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ARTIST LOUNGE III: ANORD SICHINSAMBWE WHEN LOVE IS THE NOTION

I am readily available on the following social media handles: Anord Sichinsambwe on Meta Anordsichinsambwe on Instagram AnordSichinsam2 on Twitter Interviewed by Brian Tawanda aka Towandah Ryan tawandamanyati@gmail.com +263772815211

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If I read it!

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Then everyone will read it!

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On The Wings Of A Dragon Fly An Information Booth To Bring Light

T

o separate a poet/ poetess from her poetry is something I find difficult to do. Just like the sea cannot boast of a good voyage without the wind. There has to be a balance. A unity of union which surpasses definition. This is evident through the definition of poetry by Linda Trott Dickman, “It is breath, sea salt, air, the wings of a dragonfly, the sparkle in the water.” Yes, it is a known unknown whose beauty in fragments can be served unto us by those who embody it. One such an individual is Linda Trott Dickman and for this issue here is poetry and man fusing to become one.

THE ORIGIN I am a proud citizen of the United States of America, a daughter, wife, mother. I am a librarian, a writer, a musician. I am a faith-filled person. As a little girl, I lived on a navy base in California for three years. We went to a fair one day and I saw someone sitting in a booth giving out information. I said to my parents, “When I grow up, I want to become an information booth.” This evolved into becoming a teacher and librarian.

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My first encounter with poetry was through my parents. From memory, my dad used to recite verses at our evening meals. While my mother loved music and dancing. Because of that, lyrics, words, rhyme, and dance were a big part of my life from the beginning. However, my earliest recollection of my pen knitting together letters into poetry was at my first sleepaway camp – around the age of ten. I can still remember the black and white marble notebook where I would write poetry about trees, squirrels, and the camp. My other significant moment with poetry was at college in New Hampshire. There, my literature professor introduced me to an anthologist called Lee Bennett Hopkins — 60

an extraordinary poet and joiner of poets.

I read his book around 1971-72 and at the start of it was the quote, “There shouldn’t be a day without poetry.” This became my belief and I infused it into my teaching, singing, playing, crying, dancing, etc.

MY ANTHOLOGIES I have written 4 collections of poetry namely Robes, The air I breathe, Road Trip and Road Trip 2. The first (Robes) was inspired by two bathrobes we found downstairs one Christmas morning from Santa — my husband bought them (laughs). Mine was royal purple while his was deep black.

As I looked at the robes, I started to think VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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about what those robes meant. I was robbed in love. And as I dwelled more on this thought I started to think of the hem of his garment in Jesus’s ministry, particularly the woman who touched it. This led me to think about mountains in a veil of snow. Then came being robbed in sorrow, grief, anger and pretty much everything.

And so these thoughts materialized into poems that make up this book.

My second book, The air that I breathe, comes from my intense love of being in New England in the USA. The smell of the pine tree, the smell of the blueberry, the smell of the sea salt and oranges – I am sure there are oranges in heaven and the smell of fresh bread. Those things informed the book. Both road trip books (1 and 2) emanated from a contest I was writing for. The first book won the contest.

The rules for the contest were very strict.

You had to write a poem a day for 30 days.

You could not write these beforehand, but you could plan your theme ahead of time.

We went on a road trip, and I would take notes every time. If I was the one driving, I would ask my husband to take down notes for me. The tree, the sun on the wall, he would write it down. When the time came in April for the contest I just let go and embodied being on a road trip. When we used to go on such, we used to sing a lot.

So, I made up a lot of things that had something to do with music.

All of life is a road trip, so taking note of places and people come naturally to me.

In every purse that I have taken out of the house, there is always a pad, a notebook and several writing utensils. If there is a place where I can not do that then my VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

phone would do although I rarely do that because it unplugs the reality of the poem.

During my time as a teacher – late in my career, we had the Columbia Teachers College writers, teaching and writing project come in. They asked us, “How many of you notice when you are noticing something?” So, I started to pay closer attention when I was noticing something. What I was doing and how I was doing it. But I did not want to get too engrossed in that to the extent that the poetry became all about me. Because of this awareness, it is easy to find an angry or political poem, but I am trying to get people focused differently.

The images I use are important because I may feel the anger, the displeasure, or those senses that relate to me as they relate to any human being that notices them, but once I notice them I write it out until I get it to where it is off the situation that may be at hand in the natural and move it out into the light.

WHEN THE BREAD IS BROKEN The poem When the bread is broken was inspired by my friend who chose to practise her baking skills during the pandemic.

One day she posted a picture of herself baking bread and when she said, “I just wish I had someone to share this with,” I said pick me! Pick me! She showed up the next day with a loaf of bread. It was amazing, beautiful and many things. But what it did was bring me back to the church where before communion our pastor takes a loaf of bread, breaks it and all the things come out. The light, magic, the mystery.

That is the image I wanted to bring from my heart onto the page.

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a strong sense of spirituality weaved into it. I can only explain this by citing a book

by Cynthia Rylant and Peter Catalanotto called All I see. The book is about a painter who goes every day to the pond, sets up his aisle and paints. You don’t see what he is painting but rather only that he is painting.

During the story, he develops a friendship with a boy who then asks him why he only paints whales. To this the painter replied, “It is All I see.” Hence for me, it is God I see.

This informs everything I do and as I write I thread light through it all.

MY VOICE To write well one is often told to also read a lot as you say. As such, I have several favourite authors, Patricia Polacco, Charles, Ghigna, Robert D. San Souci, Tomie De Paola, Robert McCloskey, Lee Bennett Hopkins, Tasha Tudor, J.R.R. Tolkien, Ursula K. LeGuin, Sneed Collard the Third, Robert Frost, Walt Whitman, Longfellow, Yusef Komunyakaa, and Rita Dove. Despite all these reads I still manage to have a distinct voice in my work. The possibility of this is best explained through Tomie De Paola’s book called The clown of God. In the book is a clown that juggles many balls, but the one most people loved was the sun. As he was getting old, he would occasionally drop his balls until one day he went to church, and he sees the statue of Mary holding baby Jesus. At that moment he was inspired to put back his make-up and take out the balls and juggled them.

The next thing you see is the baby smiling and that he has collapsed and has passed away. And so that’s the whole point. To make the baby smile. He gave everything he had till the very last moment he had it.

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He gave it to God. That’s what I want from myself.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Currently, I am working on a project on shoes and will be inviting the international community soon– will keep you posted. I would probably say I do not a favourite stellar moment although there are many of them. Many personal firsts, a first poem published, the first book, first award. I have won three local contests The Princess Ronkonkoma, Bards NaPoWriMo Contest, and the Babylon Arts Council Contest. However, I feel there is a trail of light behind me and in front of me and I am just happy I am on the trail.

From my work I want people to know there is a positive way to say almost everything.

No subject is untouchable. It's all in the approach. Just because my poetry is uplifting doesn’t mean it wasn’t born out of intense pain along the road. Like my father used to say it’s a tool in my toolbox if I don’t need it, I won’t take it out. And so again, it's all in the approach.

To get in touch with me you can email me at libearyn@gmail.com, LinkedIn (https:// www.linkedin.com/in/linda-dickman5020b6140/), and Facebook (https://www. facebook.com/linda.t.dickman). To read my work check out my website Word Press Blog ( https://libearyn.wordpress.com/).

Interviewed by sibuco (Tatenda Murangi) sibucohub@gmail.com +27622017810 VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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POETRY ANALYSIS LINDA TROTT DICKMAN

WHEN THE BREAD IS BROKEN When the bread is broken I see the hands that mixed, kneaded, covered, waited.

When the bread is broken I smell the kitchen the dough that is proofed I am filled with the hope of rising, rising again.

When the bread is broken I see the faces before me through the break, through the light.

There is no east or west no north or south no enemy mine no enemy yours.

But high communion in the break, in the light aerated by the Spirit

By Linda Trott Dickman

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CRITICAL APPRECIATION

T

o some poetry can be defined as visuals that are carefully and maturely painted to offer reality, pictures, and at best communicate ideas. As such the poems 'Living water' (published in The Sailors Review 56th issue), Walking on water, 'The Broken Pianist' (published in The Sailors Review 56th issue) and 'When the Bread is Broken'

by Linda Trott Dickman are beautifully textured to give a wide room for imagination. Her poetry alludes to sensory details which result in clear communication of ideas whose thrust is to give hope, peace and unity.

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The visuals and sensory details in 'The Broken Pianist' and 'When the Bread is Broken,' effectively bring out the issue of peace that can be invited by having hope in doing anything. Significantly, both poems give rise to a picture that helps to visualise a condition of misery and failure with the use of the word ‘broken.’ Through this voice "l call my fingers" in 'The Broken Pianist,' the poet employs tactile imagery that encourages people to be optimistic though there could be failures in trying a "dead e key."

Similarly in "When the Bread is Broken," the poet uses tactile imagery "hands" in the first stanza to articulate the idea of failure VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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and having hope in the hands again. The poet employs the sense of smell in the metaphor “smell kitchen” to reveal victory.

Emphatically one is advised not to quit because of failing, since the pianist overcomes a condition of failure as shown by the use of aural imagery repeated thrice in the second stanza "hall_lujah" and similarly in ‘When the Bread is Broken’ where the poet repeats the words "When the bread is broken" in the first three stanzas.

More so the influence of visuals and sensories are witnessed in the poems 'Living water' and 'Walking on water.' Firstly, the biblical reference of Jonah brings out the theme of decision making, where one makes a wrong decision. The poet takes the issue of survival motif (as presented or communicated through the use of the biblical reference) to the second stanza where one is fighting the weather. In the same way, the first stanza of 'Walking on water' brings out the aural imagery of "foreign tongues" and "singing" to reveal the human thoughts driven by certain influences. The visuals are as well scratched to narrate the consequences of making a wrong decision such as death. All in all the work of dealing with the reader's emotions through visual imagery and sensory details creates an attachment to the poem. The pictures such as one being dubious to step out of the ship and the tactile imagery "ringed in ash" and "sandy steps reinforces the understanding of thematic concerns.

The issue of faith which is hope is similarly told and this stands to connect the poems.

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Identically in a manner, the sense of smell is employed again in ‘Walking on water.’

Linda Trott Dickman’s poetry is definitely rich in the convergence of ideas and at best calls for the reader's emotional response through visuals and sensory stimuli.

In conclusion, the poetic vehicles mentioned above such as the influence of senses and visual imagery in poetry are celebrated for their role of being poetry themselves. They ultimately picture the ideas, help readers to experience the given situation and at best hypersensitizes the feelings. Linda Trott Dickman’s poetry beautifully encapsulates these vehicles making her poetry a whole, comprehensive, and well-disciplined artform.

Analysis by Brendon Chipandara aka Goofychipz goofychipz@gmail.com +263712969755 +263785656569

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ARTIST LOUNGE IV:

EZRA ALAGBADA KING PAINTING BEAUTY WITH ASHES

Painting beauty with ashes A King painted with pain

R

oyalty is something we as children of God possess from our Father. How we become or how we became to be, is a lecture that will require bibles, pulpits and a few hours to understand the whole concept.

Being a royal is by default, but living in royalty is something we may need a light to shine upon us so we can fully become.

One King who took the opportunity to understand that they are of royal blood is an artist from the West side of Africa, in a country called Nigeria. Having a conversation with him, he had some words to share:

"My birth name is Oyebami Iyanuoluwa Oyeyemi and I chose Ezra Alagbada King for myself as my art name. I was born on the 22nd of February 2000 into the family of the late Mr and Mrs Oyebami who happened to be Christians.

It is unfortunate that I lost my parents early in life, but that is part of life. Such things happen and I have accepted their passing. I was born in Ikire, Osun State VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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a town known for the production of fried plantains in Nigeria. I am a poet, writer, spoken word artist, podcaster, voice artist and lastly, a student."

“After I lost my parents, I went through a lot, having to stay with family members and all, the loneliness, the feelings I couldn’t share with anyone and so much more. I knew what pain was and I eventually accepted my fate. I vowed to assist all who were unfortunate as I was. Being an orphan is hard and because of the challenges I faced growing up, I made a promise to help as many orphans around me as possible.

I started a small foundation in my first year at the University which subsequently ended because of a lack of funding. I later started Instagram live interviews with people who had gotten to the peak of their careers. I aimed to help the young recognize their beginning and how they were able to elevate themselves from poverty.

You can check my Instagram handle for more of my work. I later added podcasting to it and it turned out to be a weekly show.

I have always wanted to be the strength of those wearing the same shoes I wore and I am happy I am doing all I can to make it happen. So, the pain of losing my parents seemed to be the inspiration behind me choosing the art route."

"Art is everything to me, I love what I do. It is my medicine and I am happy I am an artist. My area of strength is in speaking which later evolved to spoken word poetry.

I have always wanted to tell my story and I’m glad that life gave me pain and out of it, I managed to create happiness.”

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”Poetry in Nigeria has not been widely accepted as other forms of art and I believe we as artists have a lot of work to do to put the poetry picture on the global portrait. I have been to places where I had to perform and as I use word "play", they just looked at me because they did not understand what it is. Many lack knowledge of what poetry is and when you identify or introduce yourself as a poet some laugh. They do not see poetry writing as a profession and according to some, it lacks seriousness. Regardless of the narrow acceptance, there are a few poets who have created a name for themselves in the industry. Examples of such talented poets are Gemini and 78th Psalmist. Gemini writes his poetry in his local language (Yoruba language). He is original and unique. 78th Psalmist is another poet I admire, his poetry is always with puns and wordplay. He makes me understand the need and reason to do more poetry. His originality and the way he tells his story is always unique. These poets and many more, make poetry dynamic and unique."

"In my poetic journey, I thought of having something to expose myself to Nigeria and the world and I thereby started podcasting last year and presently I have over 1000 subscribers from different countries. I have poems on my YouTube Channel: Ezra Alagbada King. And have performed in different places both physical and online and can’t even remember some of them.

Recently, I was given an award at my school for the best On-Air Personality of the Year. My Podcast has always been to encourage everyone around me. There is no option to give up in life. The future is VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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bright and anything is possible. If I can survive, you can survive too.

I am an orphan with dignity and I will always show my pride."

“The journey has been mostly smiles and is evidenced by being given the accolade for the bestspoken word award artist. Being the best takes time and I don’t see any special thing in it. I just see it as my hard work paying off. I am always looking out for Global Slams. Maybe after winning one, I will regard myself as one of the best poets to have ever lived. For now, I am still a work in progress.”

“I love being an artist and I also love my education. It’s hard creating a balance between the two. They are both important to me, therefore I try my best to set time for both.

“In the next couple of years I see myself growing and being successful in my art and I see myself out of Nigeria. My future expectations: I want to own a studio, and record my show both on audio and video. I see myself saving lives through my show and making my quota in setting orphans like me free.”

“My social media handles are: Facebook: Ezra Alagbada King Instagram: official_ezraalagbada Twitter : Alagbadatheking Spotify: King’s Podcast YouTube: Ezra Alagbada King."

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“My word of advice to fellow artists in Nigeria and the world over is, nothing lasts forever. Do not give up. Keep your head high and do what is right always. Your best day is coming."

Interviewed by: Martin Chivaku @DA_Scripta chivakum@gmail.com +263718777471

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ARTIST LOUNGE V:

NYANDURI LMC THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS

THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS

The Norton Based Poetry Game Changer

F

inding a perfect description for being a voice for the voiceless can only be best described by this bible quote, Proverbs 31:8-9 ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy’ (NIV).

Nyanduri LMC (LMC) is the voice of the voiceless. DrThembieTanya (DR) met up with him to get a deeper understanding of his role as the voice of the voiceless. Let’s delve straight into the interview and enjoy.

DR: You are the talk of Norton town; briefly give us your background!

LMC: My name is Langton Munyaradzi Chemhere but my stage name is Nyanduri LMC. I am also known as: Ambassador African Advocate Zimbabwean Poet, The Voice of the Voiceless. These are some of the names given to me by fans of my work. I am an advocate poet, director of events, script and song writer, motivational speaker, actor, advocate, entrepreneur, advertiser, rugby scrumhalf player, counselor, movie director, farmer, and a Christian. But my greatest skill is being VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

an advocate poet. Poetry has helped me to develop other skills mentioned above because they all involve writing, utterances and acting.

I am: Ambassador for Muka Arts Africa; Izwi Revana Movement; President and founder of Africa Immortal Orators and founder of Norton Wolves Rugby Club. I am operating the Norton Constituency Youth Desk for Honourable Themba Peter Mliswa. I was born in Harare at Edith Maternity Hospital in Mbare National on 13 July 1997. I went to Chemapango primary, Murewa Central primary, Harare High, Govera Secondary and St Eric High School for my A’ level. In primary I was a Prefect, became a Headboy at Govera Secondary School in Domboshava in 2017, a Junior Councilor for Norton Town ward 11 in 2018 and a Headboy of St Eric High School in 2019. I started doing advocacy work in 2016 when I was in my secondary level because I love people, and I have children at heart. That is why I work more with young people.

DR: You have made a great impact in schools when it comes to the issue of 71

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drug awareness. What was the inspiration/motive behind?

LMC: Drugs and substance abuse is now a pandemic in Zimbabwe. We are losing the next generation to drugs and substance abuse. It is wise to catch them young and save the future generation, raise a drug free generation. It pains me a lot when I see young people's lives being shattered because of abusing drugs. It is necessary to teach school children about drugs and provide peer to peer education to avoid having them engaging in drugs at a young age. My motive is to save souls. As an African Zimbabwean Advocate poet I want to change the lives of young people. My inspiration comes from God. I use poetry as a tool to educate people and to fight against social ills in our communities.

abuse more dangerous and expensive drugs. To me "hakuna mabasa" is a silly excuse which shows lack of knowledge.

Youths who want to hide behind the statement of "hakuna mabasa" should get their facts right. Taking drugs is not a solution to unemployment. It is a myth that drugs put an end to stress. The solution is to have a sober mind that is creative, innovative and not influenced by drugs.

DR: You do advertising. How has poetry assisted you develop your knowledge of advertising?

LMC: Poetry has played a huge role in my life. It has developed my skills in advertising. It helps me come up with statements that easily attract people’s attention when advertising. I live for poetry.

DR: Drugs have always had a negative impact on youth, as an entrepreneur what do you think needs to be done to curb this abuse?

DR: As a poet how have you been advertising or marketing yourself and do you think you have done enough. If not, kindly explain what more needs to be done?

LMC: There should be education, awareness, stiffer penalties for drug suppliers, police raids and imprisonment of drug dealers. Many lives are lost to drug abuse.

LMC: Since day one the journey has not been easy, but to God be the glory. I rise and grow every day. I advertise my poetry through Facebook, television, radio and different Whatsapp groups. More can be done in terms of advertising so as to reach all corners of the world. I think l need an agent who will have full focus on advertising my work more. I also need to make use of other social media platforms like Twitter, YouTube and many more. This will help me to reach a wider target market for my work. Capital is the bigger challenge in my poetry journey, but I hustle every day to achieve my poetry dream.

DR: Do you think there is an excuse for drug abuse, for example someone might say it's because "hakuna mabasa" (no work)?

LMC: Abusing drugs is a choice and there is no two ways about it. It is not a matter of employment because even if you take drugs you will still be unemployed. In developed countries mabasa akawanda (there is employment), but people still 72

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DR: As a script writer, is it possible to develop a script out of poetry and how?

can be developed into very good scripts. I have developed a lot of scripts from poetry.

LMC: It is very possible because poetry is music, poetry is stories, and poetry can be turned into movies, songs, comedy, and motivational speaking. Poetry is the portrayal of our everyday life and, therefore

DR: Starting with the line ‘Life is not fair...’. As a poet can you freestyle (write) a few lines (at least ten lines) under the theme DRUG ABUSE

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LMC: Life is not fair Crystal meth Crystal Death Massacre of health Crystal danger Crystal devil Crystal demon Crystal dirty Crystal destroyer Crystal disaster

Taking the young

Taking the strong

Africa what's wrong?

Crystal meth must not prolong,

Sing with me the awareness song!!

Siya mutoriro! siya Guka!

Crystal meth Crystal Death DR: Norton is your home town, and it recently held a poetry session on the 19th of March. Tell us who were the brains behind that and how was the mood and the feeling like? Do you think the agenda was fulfilled?

LMC: I was the brains behind it and I was assisted by Detective Pombi, (my daughter in poetry) who is also a Nortonian. I was surprised and in a jovial mood because people came in their numbers from the Norton Community and others from other towns outside Norton to support the event. Also I thank all the poets who performed and made our poetry session a success. People really loved the poetry presentation and they requested for more sessions in future. The community missed poetry sessions because they were last hosted by my brother, VaChikepe: The Poet at Pakare Paye before he moved to America. The agenda was fulfilled, but we still have a long way to go. This was just a warm up, more fireworks are coming.

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NYANDURI LMC THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS

DR: Your last parting words and where can people find you on social media?

LMC: Advocacy poetry is life, Nduri Hupenyu, together as poets let's unite and change lives through art. Let's make enough noise. We are game changers.

ZERO TOLERANCE TO DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE. #Siya mutoriro #Siya Guka My Facebook account is Langton Munyaradzi Chemhere +263713300431 - Whatsapp +263778528501 - Calling Well folks, if you are a poet or wish to be one, the curtains have been raised, the gates have been opened, the journey has begun, why not jump into the wagon and make poetry grow and bear fruit around the globe. If VaChikepe: The Poet started it at Pakare Paye, and Nyanduri LMC saw the need to keep the movement going in the small town of Norton and making a great impact on the world. Begin making an impact where you reside. Make poetry the most celebrated art in the world.

Interview By DrThembieTanya +263719675521 madziwathembie@gmail.com VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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BY SIGH This month we give oursvelves over to the builds of man's imaginations.

What is it about scultures that sets ablaze a fire in us? What more when this phenomenon enters into a marrige with the art of photography?

Well, bury yourselves in these images to find out.

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PHOTO BY GREGORY-HALLE-PETIOT-

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BY SIGHT:

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BY SIGHT:

PHOTO BY MIKHAIL-VILLEGAS 78

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BY SIGHT: PHOTO BY VALERY-RABCHENYUK-

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BY SIGHT:

PHOTO BY DDP

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PHOTO BY CRISTINA-GOTTARDI-

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BY SIGHT:

PHOTO BY TRAC

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BY SIGHT:

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BY SIGHT:

PHOTO BY TREVOR-MCKINNON

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THE NARRATIVE :

A COLLECTION OF SORROWS

I

n-between rainy mountains of Kudovanatsa village, there lived a hunter and his wife. For many years the two lived happily, however, the world looked at them shamefully. They had no children.

The man loved his wife dearly, but the family was not in good books with her at all.

They would always say that Mutombera was the only son, therefore, he should carry on the family's legacy by bringing a son to the family. Yeukai, Mutombera's wife would pray every day to the gods for her to receive the fruit of the womb.

"Am I cursed? I am cursed!", Yeukai would cry her heart out day in and out, but even that did not help even a bit.

On the other hand, Mutombera would try to console her, but in vain as he would always end up in tears too.

"Why can't I have a baby?" Yeukai would always ask her husband.

"It's not you Yeukai, it's me. Stop blaming yourself for everything". Mutombera would always answer looking sideways to prevent Yeukai from seeing the pain in his eyes.

One day on the fifteenth year of their 84

marriage, Yeukai came home from one of her summer afternoon walks. When she saw her husband she ran open armed, smiling like a toddler. Mutombera wanted to stop her as he was afraid she might fall, but he was too late. Before he could react, Yeukai threw herself in his arms shouting, "My husband, my husband look look… " Before she could finish her sentence, she dropped to the ground and lost consciousness. Mutombera was shocked, left with nothing to do. He ran to the local healer.

"Sekuru Chokudeno. Please! Please........"

He couldn't finish his sentence, he collapsed too only to wake up with a warm welcome from Yeukai who was smiling back at him like a baby.

"Why are you smiling like this? Have you lost it or are you mocking me?" he asked curiously.

"Not at all my lovely husband, I haven't lost it. But I have very good news that I wanted to share with you before you... well lost it". Yeukai spoke facing aside to avoid meeting her husband's surprised face.

"Did I? Even if I did, I was doing what you did. We are one remember," he teased her then continued, " Ok Mrs Muto, can you just say what you are so happy about today," he said mockingly.

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THE NARRATIVE:

A COLLECTION OF SORROWS PROGRESS MUWADZURI

"Ok my dear husband, we might be needing a child friendly room soon...", She said rubbing her tummy. She didn't have to finish her words, she was already suffocating in her husband's broad chest. For more than a long time, the two embraced each other like a mother and her child, crying uncontrollably.

Yeukai's pregnancy came as a surprise not only to the family, but also to the whole village. With all eyes on her, she gave birth to a bouncing baby girl whom they named after her late grandmother, Mazvigona.

Mazvigona, a child to the only son, a source of happiness to the whole clan.

She would get all she wanted whenever she wanted it.

However, not all that glitters is gold.

Among the smiling faces, there were also growling dogs.

Although Mutombera was a hunter, he was also a son to the great Chief Kudovanatsa. The chief had five wives who were unable to give him a heir to the throne.

Chief Kudovanatsa married a sixth wife, Mutombera's mother who died giving birth to Mutombera. The boy grew up to be the most handsome man in the land. He had wisdom and strength and his father decided to make him his right hand man.

When the time came for Mutombera to get married, he secretly married a peasant.

The girl was a farmer's daughter called Yeukai whom he had loved since they were little.

When Mutombera was still a little boy, the farmer, Yeukai's father, became a teacher to Mutombera. He taught him fighting VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

skills as well as leadership skills. As a result of the lessons, Mutombera started to distance himself from his family. If asked why he was distancing himself, he would say that he was a man who needed to grow up as a real man, hence the need to stay away from family.

At the age of twenty four, Mutombera told his father that he wished to visit his maternal grandparents. Wholeheartedly, his father let him go. That permission from his father to visit his mother's home unleashed something. Soon after his departure, his father the chief was found dead in his sleeping chamber. No one cared to tell him about his father's death.

As a matter of fact, a rumour spread like fire. The rumour was that Mutombera got eaten by a lion on one of his hunting trips.

Upon hearing this, Mutombera seized the opportunity and went ahead with what he had in mind since he was a boy.

Secretly, Mutombera came back to his father's home and stole his knobkerrie which was the symbol of the chieftainship. A few days later, he came back and payed lobola to Yeukai's father then took his bride back to his uncles. Nine months later, Yeukai the daughter to the farmer gave birth to a baby boy whom they named after his grandfather Kudovanatsa. The two built a home on the land they had been given by the uncles and stayed for five years. On the sixth year, Mutombera came across the elders of Kudovanatsa village on one of his hunting trips. On the encounter, the elders thought that their master had risen from the dead, but when Mutombera knelt and greeted them, they became relived.

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"Good day my elders", Mutombera pounded his hand as a sign of respect to his elders while crouching.

"Good day master, it's been long since we met. Have you been doing good all this time". One of the three elders asked smiling.

"I have been good my elders as you can see am strong and happy. Have you also been well all this time yourselves," he asked still on the ground. " Yes master we've been good, why don't we sit and chat a little", asked one of the elders.

After a long chat the elders requested Mutombera to come back home and carry on his father's legacy. Mutombera did not want that, but he had to do it at least for his father’s sake. Therefore, he agreed and asked for a month to prepare for the move. The elders also promised they were going to make preparations for the coronation. On that, they went about with their business.

Mutombera waited until he was sure that the elders were gone, he sat under a fig tree which was a few steps from where he was standing and wept. He had no dream to go back to his mother's killers like his father in law had told him. It was said that when Chief Kudovanatsa married Mutombera's mother, the other wives became jealous of her. Their hatred for her grew and it became dangerous when the royal medium prophesied the coming of an heir to the family.

As a result, the other wives plotted a death trap for both Mutombera and his mother.

Unfortunately for them, the plan did not go as planned. The midwife cum spirit medium saved Mutombera and gave him 86

to his not so kind step mothers to raise him with a warning for the baby to grow in harmony. They had no choice, but to abide by the medium if they wanted to save their marriage.

Mutombera wept like a baby cursing his father and mother for forcing him back where they knew was a lion's den. To a place where his past lies and the demons he had been fighting for so long were still looking for a chance to pounce on him.

After a long rest he got up, went back to his wife and son. They sat and chatted about his encounter during his hunting and also what he had in mind. After a long discussion and argument with his wife, they still went ahead and did what Mutombera had in mind.

Firstly, Mutombera thanked his uncles for what they had done for him and his family and then he asked for a favour. He left his son behind and made a deal with the uncles that the boy was to forget his parents as they were dead for the reasons they all knew of. Mutombera sent Yeukai back to her parents and prepared for his journey back to his father's home. Upon arrival at his home, the elders of Kudovanatsa village asked Mutombera to get married before the coronation and for that, he had to marry a daughter of another chief. He knew it was a trap from one of his stepmother's schemes and he was not going to have it. He refused and proposed that he marry Yeukai, his wife.

He thought wisely and carefully on all his moves and avoided to draw people's attention. Seeing their plan failing, the stepmothers and their daughters tried to break the marriage. Their plans were in vain. The VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

THE NARRATIVE:

A COLLECTION OF SORROWS PROGRESS MUWADZURI

more they tried to break the bond between Mutombera and his wife, the more it grew stronger. Their rage and hatred grew even stronger. Failing was not an option so they cooked another scheme yet again. One afternoon, they called Yeukai for lunch.

In Yeukai's plate they mixed herbs which were to cause her to suffer from miscarriages whenever she got pregnant, but it also did not go as planned.

Mutombera was aware of what was coming, but did not bother to inform his wife. Silently, he prepared her for the lunch so she was not to be harmed by also giving her the medicine which was to counteract the bad herbs. The night before the invitation for lunch, Mutombera had a dream where he was warned about a plot against Yeukai and he went to the local healer for assistance. He was given herbs which he secretly gave to his wife.

For six years their enemies celebrated victory. Yeukai did not get pregnant. They wanted no child between Mutombera and his wife and they believed that as a result of Yeukai's lack of a child, Mutombera would look for another wife eventually and during that time they would trap him. It was a day that never arrived. On the fifteenth year of their home marriage, Yeukai gave birth to a baby girl whom they named after Mutombera's mother, Mazvigona. The birth of Mazvigona set hell loose. First of all, the name Mazvigona was salt rubbed on an open wound to Mutombera's stepmothers and it was a sweet melody to Mutombera's heart. He had at last found a mother he never knew. The step sisters were in cloud nine as there still was no heir to the throne. Mutombera had to have a VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

male child to succeed the throne. However, the stepmothers' hatred for Mutombera grew to the extent that it become visible and obvious to the community.

On Mazvigona's third birthday, they marked an end to Mutombera's legacy.

That was their desire and wish. Without any thought, they worked hard on destroying Mutombera irregardless of the consequences. They did not want or like Mazvigona and as grandmothers, they were forced to care for her. They decided to mark an end to Mutombera's lineage.

On her fourth birthday, Mazvigona was handed over to her maternal relatives, where she lived like a princess, but for a while. Three years down the line, her grandparents,Yeukai's mother and father, died in their sleep living little Mazvigona in the hands of her other maternal relatives.

From that day onwards, Mazvigona's life became like that of a football in a football field. Day in day out, she got passed from one player to another. No one in her family wanted to stay with her for longer than five months. Her father's stepsisters would always find a reason to pass her to one another. Sometimes she would get beaten for something she did not do.

She would walk around in torn clothes and go to bed on an empty stomach. A day would not pass without Mazvigona's tears. Sometimes she would be spanked for expressing her emotions.

Years went by and the little innocent soul turned into a bulldog which would growl at everything even a fly. At school her peers would mock her for behaving like a boy.

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She would get beaten for things she did not do. All they wanted was to change her, but the more they punished her the more her teeth sharpened. Back home she would sleep on an empty stomach only to be saved by the neighbors. Seeing Mazvigona's problem increasing by day, the school consulted the church who eventually gave up.

On her fifteenth birthday, Mazvigona got herself chased away from home, with only little money for a day's meal. With nowhere to go, she searched for a job. She found a job as a maid at a local township. The woman who took her in, Mrs Mutonhori, was her mother's childhood friend. When she heard Mazvigona's story from local gossipers and that she was also looking for a job, she hired her. She wanted to protect her, but she knew Mazvigona's problem with people so she was never open about her intentions. Although Mrs Mutonhori gave Mazvigona everything she thought was necessary for a young girl, she failed to win her trust. She would spend her days working and her nights crying. As a result she got very sick that she nearly lost her life. When she got better, she decided that it was time to lift the heavy load from her chest, but she had no one to trust.

On the thought of being alone, she would cry and feel sad. Then one afternoon on her payday, she bought a big black book which she wrote on the cover page, A COLLECTION OF SORROWS. Inside she poured her heart with hope that the book will listen and understand her pain. Mazvigona had lost faith in people and this did not only affect her conscious entity, but everything 88

about her. Her hatred for people made her hate herself even more. She was growing up physically, but her mind and soul were stuck living in the past. Mrs Mutonhori tried her best to erase Mazvigona's trauma, but every time she tried, her efforts pushed Mazvigona away.

On the third year of living with Mrs Mutonhori as a maid, Mazvigona went missing.

She left a note which said, "Don't look for me I will be fine."

She had found a job in one of the famous food outlets at the local growth point. In an effort to change her life for the better, she changed her name. She was now Yeukai.

She also changed the way she looked. She was happy to be free at last and finally had a friend with who she shared her sorrows, her black book which she carried every day in her handbag.

On one of her not so good days, Yeukai forgot her friend on one of the cafe's table and it fell into the hands of her boss. The following day when her boss saw her, he embraced her and cried like a baby. He had found the missing puzzle.

By Progress Muwadzuri progressmuwadzuri48@gmail.com +263714279392 +263788524320

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THE NARRATIVE:

A COLLECTION OF SORROWS PROGRESS MUWADZURI

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WORDS IN VERSE IV: KANA DENGA RINOMUZIVA UYU! Akanzi unoda vanhu here?

Akati, handidi!

Vasvikako! Ndipo pavakazoziva Zvakaitika.

Zvikanzi saka ndakutora moyo Wangu! Akati handidi!

Zvisinei, vabereki vake Vakazopihwa vamwe vana!

Akanzi unoda kuita zvakanaka Here? Akati handidi!

Iye ndokuzopihwa vamwe Vabereki!

Zvikanzi saka ndakutora zviito Zvangu! Akati handidi!

Mushure mengoni netsitsi!

Dai pasina izvozvo…

Akanzi unoda kutumwa here?

Akati handidi!

Aichonera ikoko!

Zvikanzi saka ndakutora makumbo Angu! Akati handidi!

Ndokubva azonzi…

Nhasi musamuone kuita nharo Kudai, akadzitanga kare!

Mamuzivaka, wandiri kutaura?

Ndiyeye chaiye, iyeye.

Unoda kuzvarwa here?

Akati handidi!

Zvikanzi saka ndakutora hupenyu Hwangu! Akati handidi!

Vamwe vachirwa nekurumana Zvitsitsinho mudumbu! Iye aingova Ari mubishi renharo chete!

Pakazvarwa vamwe, iye Akangosiiwa akadaro…

Amai nababa vake vakangoramba Vakamirira, kusvika pakuchembera Pasina, akazouya!

Na VaChikepe: The Poet seremumu@gmail.com +263 772 488 777

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WORDS IN VERSE IV: NHETEMBO

HUNYANDURI HWASVIKA Kana ndagarwa nehunyanduri Ndoita kunge kadhara Kakarohwa nendari Kudzedzereka neshungu Dzekunyora Kunyorera Iwe neni Kana kudya handidye Ndinosunga ura Ndigomera mhanza Isina mapfeka nekufunga Kana ndonyora Ndinogarira nzeve Zvekusanzwa humhutu Huchinin’inidza Handisimuke kunge ndaroverwa hoko

Kurikunakidzwa kwangu uchiverenga Ndichiwona kunyemwerera Kwemwoyo wako murufaro rwemeso ako Hayiwa zvinondipa manyemwe Vamwe vachifara, vamwe vachiseka Vamwe vachichema! Ini ndichingonyora Ndakadhakwa zvangu namashoko Ehupenyu achingotenderera Zvavo mumusoro wangu!

Kana ndonyora Nhetembo dzinoita mutserendende Kunge derere rawanda hundi Kufashaira Hunyanduri hunenge Hwonzwa kangoma kemukati Memwoyo kachitindidzika kurira Ndichinakirwa nepfungwa dzangu Kunyangwe nemashoko ndakadhakwa Zvangu ndinongonyora Zvichiverengeka wani Na PIKITAYI The Poet Angela Chirenda Rugara angelarugara@yahoo.com +263 775393576 VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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UNLOCKING GREATNESS:

INSPIRED LIFE NUGGETS WITH FRANK NYAMUNDERO SEEDING PRECEDES HARVEST

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” ~Robert Louis Stevenson

M

ost of the times in life, we always look at the outcome of what we or one gets at the end of the day. In as much we measure ones success by the kind of results they produce, it didn't just start as a mere result, it came from something. As people we pretty judge ones level of achievement with what they get at the end of day, as like you expect to harvest when you didn’t plant anything. Life is as simple as; “you reap what you sow,” never expect to get more than what you have planted. It’s so clear as this, for every output there is an input, for every fruit there is a seed, for every profit there is a capital injection. We all have a starting point to whatever we aim at, that only begins with the basic principle of life, that you have to put something in to expect a return.

I want you to take this piece as if it's like the start of a new week or year in your life no matter the season or time you are reading

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UNLOCKING GREATNESS:

FRANK NYAMUNDERO FRANKSPIRATION

"building dreams into a lasting legacy" this. I believe that each day, week, month or year has the best for us if we know how to make useful of what we have. I want to share with you on getting the best results in life in each opportunity you get.

Your life success or progress is a reflection of the seeds you have planted in whatever you do at the beginning or as the journey progresses. Seeds are a symbol of one’s willingness or commitment to achieve the end result. As each new day comes you ought to invest more in the seeds you put to the ground so as to be able to get more out of a day. In a way measuring your day’s success with the focus on the outcome is a waste of time. For you are focusing on the wrong end. If we have any problem we always aim to deal with the root cause of such a problem. Stop judging your day’s, month’s or year’s outcome by the results but ask yourself what kind or how many seeds did I put in it to get here. Your harvest in any area of your life is determined by the amount of input you have invested in it.

You can't expect to reap a lot when you didn't plant anything at all. Let’s measure the outcome by what we have put into it, VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

by that we are able to redirect our efforts, resources, networks and skills correctly to fit what we aim to achieve at the end.

It's high time we stop looking for results but look at what to put in our day, work or journey. Ask yourself each day what have I planted? What did I do to get closer to the ultimate goal in life. What you put in determines what you can expect to get back in the end. No matter how little you may think it is, it's worth it, just make sure you plant something that adds up to the bigger picture.

By Frank Nyamundero rangraytgd@gmail.com franksinspiration.wordpress.com +263776115291

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Zimunamato [A Very Big Prayer]

God grants us our requests, for He is our Father.

Just express yourself!

(Chatinoda, Mwari vanotiitira, nokuti ndiBaba vedu; Chingoda chete!)

Scripture: Psalm 146: 5, Genesis 29: 18-20 Psalm 146: 5, "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:" Place audio file here

By Brother: Takudzwa Chikepe_The Preacher seremumu@gmail.com +263772488777

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UNLOCKING GREATNESS:

BROTHER: TAKUDZWA CHIKEPE_THE PREACHER MOTIVATIONAL SERMON

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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AHOY SAILOR:

T

WHAT IS THE HUNDRED SAILORS?

he Hundred Sailors is an organization founded by Takudzwa Chikepe and has become a home to many -- different -- artists from different geographical locations etcetera. As they say; “love knows no boundaries,” so the same can be said about art, as strangers have become one, all in the spirit of art. The group carries a few handfuls of members, pocketful of souls and bucketful of love and the zeal to support the vision will mean that by the time we reach the end of the tunnel, the light will be held by many hands. The Hundred Sailors has different groups namely; VaChikepe and The Hundred Sailors, The Sailors Club, The Sailors Review Team (in charge of The Sailors Review which comes out fortnightly beginning), The Sailors Music Collection and also The International Sailors Affiliates.

VISION

Grooming world class artists through appreciating poetry and other forms of Art.

MISSION

Our mission is to publish the power of poetry and promote other forms of Art by creating a sustainable workstation for artists, to fully connect with each other and the world at large.

HOW TO JOIN main vhs THE GROUP

As regards subscribing and being part of The Hundred Sailors, new and existing members should each aim at paying USD24 for 2022. Starts with a deposit of USD6 or USD12 at first then consistently and flexibly paying USD2 at the start of each month. The required subscription fee is not for The Trust Fund board, but for The Hundred Sailors as it gives us the financial muscle to tackle any challenge which may be dressed in the costume which we may refer to as ‘need.’

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BENEFITS OF SUBSCRIBING TO THE HUNDRED SAILORS TRUST FUND

1

As subscribed Sailors we have our works marketed regularly through the Sailors Review and other avenues.

Building artsists with humility, transparency, teamwork and trust.

3

There are synergistic benefits of belonging in an established Poetry, Music and Arts ensemble. 1+1=3 which is what synergy is and 1+1=1 which is a meeting of our minds on all Art works.

A chance to be on international tours and to mix with Artists of resonance.

5

Raise our artistry skills bar by participating in regular in-house and outdoor competitions amongst fellow subscribed Sailors.

Being a subscribed Sailor is also an entry point to trainings and seminars whenever arranged by the Hundred Sailors Trust Fund.

Our published Poetry and Articles are edited and proof read.

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2 4 6

In each year we have anthologies published through Publisher T.P Chikepe (Pvt) Ltd and it is us the subscribing Sailors that are prioritized.

For us there is first priority placement to opportunities that arise e.g being given the first chance to perform throughout in-house or external functions hosted or graced by us as the Hundred Sailors ensemble.

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For more information contact Brian Tawanda Manyati on +263 772 815 211 VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 10.04.2022

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