THE SAILORS REVIEW 59TH ISSUE (12 JUNE 2022)

The

Sailors Review 12 JUNE 2022 ISSUE no. 59

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

PUBLISHER'S NOTE:

The

same

faith ASTsitsi DangarembGa's 2

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

PROGRESS MUWADZURI THE SAME FAITH AS TSITSI DANGAREMBGA'S

Is what it takes for a promising Novelist, not the background

M

y name is Progress Muwadzuri a female artist from Kwekwe, Zimbabwe. I was born 25 years ago in Zaka district, Masvingo Province. I studied at Mbuyamaswa Primary school then KwaMutevhure secondary school again in Zaka district and now am a student at Bondolfi Teacher's college situated in Masvingo Province. I am a soccer lover, not only that but am also in the college team in which I play in defence on position 2 and sometimes as the alternative goalie. In other words, I do Art and Sport.

I started writing in 2017 when I produced a not-yet-published novel which marked the beginning of my journey in the world of art. From there onwards, I began producing short stories as well as poetry. I have discovered that I can think of a poetry title then produce one then from that same title I can write a short story which explains things furthermore but not in full detail, then again from that same title I can come up with a comprehensive story with many plots, live characters, events as well as different scenarios. That is when I realised I can write a novel which differentiates my art a little from others. I also do fine art which I discovered as a child after imitating my father, Mr Obert Muwadzuri who is a great wall painter, a poster designer as well as a Craftsman. The only difference between my father's art and mine is that my drawings venture around fashion and interior design.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

PROGRESS MUWADZURI THE SAME FAITH AS TSITSI DANGAREMBGA'S

As I already mentioned, I inherited some of my father's qualities, however, it is mostly the environment I grew up in which played a major role in making me an artist. I would love my art to reach each corner of the world in every possible and affordable way so that if it can be it helps out everyone who comes across it.

Comparing where I have been and how far I have come, with God's intervention I see myself reaching greater heights in the near future.

If given a chance, I would love to exhibit my first novel DZINZARESHANU. In this novel a girl is born, the first one after five generations of non-existing women in the Nechivingwi clan.

The coming in of this child brought separation in the family as the day she was born, her father's brother passed away and his wife took her as a curse. But later on, the curse proved itself to be a blessing to the whole clan. On the other hand, a man who has lived to see five generations is waiting for the one who is cursed to come and set him free.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

PROGRESS MUWADZURI THE SAME FAITH AS TSITSI DANGAREMBGA'S

My art mostly dances around women's empowerment and motivation because women face many difficulties in their everyday lives that sometimes they forget to live for themselves. Also as a young wide reader, I realized only men had the upper voice. For instance, I have read mostly from local artists, the likes of Charles Mungoshi, Biggie Chiranga and many more.

During my reading, I have come across books like "Akanga nyimo avangarara", "Jekanyika", "Gonawapotera" just to mention a few. The books are very good but the fact they are written by men made me think only men are good writers until I crossed paths with Sithembeni Tanya Madziwa aka DrThembieTanya, who has grown to be my role model and source of inspiration. Through her, I recognized that women can do as much as men can do and that's when I pulled up my socks and followed in her footsteps.

My wish as an upcoming artist and to all female artists is to close the issues of gender-based barriers that are pulling us especially female artists back.

Having come from the Sailors Club to the Hundred Sailors means a lot to me. I hadn’t even in my wildest dreams thought that I would someday reach this far, not without the help of my fellow sailors who stood as my walking stick towards my becoming a sailor.

Not forgetting my family who sometimes create the drama I usually put on paper.

My pay offline is "Imagine sketch and create". I am contactable on +263 71 427 9392 or progressmuwadzuri48@gmail.com VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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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 6

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: 12.06.2022

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: 12.06.2022

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NAVIGATING UNCHARTED WATERS

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WORDS IN VERSE I: THE HEART BEAT OF CHANGE

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ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC: TAFADZWA MATAMBA

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ARTIST LOUNGE V: T.A. NILES

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ARTIST LOUNGE VI: GINJAH

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BY SIGHT:

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WORDS IN VERSE II : POETRY FROM AMERICA

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ARTIST LOUNGE I : CALEB CHISHA

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ARTIST LOUNGE II: GENERAL COLOSO

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YOUNG INFUENTIAL LEADER: NOUR HAMMAD

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ARTIST LOUNGE III: RICHIE INNOCENT

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THE NARRATIVE ELIZABETH ESGUERRA CASTILLO PROGRESS MUWADZURI

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WORDS IN VERSE IV: NHETEMBO

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UNLOCKING GREATNESS

904 AHOY

ARTIST LOUNGE IV: HERBERT CHIBVONGODZE MAKONI WORDS IN VERSE III: CHIP WILLIFORD

Progress Muwadzuri, Ruvimbo Munozohamba, Caleb Hwariva, Angela Chirenda Rugara, Martin Chivaku, Tawanda Manyati, VaChikepe: The Poet, Proverb Nesta I, Oxygen Five, Tafadzwa Matamba, Atandwa Naleli (Lesotho), Nobuhle Maseko (South Africa), Fana Ka (Kenya), Kitaka Alex (Uganda), T.A. Niles (USA), Zolisa Gumede, Caleb Chisha (Zambia), General Fire Coloso, Nour Hammad (Palestine), Richie Innocent (Jamaica), Hebert Chibvongodze Makoni, Chip Williford (USA), Ginjah (Jamaica), Tallence Sanyangowe, Shorai Matambanadzo, Frank Nyamundero, Preachermens' Son, Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo (Philippines) Photography - Tirivanhu Gono, Rhondak Native Florida, MarkusSpike, Nick Feelings, Steve Johnson, Timon Klauser.

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

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WORDS IN VERSE I:

HEALING WORDS Mother said; "be careful Don't harm the paper with hatred Never let the ink suffer your rejection Stop murdering words with anger When you are low breath."

But every breath is heavy Gasping for air A faint smile is all they see A fading soul I hide behind my pale skin A cracked heart I can't glue But in my worries there won't be death of oratory If I'm low, words will parade Putting these metaphors in black and white Personifying these situations and facing them like One of my common enemies When days are deceptive like a mirage in the desert I turn to my close ally A paper that keeps my deepest secrets And ease the chaos in my mind For poetry is like a ship that poets sail In a Poet's mind. Words never fail When our minds are in a prison Writing is a major key to bail Us from the worries So the pen will never stop oozing From the pen of a poet In good and bad days By Ruvimbo Munozohamba munozohambaruvimbo@gmail.com 0774767346

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WORDS IN VERSE I THE HEART BEAT OF CHANGE VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS

ONE BODY, ONE LANGUAGE Sometimes life Is more than a hard nut To crack, And our mouths are shuttered Leaving the whole body shivering.

But we speak nomatter what Under what?

Above what?

If they tie our mouths With tying rubber bands We never be in desperation Our eyes speak In position of our mouths.

The way they twinkle.....

If they blind our eyes, Our noses speak In position of our eyes.

Very brief and quick, We inhale art We exhale art.

If they block our noses Our hair will speak Harshly and boldly.

You look at it It completely defines our age and experiences.

If they cut our hair, Like they did to Samson Our hands cover the gap.

Through gestures, We define our mood And reaction as well.

If they bind our hands With unbreakable chains, Then our legs will speak.

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Speak about destination, How far our destination is?

Their pace will tell how far Have we gone?

How far are we going?

What more else are we to say?

When we see all our Body parts speaking In various languages.!

That's power of art !

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

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WORDS IN VERSE I THE HEART BEAT OF CHANGE VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS

FOREVER POETRY No seen direction winds blow Holt they still come Tsunamis move through the house water Column, from the ocean floor to the top; Holt they still will In stillness of poems, Words rise up to float Blown by winds unseen Exposed by tsunamis of poetry To deliver messages to worlds afar Words that awaken Giants and dwarfs alike Words that crouch over hearts In love or brokenness Red carpet campaigns Spit out neologisms With meanings neither here nor there Like poetry it may seem meaningful But brings nought to dying hopes Raise up poetry Your life outlive empires That were constructed by molded words in treaties Rued in political gimmicks Gimmicks that play fiddles and harps with no tunes With meanings that you take as you wish Like hurricanes and tsunamis They come to destroy but still stop

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WORDS IN VERSE I THE HEART BEAT OF CHANGE VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS

Poetry buries the hatchets in mind And calms the heart storms As one finds their story in poems That live perpetually Poetry been, God's creation, in the garden of Eden Lives in the book of Genesis Through the Book of Revelation Each one’s story told in-between All told in poetry of Bible Stories of those gone Our today’s story And futures therein God breathe is poetry Poetry lives forever To tell someone’s story.

By PIKITAYI The Poet angelarugara@yahoo.com +263 775393576

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WORDS IN VERSE I THE HEART BEAT OF CHANGE VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS

Po Ye Tree They held guns!

They held power!

They held what we Thought was evil to ever Possess and used that To become devils in Our lives filled with Fear!

They...

They were Hitlers They were Mussolinis They made us believe that Fear is stronger than the Faith we possessed in Our hearts. They...

They held guns!

We...

We encoded words Into our brain from the Courage that rested deep Inside of us and decoded Them on the paper_on The stage through the Microphone! Yet they Knew, the more we Speak, the more We become Them, And they told us, "Silence is golden!"

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WORDS IN VERSE I THE HEART BEAT OF CHANGE VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS

The elders told us; "It is the power of the Poets, that gives the soldiers Strength to fight!" And we Needed to be heroes at Once to save what we Had lost for all our Lives We had traded our Freedom for tears and For once, we felt the chains Falling off as we held our Pens and scripted fate On paper like gods Scribbling runes On the faces of Druids!

We felt free!

We felt as if our mouths Were guns and our words Were bullets that pushed For the transformation!

We spoke! They fired shots!

They gave people fear!

We gave people courage!

They ran out of bullets!

We ran out of silence!

We won the war!

Yet! They held guns!

They held power!

We hold pens!

We hold power!

By @DA_Scripta chivakum@gmail.com +263718777471

They held guns!

We held our pens!

They were Hitlers!

We wrote the will!

They tried to silence us!

We let the podium scream!

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WORDS IN VERSE I THE HEARTBEAT OF CHANGE VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS

AFFIRMATIVE IN 14 LINES (1) That poetry, that music, or it be that art meets up with highly sought after change is coincidental. If it has evolved not into a marriage of convenience, perhaps one that it's love at first sight, how literature and activism or factivism endeavour - effectively intertwine is indisputable. (2) It is awfully good how with Martin Luther King Jr; prose, verse and language were matters heartfelt whenever let out.

Down south and bittersweet so, our own Herbert Chitepo would orate native rights law, much in the same way as your own Steve Biko, Walter Sisulu as would, Julius Malema of today or Robert Gabriel Mugabe of not so long ago, in ways effervescent and unique. As a common denominator all in all in search of political and economic change, have spoken and 'writ' word which long since sank to live long. Eras, be they conventional or post mordenistic, poetry and language are vehicles that deliver change, they have remained, "same old," same difference. (3) Change we openly seek is with a masked face in many facets it parades.

It's only perhaps we miss out on its main actors; poets, painters, comedia-ns, public speakers, and/or sportswomen.

To think women's hockey has existed since time immemorial; then football, nay, is a baby in its infancy but ladies are game on like never before. (4) Verbal and nonverbal, something is or has been said, something that mobilizes, something that alters status quo, something that inspires heart, mind and soul out of inaction. (5) If likes were votes counted, some artists would already be territorially declared honourables, representative enough of constituencies alive and well.

With followers whose writing is on the wall. (6) In the wave of change, it so happens present day that famed swimmers are now Ministers.

Indeed, poetry and language, add sport, are at the heartbeat, the ticking point, all blood pumping life to the notion of change in motion. (7) Been retorted, "Have a severe sense of urgency to act now"...wait not for tomorrow to self act yesterday: some of the things that got said once and active hearers heard them twice. (8) Guilty as charged, poetry inseparably organises the language we speak, whereas prose describes it. Artiful pictures tell a thousand words alongside,

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WORDS IN VERSE I THE HEARTBEAT OF CHANGE VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS

whereas storytelling ain't an old adage, a fable: still is the 'in thing'.

Well, do they not say communication holds the key? (9) However, what remains is, art was in search of entertainment' or edutainment', when it departed from its quarters. If it's that a lasting marriage of convenience, soon obtained with activism or factivism, it's happenstance from a chance meeting. Just like lovers do at the crossroads... whence love carries their hopes across the river.

Some rivers flooded, some crocodile infested, some with serene water flow or falls.

(10) It is unfathomable how power lies in waxing lyrical the spoken word, writ word, pictured word, memorized word.

Which community leader worth his or her salt has come and gone without reciting old decided points in proverbs and songs?

(11) Topically, all the shift of events found us for who we are, and altered status quo not we.(12) Do people really change?

Or that no old dog is taught new tricks holds true. (13) Poetry and language no doubt have forever psyched up the active lot in squares and gardens, flags raised or burnt, but as it appears, change in the form of the new normal is nothing but a unsolicited coincidence.

Such unaccustomed alteration, of no gathering of a people, no pumping words (un)said. There's none whose heart beat, saw such new world order coming through a dreaded bug!

Perhaps a few true prophets, again in verses! (14) It's sonnets afterall, articulating and exposing vices in face of society. It is language said, well before solutions are eventually founded, before current affairs are reset anew.

It's how art stands in impactful contribution to an ever changing populace_ about its volatile and uncertain future. At least, least the gods be predictable!

By Towandah Ryan tawandamanyati@gmail.com +263772815211

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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:

STORY TELLING CAN HEAL THE WORLD 22

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ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC

TAFADZWA MATAMBA STORY TELLING CAN HEAL THE WORLD

THE VOICE from the MBIRA SPIRIT

S

torytelling is something every being can do but doing it vividly, is for only a few. A few can relate to the vivid attribute and if vivid storytelling is a crime, Tafadzwa Matamba is guilty as charged.

Having a conversation with him, here’s what he had to say:

“I was born in Hurungwe, Zimbabwe, many years ago and I can soundly say, I am of the Maongera Moyo Sinyoro totem. I can say I was born a sailor because ana Sinyoro vashambadzi vakauya nemumvura kuzoshambadza. I am a storyteller and music performer. I play traditional Zimbabwean music, gospel music, country music and any other music that l like. I'm currently based in Canada.

As earlier said, l am a storyteller. It began way back when l was a little child in Hurungwe. I was always moved by good storytellers. Growing up at my father’s shop in Magunje, a lot of family travellers at some point had to sleep at our house because they had missed their bus. To win our favour, most told folktales! None came closer to a lady named Mai Ngoni. She was a trader and by far the most frequent guest. Her singing and storytelling skills were good. I realised from an early age that the person who sang well during a story always won the cake! My father was the best storyteller ever! And so was my late mother’s brother, Ranger Naison Chikwata Matemai. May their souls rest in power. My mother is not shabby either. From her l got the skill of exaggerating stories. If you want to paint a poor person, make them really poor: that was her idea.

I have always enjoyed storytelling. I have published a book and it is easily available on our website. My friends have always encouraged me to write a book since l share stories and poems on social media, especially on Facebook. However, I have been busy putting together VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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TAFADZWA MATAMBA STORY TELLING CAN HEAL THE WORLD

the supplementary program for The Journey Of The African Storyteller, which is due soon (keep a look out on my social media platforms). This is about 40 minutes of behind the scenes of the film and meeting some cast and crew. The program reveals what The Journey of the African Storyteller is about. Therefore, l feel good that l am almost done with the program.

I received a $20 000 grant and I believe getting it allows me to share my story as the lead character in the film. It is not easy to get a lead part. So this has allowed me to improve on my photography and be able to share stories accompanied by fantastic cinematography. I am also excited that the film will be shown on Telus Optic TV. l am grateful for this grant in that it gives me some budget to help me with the production of the film. The film will be up on the screens during Black History Month in 2023.

The grant came from Telus Storyhive and the Black Screen Office.

The National Screen Institute has also paired us with mentors to walk us through the process and Storyhive has Project Managers at our disposal if we need assistance.

My storytelling has been elevated by being empowered with the necessary resources and skills, to be in a position to share the stories with the world in the best way possible. I am about to 24

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ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC

TAFADZWA MATAMBA STORY TELLING CAN HEAL THE WORLD

wind up pre-production and hope to shoot at the end of June. Yes, I featured on, ‘The Maid ‘, as a background (BG) actor and was flattered. Actually, l have been in more than a dozen movies as a BG actor: Chesapeake Shores; Rescued By Ruby; American Dreamer; Wedding Veil; You, Me and The Christmas Tree; Resident Alien; just to name a few. Many more are currently in the production pipeline and I can not talk about them yet. Being a background actor is an excellent opportunity because one has to start somewhere. l get to be closer to the action and observe while the gurus are working. I have learnt a lot from observing and also asking questions when an opportunity arose. On big sets like, ‘The Maid', there is quite a large number of cast and crew as compared to a low budget production like an independent film. I have to do a lot of the work with the motivation being that l get to share my story. As a matter of fact, only my elbow and a couple of dreadlocks made it into The Maid. I think it is paramount to have different strategic business units, if possible, because it is only through diversification that one can have more chances of making it unlike when one only relies on just playing music, for example. Diversification is the village way of doing things. You have to be versatile. It is important to maintain a balance in all that you do. In the physical realm, men shall not live on bread alone but also on milk and honey.

My wife and I came up with a musical duo that plays different kinds of music and it’s named Mbira Spirit. I see Mbira Spirit as the ability to come together with others and come up with something for the betterment of everyone. One mbira key can not VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

do much. When different keys are played together, they produce a healing sound that could not have been played by one or two keys. Rume rimwe hachikombe churu.

No man is an island. I chose Mbira Spirit because l am a mbira player who has also been playing his minute part in keeping the tradition alive and trying to inspire the new generation.

To a certain extent, the mbira has a long history of being persecuted. As an advocate of the instrument and many others, l thought the best thing l can do is to name our outfit Mbira Spirit. I found out that people in Canada had challenges saying the word "mbira." Therefore, l took it upon myself to put it out there so that everyone who came to hear our music and loved it, 25

ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC

TAFADZWA MATAMBA STORY TELLING CAN HEAL THE WORLD

would make an effort to say "mbira" and yearn to find out more about the meaning of mbira. While it has been working, it has not been enough to help much on the ground and as such, because l believe that the instrument can play quite a part in the challenging economical times as it could be a source of income.

The purpose of the Zimbabwe Music Society has been to help facilitate cultural exchanges between Zimbabwe and North America and bring out performing artists to share on cultural tours. As shown on the poster, we have been invited to play in Halifax on the east coast. I am not sure if there is any other band like ours coming 26

as far out as the west coast. This shows how much power music can have. The vision of the society is to drill water wells in my village of origin which is Maumbe in Hurungwe. Should it go well, there are a lot of places in Hurungwe that l personally know could use sources of water closer to their homes. The hope is also to find university opportunities for deserving students who come from rural areas and are also fond of returning to their homes and offer service to their communities. With a love for the beautiful game of soccer, l always try to get some soccer balls for the youth.

My young brother Japhet runs a soccer academy and we are always looking for talent so we can make a difference in our VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

ONE VOICE MORE MUSIC

TAFADZWA MATAMBA STORY TELLING CAN HEAL THE WORLD

village. Sadly, the road has been a little rocky also because of factors like Covid-19 that made travelling impossible. Hopefully, with the lifting of restrictions, we will be able to get things going again and invite some artists to share their talents with our communities here on Vancouver Island and Canada as a whole.

Being an artist who works closely with his spouse is quite a challenge, but where there is a will, there is a way. As reasonable individuals, we bring our ideas to the table and present them without fear or favour and analyse situations so that we don’t end up thinking with the heart and feelings.

There's a thin line. Being humble is always a good quality. As artists in our own right, it is always wise to communicate and listen to each other. Happy wife, happy life or should I say happy spouse, happy house.

This gift has taken me to places that when I was a kid, I never imagined. We have been to the USA to participate in community events a couple of times. We just visited Nashville this March and did a couple of recordings down there. We have performed in Zimbabwe of course and South Africa with our friends and family. In Canada, we have performed in Vancouver, Victoria, Sooke, Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni, Parksville, islands (Cortes, Salt Spring, Quadra, Hornby) and many other smaller towns like Sidney, Tofino, Campbell River, Cobble Hill, Shawnigan, Qualicum, Lake Cowichan, Comox, Squamish.

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In a couple of years ahead, I hope to spend more time in Zimbabwe than l am currently doing and help inspire the new generation to remember their roots and keep the traditions and culture. It’s hard to tell of the future, but making art a thriving industry here in Canada and Zimbabwe is a goal l have. At times we have our plans and expectations and on the other side, God may have different plans for us.

My message to fellow artists is do not ruin your talent through drug and alcohol abuse. At times things don’t go the way we expected or planned but don’t give up on your dreams and never forget your roots, especially when you become successful.

To get hold of me, you can follow my social media handles and my website: Website www.zmsociety.com Facebook Tafadzwa Matamba Facebook page @Mbira Spirit.

Instagram @mbiraspirit TikTok @theafricanstoryteller.

That’s where you can access some of my work.”

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

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WORDS IN VERSE I THE HEARTBEAT OF CHANGE THE 100 SAILORS INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES

ART SHOULD NEVER BE UNDERESTIMATED To the pen that is a sword The power of a word We are Bards of history Telling tales of the past to the future Predictors of life.

We are the ones that embrace the Ase as it is, The ones who stand by the gates of hearts of men and women Watchers of their feelings.

Never for a second undermine and overlook poets They are direct messengers to the universe, Direct messengers to the gods of every tribe.

By Atandwa Naleli Lesotho rannanahnalelithato@gmail.com +266 63394490

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WORDS IN VERSE I THE HEARTBEAT OF CHANGE THE 100 SAILORS INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES

FIGHTING FOR HUMAN’S RIGHTS My rights my power.

Let your rights not be violated.

That’s what it’s supposed to be, but reality strikes.

It’s sad seeing how many people’s rights are being abused.

It’s heart aching to see others taking advantage of a living, breathing soul right under their nose.

And then we tell ourselves we have rights.

When many are living like little pigs Worse than the word poverty.

It’s concerning to see humans sharing the same water as animals that has been polluted But we have rights.

Many live in shacks, others under bridges not that they like it but circumstances force them.

But still we have rights to shelter.

We have so many rights.

That are not really lived up to.

Poor get poorer.

Rich get richer.

And the struggle goes on.

But still, “we have rights.”

Rights on paper but not in action.

Rights in just a frame, with no use.

By Nobuhle Maseko Nobuhle Maseko_the ink spreader South Africa

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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Concept: A speaker

WORDS IN VERSE I THE HEARTBEAT OF CHANGE THE 100 SAILORS INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES

WITH FREEDOM- FORCE! Without pressure, The masses buy into the weight of our tongues, Often times rashly, We, the first to taste the gag line some swallow, insolently, wildly, Getting our hands on their minds through penning, crafting divinely, Rhyme with grace, you transcend time and space, Our calling goes as far as winds can blow, Where your presence speak volumes, Heart to heart, till we converse as one, Luster comes with great fortunes, Making art out of enjoyment and fun, Yet, Unlike soldiers in the battle field, we fire in public, Indiscriminately, while the leadership shoots blanks, Thawing ice cold hearts through blazing melodies, Mending torn spirits or even popularizing remedies, Safeguarding a lineage, with a line that won't age, Values and beliefs get shared through coded messages, Ending the old and helping you start a new page, Conventional wisdom recorded in verses like footages Music and languages, Serve the unconscious, subconsciously you decode poems, while asleep or tranced, The stanza may be too concentrated, for one's level of conscious awareness.

By Fana Ka (Kenya) 4fana.ka@gmail.com +254 724 159554 https://fana-ka.bandcamp.com

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VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

Concept: A concert

WORDS IN VERSE I THE HEARTBEAT OF CHANGE THE 100 SAILORS INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES

VOICE OF THE MANY What many eyes saw, Few comprehended.

Only those that perceive what an owl does And only few, that conceive what an eagle high in the sky does.

For he bore the feet of a tiger, Slowly he walked like a predator To make his way on the podium And when he begun to speak, It was the gods' sermon to the thunders.

Hunger and thirst sat in his mouth, Not one fed on bread and milk.

But fed on truth and justice.

He roared like a lion.

A howler monkey cry ensued from the people.

Calling for freedom, equality and unlimited love.

By Kitaka Alex Uganda Kitakaalex@gmail.com www.alexkitak0.wixsite.com/dreadlockpoetry// www.alexkitaka0.wixsite.com/essenceexperience//

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

WORDS IN VERSE II SILKEN SHACKLES

POETRY FROM AMERICA T.A. NILES

The clink and clang of shackles collars not in need of starch but red from rust and wounds that wept…

Iron rings on wrists rubbed raw ankles swollen in trudging shuffle each step a study in red on a dusty canvas.

They marched on in tormented fugue…

Sweat and mingled blood streaked their glistening skin running like salted rivulets into the river of indifferent dust beneath their torn and naked feet…

Spurred on by snap and crack of whip attendant screams, companion moans the bellowed yells of cattle herders meaning clear despite the foreign tongue…

Through the wavy heat of day they shuffled the next step their only destination left right fear and rage right left rage and fear wondering how and why and from where had this destiny of darkness descended…

Then a Samaritan appeared on charging steed his halo shining bright the blistering light reflecting on his righteous sword with razored blade not yet stained in red He was garbed in splendid robes of finest white cotton grown and picked and wonderfully woven by those who wore the chains…

At those who held the blood-rust leashes he shook his fist and bellowed, VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

Context: An excerpt from the 30/30 prompt that inspired this piece: “…write a poem that contains at least one of a different kind of simile – an epic simile. Also known as Homeric similes, these are basically extended similes that develop over multiple lines…write a complete poem that is just one lengthy, epic simile…” To listen to this poem's audio version click here

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WORDS IN VERSE II “Inhuman and dastardly is this treatment, an abomination beyond humane.

Release these wretched creatures,” he commanded “Make those steely bonds begone.”

Captive eyes rose from downward stare wide in wonder and hesitant hope heartbeats hurled themselves against ribcages of despair burst through breasts sunken in desolation and throbbed in ecstasy of freedom’s promise.

The Samaritan swung his sword of light and a form of freedom followed.

Metal chains fell from throats and ankles from wrists now free to curl into fists to fight for what was theirs by right not a gift of man to give nor a thing to take…

The blood of captors boiled but did not trickle did not spill in dust or soak the earth until the captives surged in fury and the Samaritan’s sword descended.

Rage and retribution reigned until slaying ceased and surrender seemed the wisest course to those who’d forced obedience.

The Samaritan, sword still dripping, surveyed the carnage with grim satisfaction absorbed the grisly sceneMission accomplished.

The newly released, with chests heaving in weary triumph, turned their eyes away from the mutilation turned to each other with mounting trepidation.

From which corner would their retribution come?

In which direction should they turn?

From his saddlebags of softest leather the Samaritan drew swaths of silken cloth that fluttered in the blood-scented breeze.

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VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

WORDS IN VERSE II Soon the swaths were rendered strips and tendered to those with wounds old and new.

POETRY FROM AMERICA T.A. NILES

With a smile more benevolent than a saint’s The Samaritan trailed the silk across their skin like a lover who would please or a trainer who sought to ease the panic of his beast.

To those who had bled and shuffled those who had shuffled and bled, he said, “Let’s bind these wounds these obvious signs of barbaric bondage.

Would these silken strands not be preferred to those iron bonds that bound you?”

With unaccustomed/unfamiliar care he helped them bind their bloody wrists, their oozing necks and mangled ankles.

His gentle way soon soothed them.

In delight just barely dawning they gazed in wonder and stroked the soft silk encircling their wrists their throats their still swollen ankles…

Without clue or map, strength all but sapped and barely more choice than before they followed the Samaritan where he led his journey now their course.

Now they trudged in gratitude and loyalty some even skipped, only few begrudged the blindness of their path.

Surely it would lead to even more of this freedom they had found.

Yet, it did occur to a very few that silk or no they were still securely bound.

By T.A. NILES VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

35

ARTIST LOUNGE I:

STAYING ZAMBIAN ROOTS TRUE TO

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VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

ARTIST LOUNGE I:

CALEB CHISHA STAYING TRUE TO ZAMBIAN ROOTS

Proudly keeping history in colour

T

he stories of humble beginnings have turned many into very successful individuals. One such story is that of the Copperbelt-born painter cum musician, Caleb Chisha. Allow us to take you on a journey that will leave you with the urge to immerse yourself in his work. Let’s dive in,

"What inspired me to become a painter was the way l was brought up. Growing up in a not well-to-do family helped me to become a painter because as a kid l used to have friends who had parents who were able to buy toys for them. My father never bought toys for me because he couldn't afford to back then. Buying toys was more like wasting money. That money would best be used to buy a bag a of mealie meal or something for the family to eat.

As a kid, it was difficult to understand why my parents could not buy me the toys I wanted. That is when l became creative and began creating my own toys. I grew up in the era of wire and clay cars. l didn't know making the toys was art. I was good at it so l decided to go for it. It made me feel alive all the time and powerful.

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

Yes, most of my works are influenced by the Zambian lifestyle and by my experiences growing up. Unfortunately, some of the things I used to see as a child do not exist anymore. As children, we used to play games like chidunhu. Such games encouraged us to be creative and they used to bring unity. As a result of the changes in the world, Zambia is adopting Western and European cultures. Nowadays children are interested in technology as a means of entertainment. They have phones, PlayStations, and computers. They have become addicted to technology and have no room or time for the games we grew up playing. Our games, way of life, tradition and culture are slowly dying. After that realisation, I decided to be part of the people who are dedicated to preserving our Zambian culture, tradition, and history.

My paintings are not just paintings to look at. They have stories to tell and history to keep. Fifty or hundred years from now, when l am gone, people will look at my paintings to learn about our history and how people used to live. With my paintings, people will be able to look back and understand where we came from.

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ARTIST LOUNGE I:

CALEB CHISHA STAYING TRUE TO ZAMBIAN ROOTS

Occasionally, I make the Western type of paintings. I make such paintings when requested and strictly on commission. This is because my calling is for people to know where we come from as Zambians.

Art is now more appreciated in our continent, Africa as compared to many years ago. Many did not understand painting as an art.

They also did not understand the culture of buying paintings.

Paintings were not a priority. The only support we got as painters came from foreigners who came to our country as tourists. They would purchase the painting as some form of souvenir. Nowadays we have a lot of fellow black Zambians who do not care about the cost of paintings but understand the value of art. I have also realised it's not just in Zambia, but also in other parts of Africa. The support is growing every day. Things have changed and l feel it is our job as artists to educate people on what art is. Most people do not consider painting as a profession and as a source of income.

That is why most parents do not encourage a talented child in art because they don't believe in it as a career profession. They would rather have their children study to be doctors and engineers.

As an artist, it is important to understand that every colour has a message that it carries. There are warm, cool, cold colours and earthy colours for example. There are certain colours that when used, the painting would appear strong or bitter or give a different type of feeling without even noticing the colour. l normally use earth-tone colours. I love such colours. I used them in my painting called Baby in a tub. The painting is warm and welcoming. If l were to paint the baby in the colour red, it would give a different kind of a feeling. So depending on how you want to express the painting or feelings, you will need to think thoroughly about which colours to use.

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VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

ARTIST LOUNGE I:

CALEB CHISHA STAYING TRUE TO ZAMBIAN ROOTS

In art or painting, there are no limitations to mediums one can use. Anything goes and the mediums are many. The most commonly used mediums are oil paint, acrylics and watercolours. Some use fruits like berries, even leaves, dark coffee and tea. Some go as far as using urine, blood, and charcoal, hence anything that can add colour can be used in painting.

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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ARTIST LOUNGE I:

CALEB CHISHA STAYING TRUE TO ZAMBIAN ROOTS

Chino Chalo was inspired by Ozzy's song.

The painting talks about what l experienced growing up. I remember when my father was doing well financially, l used to see a lot of relatives in our home and when he was broke, most of them disappeared.

They would stop coming and I couldn't understand the reason because l was young. When I was older I came across one of Ozzy's songs that touched me and I tried to connect it with my life. I came to a realisation that some people want or prefer to be closer to someone only when they have something like money. It was like a deja vu moment and I asked myself how then can l put it across in a painting. The

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painting shows hands coming out from the ground. The ground represents how hard it is for some people to make it in life.

The hands coming out of the hard ground have precious water which is mixed with honey and gold. Instead of people asking how to get that precious water, they want it to be given to them on a silver platter. This is why you see a boy with a drum trying to get that precious water. Once that water is finished or once he gets what he wants, he will disappear. Life goes on as people will move on. When one has nothing to offer, the people around tend to move away.

The painting is a very powerful piece and l love it.

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

ARTIST LOUNGE I:

CALEB CHISHA STAYING TRUE TO ZAMBIAN ROOTS

In regards to painting, collaborations are very possible too. Ten, twenty, fifty or even a hundred painters can sign on it. l did a collaboration with Wilson Lungu aka Wille, the musician who is also a painter. I wanted to have an abstract effect in the painting and he is very good at that. I wanted those abstracts to appear as obstacles. In the painting, the first step represents the situations we come across in life. For example, you can lose a job, go through a divorce or suffer gender-based violence and so forth.

So what do you do next? Do you sit and be miserable? Absolutely not! You heal and move on with your life. The first step you VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

take is very important and is never easy.

In life, there are a lot of obstacles, but you have to remain focused. If you look at the painting, a boy is trying to step onto the stairs and on top of it, there is a door. The abstracts below represent the obstacles we face in life, and if you make the first step, it doesn't mean the road would be smooth. That is where l needed Mr Wille to do the colours in abstracts. The collabo worked well.

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ARTIST LOUNGE I:

CALEB CHISHA STAYING TRUE TO ZAMBIAN ROOTS

The painting of ants carrying leaves is one of my favourites because it represents my life. It is personal. The message is not connected to the leaves, but is about how different I am in my family. I'm not the kind of person who follows what everyone is doing. I do not live for people and the only thing l fear is God. I was different from everyone else in my family because l chose to do painting which was something that a few understood. My brothers and sisters, l believe had things they loved and would still love to do, but they chose a different path altogether and such is life. For me, l do what I want to do. I wanted to become 42

an artist, and l did just that. l wanted to do music and l am making music. l wanted to keep my hair, l have got locks now even though it was not easy. l come from a Jehovah's Witness family. They have expectations of what one should look like. Long hair is not allowed. Therefore, the painting shows many ants carrying almost similar leaves. One ant appears different and, therefore represents me. All ants except one appear to be moving in the same direction towards a particular destination. I, as represented by the different ant, decided to branch off and do something unique, which is art.

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

ARTIST LOUNGE I:

CALEB CHISHA STAYING TRUE TO ZAMBIAN ROOTS

Regarding my future plans, l am planning to have my solo show in Johannesburg, South Africa. The show will be a hyper-realistic. The best way painters can improve is by being competitive and innovative. They should share their strengths and limitations to help each other to be the best they can be. It is amazing how Nigerians work and support each other. They are always looking out for each other. Here in Zambia, it's different, there is very little or no sharing of skills and knowledge. Hopefully, that will change and artists will be willing to work together and share skills and knowledge.

For me Caleb Chisha, l want people to see what l can offer through my art. This is why l am selective in choosing subjects or topics for my work. I am proud of my country and want to represent it everywhere l go. My art carries beautiful African stories which people can see. l look forward to seeing the impact of my work on society.

People can find me on Facebook and Instagram - Caleb Chisha My number is public for anyone to access it, you can also find it on my page Caleb Chisha Art - +260 97 8669646 Anyone is welcome to make contact. Those interested in learning how to paint can get in touch with me."

Interviewed By DrThembieTanya +263719765521 madziwathembie@gmail.com

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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ARTIST LOUNGE II:

Nhetembo

kubva pakutanga

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VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

ARTIST LOUNGE II:

GENERAL FIRE COLOSO NHETEMBO KUBVA PAKUTANGA

General Fire Coloso: nhetembo kunyika dzese

S

zvinhu zvako wega. Hatina rukurudziro rwatinowana nekuti hakuna vanotitarisa mukushanda kwedu. Hakuna munhu anonyatsonzwisisa mafambiro anoita chipo chekuva nyanduri.”

"General Fire Coloso ndiMighty Mahembe akazvarwa musi wa 31 Zvita, gore ra1995.

Ndakaenda kuzvikoro zvinonzi Matedzi primary nepaNyangande secondary kuChiredzi. 'A' level ndakaitira kuZaka paTapudzai High school. Ndichizvarwa, ndaingova nyanduri. Kuchikoro ndaingodetemba, nedzimwe nguva ndaitomborohwa nekuti nhetembo dzangu dzaive nemusikanzwa mukati. Rwendo rwacho runorwadza haro nekuti unenge uchiita

“Sanyanduri, ndakaona zviri nyore kuita MC. Ndinongoti kuvaMC ndiko kubasa kwangu chaiko. Nyanduri munhu anotaura uye asingafanire kupererwa nezvekutaura. Ini ndingati ndakakwanisa kuziva zvinodiwa nevanhu panzvimbo dzakasiyana. Maitiro aunoita panochemwa akasiyana nezvaunoita parikufarwa. Vanhu vanoti ndinotaura shona yakanaka asi ini ndinoti inogona iri nyaya yekwandakakurira. Ndakakurira nzvimbo inotaurwa Shona yakadzika zvekuti pamwe pacho unotoshamisika uchinzwa mashoko matsva.”

"

hungu dzake kumutsa nhetembo kubva kumarinda. Hazvigumiri ipapo, nekutodziyendesa mberi kwekumberi kusvika dzava nembiri.” Ndakaita hurukuro naGeneral Fire Coloso, nyanduri anembiri yekurudunura nhetembo nerurimi rwaamai.

Inzwai hurukuro yandakaita naye:

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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ARTIST LOUNGE II:

GENERAL FIRE COLOSO NHETEMBO KUBVA PAKUTANGA

Mukunyora kwangu, ndakanyora detembo rinonzi, 'Kudenga kuchanorobwa vanhu', ingava yakabata vanhu. Detembo iroro ndakatorinyora ndakagara hangu uye ndaizama kubuditsa nyaya yezvatinoita.

Detembo iri harina chekuita nevanhu vandaitaura imomo. Ndaiedza kufunga kuti zvatinoita pasi pano, ko tikanobatirwa shamhu tikarohwa.

Ndakaedza kuita kuti vanhu vakasike kubata nyaya yacho, ndosaka ndakaisa mazita evanhu vane mukurumbira. Vanhu vakauya vachibvunza kuti, 'ko hama dzevanhu wawataura vakauya kwauri unotii?' ndikati vanhu ivavo ndotovateerera uye handizvo zvandaireva.

Murwendo rwangu ndingati ndinoda kusvika pakuti poetry ikure zvekuti vanhu vanotigamuchira muZimbabwe. Ndine shungu dzekuti vachada kupinda murwendo iroro vasvike basa rakawanda raitwa uye vangopinda vakapinda. Ndine shungu yekuti tikure zvekudaro. Ndiri actor zvakare saka ndingangoti handisi nyanduri chete murwendo mangu.

Mukufamba kwangu ndine shungu dzekuti makore anoteera ndive ndakura. Hazvingandifadze kuti ndikure ini ndega, asi iyo industry ngaikure ive ichionekwa nevanhu vese. Shungu ndedzekuti mafarirwo anoitwa mhanzi ndiwo mafarirwo anofanira kuitwa nhetembo.

Kune vachada kupinda mukuita nhetembo kana vagara varimo ndinoti, pabasa hapatambirwe. Hakuna chinhu chinotanga chisina kutanga. Anotanga nechinhu ndini, ndiwe, ndisu.

Munokwanisa kundibata pa Facebook sa: General Fire Coloso YouTube neInstagram: General Fire Coloso official."

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

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VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

ARTIST LOUNGE II:

LET'S VOTE

Let's make Caleb Chisha's dream come true, by nominating him for Best painting artist of the year simply fill out the form and write Caleb Chisha on the Nominee and Zambia on Nominee Country Click here or go to https://www.zikomoawards.com/ to nominate Appreciate Art by making this viral. Thank you.

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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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 48

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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: 12.06.2022

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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: 12.06.2022

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: 12.06.2022

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

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YOUNG INFLUENTIAL LEADERS:

LEAVE NO ONE

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BEHIND VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

YOUNG INFLUENTIAL LEADERS: NOUR HAMMAD LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND

TAKING A STEP TOWARDS EQUAL ACCESS TO A BETTER CHANCE AT LIFE

W

hen we only live once there are basic things that we need as humans and this writer caught up with one such young person who understands and takes action in trying to help and inspire the world.

Nour take it away; “My name is Nour Hammad, a Palestinian refugee from Lebanon. My hometown is Saida. I’m a Registered Dietician, and I received my BS in Nutrition and dietetics from the American University of Beirut.

Aside from academics, I like travelling, walking, and watching movies and series.

I recently graduated with a Master of Science in Global Health from Duke University. I have always been intrigued by the health issues that were in my surrounding, which made me more interested in the health field in the first place. What infuriated me was the inequality in access to health care and how that leads to unnecessary preventable loss of lives worldwide.

That is why I decided to take this a step further and learn ways how I can, through VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

academics, help improve the health field and try to make health care accessible to all individuals, regardless of whom they are or where they come from. I also joined the field in an attempt to prevent deaths stemming from nutrition-related health issues, such as malnutrition including both the obesity epidemic and under-nutrition among others.

What inspires me is wanting to do better and become a better person who wants to make a positive change in her community.

I see my people struggling daily; struggling to afford their basic needs including water and food, struggling to find jobs – as Palestinian refugees face many work restrictions in Lebanon, and struggling to travel decently – given that we have travel documents instead of passports, which is why we get stopped at airports for a rather long time – struggling to live in a country that should feel like home, but doesn’t. Palestinian refugees are my inspiration. Seeing their resilience and perseverance gives me hope and helps me be determined to be resilient and perseverant myself.

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YOUNG INFLUENTIAL LEADERS: NOUR HAMMAD LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND

This past year l was a teaching assistant and a research assistant.

Hence, I learnt so much and working both jobs helped me grow on so many different levels: as a researcher, as a teacher, and most importantly as a person. Through my research, I worked on in-depth interviews, which highlighted to me the importance of listening to others and understanding their perspectives. I mean, how can we help society if we fail to understand its needs and utilize its assets? Hence, it’s important to do so by communicating with the society members, given the ethical considerations of course. Through my teaching assistantship, I also fully realized the importance of transferring knowledge to passionate and dedicated individuals, who are students - eager to know more and want to have a big impact one day. This knowledge transfer can be an inspiration and can help equip them with the tools needed to make that impact. Another thing I learnt was to be generous with what you know because your knowledge can help someone else help you make a difference.

To be a young leader, it takes dedication, determination, and hard work.

I would also say good communication and time-management skills are necessary and are aspects that a leader would continuously work on improving. I think learning should never stop, and we should always strive to learn more, so we can grow. But it is also important to take time for ourselves so that we can efficiently do our work. At the end of the day, we’re just individuals hoping to do more, and it’s easy to focus a lot of our energy on one thing and get burnt out.

Growing up, l have been very fortunate enough because Allah has blessed me with very supportive family and friends. They always had my back, which is why I wouldn’t change a single thing. And this support system has always been very important in my thought process when making any decision as well. Hence, I rarely regret any of the decisions I make. I also have always been a critical thinker, and I like to spend some time thinking before making any decision, up to this day. So no, I would change nothing in my life if l were to go back in time.

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YOUNG INFLUENTIAL ARTIST LOUNGE LEADERS: III: NINA 'THE NOUR BUS HAMMAD DRIVER' THE JOURNEY BEGINS WHEN YOU LEAVE CATCH NOTHEM ONE BEHIND YOUNG

As a young person, yes I do believe in peer pressure. If you do not choose the right peers, your peers can be exhausting or toxic, for the lack of a better word, and steer you in a direction that is different from the one you wanted or the one you even deserve. I think that it is neither a weakness nor a strength because it depends on what the situation is. In some cases, peer pressure can help one grow, while in other cases can limit your growth in others. So, I think it all depends on who you choose to surround yourself with and who will help or support you to stay on the right track and help you grow.

Hence, surround yourself with a loving and supporting community and don’t be hard on yourself. Do not give up on yourself or others, take your time and relax whenever you can because you only live once, and be open to new experiences. These are a few things that come to mind, but I certainly am growing myself and learning new things along the way.

And thank you for giving me this opportunity to tell my story”.

Interview By DrThembieTanya madziwathembie@gmail.com +263719675521 VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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57

ARTIST LOUNGE III:

Love!

A beauty in the eyes of the beholder

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ARTIST LOUNGE III: RICHIE INNOCENT LOVE! A BEUATY IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

Friends in matrimony

M

any a story has been told, of how friendship can turn into enmity and how friends have consistently betrayed each other for the love of pain. That is the tale of Judas Iscariot and Jesus but, at times, the tale is proven not fateful. The story of Richie Innocent portrays the tale and tells us how friends can become matrimonially engaged and spend time together.

Meeting up with him, he had plenty to say:

“People meet for different reasons and get to know each other for different reasons as well. I met up with my wife for our own different reasons and our knowledge of each other happened out of an introduction by a friend who had a relationship with her. We then had a long standing friendship when she became God mother to my niece. This began a close bond that was built on giving advice when life was rocky.

The friendship went on until the time we became lovers and later on got married.

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We have been married for three years now and time seems to be moving rapidly, especially when I did not think of traditional marriage as an option. Later on, I realized that once you are respectful, understanding, loving and cherishing each other, the union blossoms and becomes stronger by bearing fruits of mutual joy.

Maturity plays a major part in the stage where togetherness and going forward depend on your scope and perspective of life based on experience gathered through learning to become responsible.

Being married changed a lot or perhaps I can say, upgraded me. My wife is very supportive and wants to see me become the best that I can be. I can say, I am always being prodded to rise and shine so that the world can see my talent and do what God has sent me to do through the gift I possess. So with that, marriage has without a doubt impacted my art and my life positively.

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ARTIST LOUNGE III: RICHIE INNOCENT LOVE! A BEUATY IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

Being married and an artist at the same time has been a cause of concern to some artists but not for me. Issues arise that are sprung forth mainly with the wife feeling like attention is lacking as she sees her husband around people and some of them being female. I do not have an issue concerning worrying about being around female fans since my wife knows that is the nature of the industry. She also understands that I have to spend time with my art and always tells me to show what I can do. She encourages me to be organized, launch projects and write a book of my own even though I have been reluctant and stubborn. She is my cheerleader who I am happy to have in my life especially since me being easy-going. I believe that things will eventually happen with God as the centre of whatever I do, therefore being competitive and combative are never my favourite things and my wife is there to remind me to stay focused. She taught me to have faith in our marriage and work, since one without the other means death to progress.

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ARTIST LOUNGE III: RICHIE INNOCENT LOVE! A BEUATY IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

Many people have failed to cope with the pressures of fame and end their marriages prematurely. Many get divorced and unfortunately, this is a problem we must face like anyone else. Artistes are a part of society and marriage is also for us. It is how we deal with our relationships in marriage and what we expose ourselves to, that may become a factor in enhancing or destroying our bond in this age of giving too much information on social media and getting carried away by false attention. It happens every day in real life and although some people struggle with mental barriers concerning marriage, this is a situation where being a public person can carry a heavier burden. Sometimes being apart

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can affect a union, but again different strokes for different folks determines if absence makes the heart grow fonder. If love is the driving force and the core, then I see no problem with the availability of apps and technology that puts us together through video calling for example.

Maturity is also a plus for successful relationships and feeling secure can prevent trust issues from destroying happiness.

We all have disagreements, but deep roots will weather the hurricanes that blow through life from time to time. Many have resorted to washing dirty laundry on social media.

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ARTIST LOUNGE III: RICHIE INNOCENT LOVE! A BEUATY IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

This is happening frequently because we are in the era of technology and a great number of users will abuse it for junk attention. They tend to cross the line to the detriment and death of our personal lives and relationships and these are consequences we have to face. Yes, it seems to be the norm where some artists are caught up in scandalous situations for views.

However, how we view ourselves may not be worth lowering our standards for an effervescent moment that fizzles away like soda and has no surety for a positive outcome, but is just one more attempt to feed the attention monster.

A lot of people debate over the role of children who have an artist for a parent. I believe children, for the most part, want to be like their parents especially if they are excited by their career path and profession. I think as they grow older they have the 62

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ARTIST LOUNGE III: RICHIE INNOCENT LOVE! A BEUATY IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

right to pursue their passion and calling. What I as the parent want them to do, is not of their concern since it is not my responsibility to decide for them. I have a duty to teach them about life and the rocky road they may encounter along the way so that they will be prepared in times of pressure or disappointment. Everyone must make individual steps for it to be their journey. All we must do is support them once they are ready.

I would like to advise fellow artists in marriage and those who want to be married. Regardless of the stories out there and the horrible experiences of people who were and are still married and the divorce rate; marriage is what you make it and it is a beautiful thing if it is a bond of love and not of convenience. I never envisioned myself making that walk down the aisle and did not believe in the traditional marriage, but I took the leap of love in good faith and gratitude goes to God. Marriage is God’s plan for us all and once you find love, just take the leap and prepare for the plunge knowing that love conquers all disagreements. Life has issues, but the solution is knowing we are ready for the vows we made. Give marriage a try and put fear aside.

For me, friendship played a very important role in our togetherness because we got an opportunity to learn our likes and dislikes at a time when we were not even expressing romantic love for each other. We never foresaw getting together.

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

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ARTIST LOUNGE IV:

A team-building and

bottom up approach

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ARTIST LOUNGE IV: HERBERT CHIBVONGODZE MAKONI A TEAM BULDING AND BOTTOM UP APPROACH

Seeding small groups of creative missionaries in Art

H

erbert Chibvongodze Makoni, is a 33-year-old artist born and bred in Kadoma, Zimbabwe. In the interview presented below, he speaks about photography and the arts organisation he serves, the Creative Lounge Trust.

"Photography is an art form which makes use of light to draw and create images.

It is a discipline where one can express himself/herself through pictures. When I was at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) studying Creative Art, I discovered that I was more inclined toward photography than any other discipline. Whenever I take pictures, be it landscapes or portraits, I always want to embody the peaceful aspect of the subject of healing and reconciliation. I think sometimes God inspires us to take certain steps or paths in life without knowing the reason why. We follow in that leading of the spirit.

My greatest inspiration came when I was VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

doing my internship at the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe where I saw the Gwanza exhibition and the Bamako opening. It dawned on me that photography was something I wanted to do."

"I joined the Creative Lounge Trust in 2014 April. The lounge was an idea which was presented by the Principal Director Ms Laura Fungai Ganda, who had exposure and an affinity to develop the administrative part of the art side to artists and art managers. When she sold the idea to me, I jumped on it immediately. She is one of the many trustees of the organisation. The organization itself started in 2012 but was officially launched and registered in 2014. The mission of the trust is to develop, promote and groom artistic talent. We also offer consultative services on festivals and events in the art industry. Our team is equipped with vast experience in the arts sector."

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ARTIST LOUNGE IV: HERBERT CHIBVONGODZE MAKONI A TEAM BULDING AND BOTTOM UP APPROACH

"We offer varying services like research, team-building, art development, exhibition management, consultancy and networking.

Our value is 'putting artists in the centre of our development.' We assist artists to make the highest possible revenue from their works to secure their futures and that of their families. We seek to establish and build more connections outside Zimbabwe and build regional networks and programs for artists. Basically, The Creative Lounge is a place of innovation where we think inside and outside the box. The lounge is a place of ideation brainstorming, so anything creative or artistic is found there."

"The creative industry is experiencing a growth phase. It has potential despite the inadequate funding for the developmental stage in schools and higher institutions. A lot needs to be done. Galleries are few in number and small towns do not have a representation. Needed is more financing to bridge the gap. The Vansa Report on art infrastructure highlighted these concerns. We need to encourage networking within and outside the industry to build proper infrastructure and invite skilled personnel from every level so as to achieve the goal. Other parts of Africa are doing well namely Nigeria and South Africa. They have a vibrant industry that is channelling sustainable income to players be it fashion, film, photography, etc. In Zimbabwe opportunities are few, therefore we need to work hard to create smooth capital injection in the acquisition of materials, and sound infrastructure and to sustain quality disposable income for artists. We need to invest in talent. There are many people leaving the country for the UK, USA or Europe to pursue cinema66

tography and other art forms. It is sad to lose talent in such a way. We need to work on creating a conducive environment where one can do his/her art and make revenue. We also need to facilitate knowledge transfer and lay the foundation for the generations to come."

"Over the years we have contributed immensely to art development, in all its aspects both administrative and participatory. Our portfolio is focused more on knowledge sharing, and sending people to school fellowships and residencies. Therefore, our main focus is going into a more participatory mood where we take the art to the people in a more packaged and diversified manner. The online platform is now the new normal with the advancement of Zoom and technology. Our use of metadata helped us reach more people by sharing our opportunities."

"At the Creative Lounge Trust we believe more in partnership and programming, interactively and face-to-face. We work with small groups which then move on and make an impact on other individuals and share the knowledge. It is more of a movement-building approach which is practically bottom up. We earmark quality earnings and effective markets for our services. Sound networking and provision of resources through the hub setup is a critical issue pertaining to how we do things."

"One of the challenges we face is the financing of our programs and grassroots activities. In the past, we have worked with organizations and a lot of individuals, too many to mention by name, who have come VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

ARTIST LOUNGE IV: HERBERT CHIBVONGODZE MAKONI A TEAM BULDING AND BOTTOM UP APPROACH

forward to help the trust financially and in building morale. I, however, should hasten to mention that we have been part of the ACTIVISTA movement, which is a branch of Action Aid where there has been an appreciation for creative young people. On a personal note, this has provided opportunities for me on different platforms, to network, share and develop."

"One of my areas of speciality is writing about artists, especially upcoming ones. This resulted in the formation of the Art Board Creative magazine which was first pronounced and uploaded on issuu. com on 14 August 2020. The magazine is aimed at covering in-depth stories about artists and giving them a voice. This helps artists to come together and harness their artistic skills and knowledge. The magazine is available to everyone digitally to have access to as many people as possible. It is all about creatives, crafts industrial design, and so much more."

"The future holds what you believe and as a trust, we believe that the expansion and growth of the organisation will result in the increment opportunities for all involved. As a unified body of creative individuals, we are happy to embrace what the future holds. The field is already ripe and it is up to individuals to build themselves and their art and make their mark in the industry. The 4th industrial revolution is coming.

How are you positioning yourself as creative? We have to always be readily available to work. The best thing is to work together and not compete. Knowledge sharing is essential."

With the closing remark above, Herbert solidified prospects as led by Creative Lounge Trust an arts organisation he represents.To reach either him or the organization, feel free to make use of the following contact details: Twitter @chibvongodzeh Meta @creativeloungetrust Cell +263 77 787 4555 Interviewed by Brian Manyati tawandamanyati@gmail.com +263772815211

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If I read it!

68

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Then everyone will read it!

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69

WORDS IN VERSE III:

A CONVERSATION WITH

CHIP WILLIFORD

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WORDS IN VERSE III:

POETRY ANALYSIS CHIP WILLIFORD

OF IDENTITY AND SELF

I

am a son of a Pentecostal minister and a former preschool teacher turned homemaker. Born near the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, but grew up in geographic locations across America, including South Carolina, Ohio and New York due to my father’s work in ministry. I am a writer of prose, poetry, and short stories and proud to be the Director of Poetry Street and Poetry Street On The Road. I also co-host a monthly poetry reading with Emmy Award-winning Maggie Bloomfield who is the author of Sleepless Nights . Apart from writing, I am also a photographer, videographer, filmmaker, documentarian, family historian, researcher, good listener, and a relatable storyteller.

Poetry is a huge part of who I am. It comes from a very special place, a small place tucked away within my heart. That special 'SAFE' space is where art is created and born. It is in us all, because God put it there.

I am a huge fan of J. R Turek aka “The Purple Poet”, SpoFest and other venues which welcome poets on all levels.

My first encounter with poetry and prose was through my mother who introduced me to Langton Hughes’ poem Mother To VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

Son as we listened to National Public Radio in her old Rambler. My mother, very concerned as I expressed my frustrations with being bullied for my speech impediment by my peers, sat me in her car for another talk. Sticks and Bones wasn’t enough to suppress my feeling of self-isolation and anger. Instead of fighting, my mother encouraged me to find other ways to channel my pain. She told me Langston Hughes was one of her favourite writers.

She also told me the story of when she was a small child, and how she was bullied by a big red rooster, who seemed to wait for her and chased her every day as she walked home alone after following her older siblings to school. She made me laugh as she told me how happy she was when the rooster was killed. Then she started to recite Langton Hughes’ Dreams as an attempt to help me find an outlet to channel my anger and frustration. I began to write short stories, prose, and poetry. To this day I feel my earlier work was exceptionally powerful, unfortunately, my childhood writing was destroyed in a house fire.

I was first published in Volume 4, Issue 1 January 1995 of the SBC Magazine, with Stanley Bennett Clay as the Publisher and Editor-In-Chief. It was a romantic fiction 71

WORDS IN VERSE III: POETRY ANALYSIS CHIP WILLIFORD

called From That Moment On . I also published I Got Your Mail in the May/ June 1996, the latest take on lovers lust and little black lives. I was so honoured to be a contributing writer in Oh! What a Ride" 50 Years in the Airline Travel Industry by author Rev. ElTyna McCree in 2016. My poem Thoughts of a Mongoose was selected for publication in the Nassau County Poet Laureate Society Review, Vol. VIII, 2020, an anthology of poems. Most recently, my poem titled America, I See was published in the Performance Poets Association 25th Annual Literary Review and To My Siblings was published in The Sailors Review, Issue #58.

TWO FACED I see you standing there looking, glaring, staring at me But you don’t realize that it’s not really me that you see You think you know who i am but it’s not true Because the true me will never be revealed to you I don‘t trust you when you say it’s okay To be myself or go ahead do it anyway Sure you laugh and smile in my face While you keep a bird in the bush just in case Low down dirty shame You think i don’t know who to blame I won’t mention your name But i assure you that i’ll beat you at your own game It’s stupid, dumb, silly and dull Messing with me is as dangerous as the crossbone and skull Don’t cross me or you’ll be sorry you did And remember that nothing is forever hid So think about that very carefully As you stand there looking at me By Chip Williford 72

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WORDS IN VERSE III:

POETRY ANALYSIS CHIP WILLIFORD

Complexity, nuance and duality are premise elements of my poem Two faced . When people have been victimized and are powerless in varied situations, instinctively we find ways to fight for ourselves.

We protect ourselves by simultaneously deflecting, especially when burdened with pain. Being two faced has a negative stigma that no one wants to be associated with, but in this case the person in judgement is reluctantly and forcefully beginning to see themselves.

Perception of oneself is an amalgamation of various factors which result in one being “two faced” or literally having "two faces."

Simply put I would say, in our struggle to survive we are not always going to be kind, balanced, equitable or even sane. In other instances, as alluded to by the first stanza, line 4 we are then driven into a state of hiding due to a fear of being seen. However, “Nothing is forever hid.” This being an ominous threat and not excluding even myself. It is complex. Nothing is forever hid, is based upon one’s own fear and the weight of carrying secrets that get heavier VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

with time. It seems impactful to threaten an enemy with what we ourselves fear most.

There is not only one way to do things, because in our lives we experience life differently. Hence, what I discover is new meaning, and depth is constantly being revealed to me. You can access more of my poems, prose and short stories on YouTube as well as on my website chipwilliford.com. Also, on poetrystreetontheroad.com there are archival videos of our Zoom Poetry Readings, which I am honoured to co-host with Emmy award winner, playwright, actor, poet and author Maggie Bloomfield.

Interviewed by sibuco +27622017810 sibucohubcreatives@gmail.com

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ARTIST LOUNGE V:

The

Expressionist: quit noT,

be you

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ARTIST LOUNGE V:

T.A. NILES THE EXPRESSIONIST: QUIT NOT, BE YOU

What do you do when your notion of poetry ain't the widely accepted view?

W

ithin the arts fraternity, only a few men and women stand out as outliers, well above the normal average. They hold the acclaim to call themselves how and whatever they want, uncontested simply because they deserve it, earned it and are not afraid to show up. Occasioned was a rare meeting with T. A. Niles, the expressionist. In the conversation, he expressed who and what he is. By the time the conversation ended, he convincingly had driven the ball home.

"The term 'poetic expression' came out of the discrepancy between my thoughts about poetry and what the rest of the world regards as poetry. I try to represent what I experience as authentically as I can while grappling, dancing, and flirting with the fickleness of language. I try to touch the audience in some meaningful way, to tug smiles from lips, to furrow a brow in thought, to begin the thawing of an icy heart. But ultimately, I am begging the audience to see pieces of the world through my foggy lenses."

"I don’t think of myself as an artist. Perhaps VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

because I struggle with labelling myself.

I value creativity in any form because creativity equals constructive contribution to the human collective and beyond.

I perceive growth and development of the individual and the collective as being among the highest forms of the contribution we can make to the cosmos as humanity."

"I hope my poetic expressions reflect freedom and facility with words and ideas and authenticity of self-expression. My expressions tend to lean toward social commentary, sometimes subtly and sometimes in a strident manner. My poetic expressions are more-message-than-art oriented, but I strive to marry the message and art in poetic expression."

"I wish I could say that I 'chose' poetry, but that would be a taut rubber band of a claim. It would be more accurate to say that I found myself on this path through cosmic decree more than conscious choice. Although I dabbled with a local poetry group in 2020, it was the first such foray for me and neither the group nor I was fully invested."

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"My audiobook production of Hiram Larew’s Mud Ajar in 2021 cleared this path to the poetic realm, and that was almost one year ago. Prior to that, I had been writing poetic expressions to loved ones since my teenage years. In addition, I have typically written about interesting people whose paths I have crossed and about my struggles to navigate the 'hostile environment' of social existence."

"As a youth, I formed an idea of poetry that doesn’t appear consistent with what poetry is today. Sometime in 1983, I realized that my notion of poetry was not the widely accepted view of poetry. That was when 'poetry' and I divorced. I was listening to a poetry show on the radio and was planning on entering a poetry contest. However, what I heard on the show convinced me that the effort would be futile. It was just another instance of the world at large and I colliding."

"Prior to participating in the Stroll of Poets 30/30 Challenge this past April, my poetic writings have usually been expressions of emotions, observations and wonderings about the world around me— particularly the world comprised of humans and their relationships. I do not usually write about flora and fauna."

"I don’t typically read poetry publications, but when I came across The Sailors Review (TSR) I was impressed by its quality and content. Its diversity, inclusiveness, range of artistic talent, layout, images, content (and so much more) stood out to me. In the 90s I wrote for a music magazine and in the first decade of the 2000s, I wrote for tennis magazines. Therefore, I do have 76

some experience with publishing. And, yes, I found the quality of TSR quite inspiring!"

"Rick Lupert’s Poetry Super Highway (PSH) and Phynne Belle’s (Tricia De Jesus-Gutierrez) Linktree site are inspirational! Both are led by individuals whose poetry I find inspiring and are excellent resources for someone new to the poetry scene. I am inspired by multiple poets for different reasons: the simple yet powerful subtlety of Rick Lupert’s work; the lyrical, folksy, mind-twisting creativity of Hiram Larew; the fierce and fearless punch of VaChikepe the Poet, Lawan Bulatao, and James Evert Jones; J R Turek’s incredible range of style and subject; the melodic flow of Cheryl Latif; Robert Dean’s command of language and so much more. Recently, I heard Patricia Smith read her work and that reading will never leave me. Every attribute of the above poets was evident in her work and presentation. When I listened to her, I felt like my concept of poetry had been embodied and confirmed."

"My commentary about Mud Ajar or other works comes from what I experience while reading and/or listening and not from 'craft.' I think 'craft' refers to a learned and practised skill that I haven’t yet learned. I try to focus on using words to express and share my experience of the artist’s work, and hope what I write will resonate with another’s experience and stimulate new experiences."

"My process includes fully engaging with a poet’s work, paying attention to what it’s saying and how, assessing whether it has stirred emotion, prompted pondering, or stimulated some unforeseen response within me. This is the criteria I use for VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

ARTIST LOUNGE V:

T.A. NILES THE EXPRESSIONIST: QUIT NOT, BE YOU

assessing and responding to poetic and other works of art. What the work is doing to and for me with its concepts, words, rhythm, are my primary criteria for assessing and responding and I do not need to 'learn' that. Commentary comes when I look within and let what the work has done within me speak."

"I have produced just six audiobooks, so I don’t consider myself an expert. However, my personal perspective is that the more senses we can bring to bear in absorbing something, the better our chances of comprehending the thing. If I can touch, taste, see, hear, and feel a thing, I’m likely to have a better understanding of it than if I use fewer senses to consume it."

"Most of the time, I want my expressions to be as accessible as possible, while still resonating poetically. I think I am better able to communicate if what I am trying

to communicate is heard as well as seen."

"Generally, I prefer to use language to communicate rather than obfuscate, to use language to share an experience rather than snare perceptions. That last sentence emphasizes the tension and contradiction between my desire to express myself clearly and expressing myself in a way that straddles the precision of prose and the myriad possibilities of poetic expression.

My desire to say precisely what I mean battles with my desire to give the reader some wiggle room to wander and ponder the potential multiple meanings. Both elements are usually important when I am trying to express myself poetically."

"When consuming a poet’s work, reading and listening give me a better grasp of the author’s intent. If the work is successful, my mind can follow the author’s trail or blaze a new one in response. It can also prompt me to exercise my mental and emotional muscles to stay on the author’s trail. Yes, consuming a poetic work in audio-visual combination offers a more complete experience than either alone."

"The older I get, the more I stay away from a single 'best' way to do things. 'Best' will be influenced by one’s value system and sensibilities. The most accurate answer I can give is that the best way to do things depends. It depends on the poet’s objectives and abilities."

"The 'best' way to share your poetry audibly is whatever way allows the work to do what you want it to do. If you have a bad memory, memorization might not be the best method. If you have a great memory, then recitation from memory might be

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ARTIST LOUNGE V:

T.A. NILES THE EXPRESSIONIST: QUIT NOT, BE YOU

best. I guess the 'best' way to deliver poetry audibly is to consider your strengths and weaknesses, your potential environment and audiences, then decide what is likely to work best in each situation."

"I have never been to a poetry slam, but I have done poetic expressions in person, in audio format and audio-visual format.

Regardless of format, my intent when sharing a poetic expression is to come as close as I can to evoking and conveying whatever the piece is trying to evoke and convey. To do that, I consider the piece in its fullness, but first and foremost in my mind is the purpose of the piece."

"In evaluating another’s performance, the first criterion to take note of is clarity.

Was I able to understand what was being expressed? Other aspects to consider are language, volume, diction, accent, etc.

Sometimes when dealing with translations, like you have done on SailorsTranslate!, I listen for tone, timbre and pace. Does the piece seem to flow? Is it pleasing to the ear? Ultimately, how moved I am by the expression, externally and internally, will determine how I evaluate the audible delivery of a piece."

"Regarding length, most venues I have attended prescribe time limits and that determines the length of a poetic presentation. If you are writing for a specific event, pay attention to the time limits and write accordingly or choose already written pieces that conform to the time constraints. When writing for myself, the piece dictates. Writing for a specific event, I wrestle it for control."

"Sorry, but I can’t identify what my two best 78

poetic expressions are, I don’t know what 'literary meaning' is, and I am not familiar enough with literary devices to give you a meaningful answer here. I haven’t studied literature and literary devices. Unless I am responding to a writing prompt or trying to write one of the types of poems I am learning about (e.g., nonet, Haiku), I write to express my thoughts, feelings, and observations authentically in whatever way feels right for that expression.."

"That said, there are a few expressions, different in intent and character, I have written recently that I like. They contain the most common elements of my poetic writing: alliteration, rhyme, and wordplay.

Rhyme is something you don’t need much training to recognize, and I did learn long ago what alliteration was because it often appeared in what I wrote. I’ve recently begun including repetition as a 'device' when I feel it adds something to the expression."

"There are probably elements of my poetic writing that someone who studies poetry could point out, which I wouldn’t be able to identify. I am just really starting to play with how expressions look in print, because the look of a piece has seldom been important to me. I am also just learning the appropriate names for things that I have done in writing for a long time."

"A recent expression that I like is called Silken Shackles. This piece attempts to question the true nature of bondage, regardless of what the constraints are made of. I don’t know what 'type of poem' it is… and I wonder why the name or type matters. Substance matters more than VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

ARTIST LOUNGE V:

T.A. NILES THE EXPRESSIONIST: QUIT NOT, BE YOU

form to me. I did play with the appearance of this one in an attempt to make it look more like the poetry I’ve encountered these past 11 months. That made its pages longer than it would have been had I left it as it was originally written." (read the poem under the Poetry From America section, page ) "Another I like is Mirror Hugs because it expresses some of my struggle with ageing and hints at my relationship with Stephanie, my beloved. It might be considered a prose poem."

"And one other piece that is different from the other two, called Gibberish Gjourney oh , was written just for fun. I don’t know how to categorize that piece either, but it has lots of wordplay, rhyme, and alliteration."

"I don’t know what people in the poetry arena consider “best practices,” and I don’t know if I would advise young poets to adopt them. My best practice is to write authentically, to remain focused on what my purpose is, and strive to determine whether I am accomplishing my objectives."

the reader, I’m satisfied."

With the above we safely can conclude that when expressionism is what you know best, it appears everything Art, poetry included, is as easy as a, b, c. Make no apology about it.

Online Presence: Facebook: T. A.’s YouTube Channel: Twitter: LinkedIn: Poetic Expressions Blog: Social Commentary Blog: Golf Blog: Tennis Blog: Audiobook Narration: ACX Audiobook Narrator Profile The Onyx Renaissance on Amazon Findaway Audiobook Narrator Profile Mud Ajar on Amazon Interviewed by Brian Manyati tawandamanyati@gmail.com +263772815211

"Yet, most folks, especially young folks, are trying to get published, so knowing what the best practices are in the field would be wise. I, however, am trying to express and communicate authentically in ways that reflect who I am and how I see the world. If a poetic expression is for public consumption, as long as I can feel that I’ve expressed myself authentically and poetically while considering the sensibilities of VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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WHEN MUSIC IS YOUR EVERY BREATH: 80

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ARTIST LOUNGE VI:

GINJAH WHEN MUSIC IS YOUR EVERY BREATH

Ginjah The Reggae Soulman

G

injah The Reggae Soulman is a soulful powerful divine singer who believes music has the ability to heal the world and bring about positive change. When distinguishing the authenticity of reggae music, my stance is that if it’s reggae, it’s authentic. There are no two ways about it. I believe reggae music brings awareness and spiritual awakening. To be an 'authentic reggae' musician, I emulate the likes of Garnet Silk and Beres Hammond. They are my source of inspiration.

The experience and knowledge I got from Mr Beres Hammond, moulded me into the artist that I am today. It led and taught me to become an excellent singer and songwriter. As an artist, I do not make hybrid music. My music is authentic, original and pure reggae. To date, I have an album called Reggae Soulman. I write and sing my music from the soul. Thus came the title of the album Reggae Soulman. I do not make music to survive or stay relevant in the industry and be famous or for money.

I make music for the love of it. I was born to do music and it lives in me.

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

I represent black liberation, black consciousness and the teachings of Hale Selassie 1. I believe my origin stems from the continent of Africa and I have always been in search of what is true and of my identity. In my quest, I gathered wisdom, knowledge and understanding. In the process, I stumbled upon the Rastafarian movement which I found to be in line with my thinking and beliefs. Who I am, reflects in my music. I am now more aware and involved in black consciousness. Another issue that has contributed to my awareness is the fact that I live in the West. As black people, we need to break the chains put by our oppressors, claim our freedom and be heard. I encourage people to discover and know who they are and understand their origin to make a change in the world.

I wrote and sang the song Ginjah sweet killer in 2013. The song was produced by Silliworks in Germany. In my view and in line with the lyrical content of this song, l believe the current generation is very much different from the old school type of artists. Some of their lyrical content has 81

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"Music is my life. Every breath I take is music" ~Ginjah become more daring and explicit for my liking. They have lost our culture and are influenced by the trends in the media and music industry. However, the talent is there.

Selfish is my latest single. The song speaks of selfishness. Selfishness is a disease. There are selfish people in this world who care about nothing but themselves. I strongly believe sharing is caring. I was raised by my grandmother to be a kind, caring and sympathetic individual. Therefore, I do not condone selfishness as presented in the song. People can rid themselves of the disease by choosing to learn to love others. Of all the songs l have sung, ‘Never lost my way’ is my favourite. The reason is I never let my condition or situation define who I am.

Unfortunately, I have managed to perform once in Africa. I performed in Kenya. It was a great feeling and experience. The audience knew every song that I have ever sung throughout my career, word by word. I was surprised because I did not know I had a huge following in Kenya. I am more of an old-school type of person. My favourite African artist is Lucky Dube. I love his songs because they are laden with positive and wise words. I am open to doing a collaboration with any artist from the continent of Africa because I believe we are all one.

In the future, I look forward to touring the African continent and releasing more uplifting reggae music. My advice to young artists is that practising social responsibility is important. Disregarding social responsibility may damage one's brand image and posterity. Do not limit yourself.

Follow Ginjah on social media: Ginjahmusic@twitter Ginjahthereggaesoulman@instagram Ginjahmusic@facebook Interviewed by DrThembieTanya madziwathembie@gmail.com +263719675521 82

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ARTIST LOUNGE VI:

GINJAH WHEN MUSIC IS YOUR EVERY BREATH

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BY SIGH 84

PAINTING In this issue we dive deep into the world of art, specifically painting. Painting is a way of self expression and a means to communicate one’s feelings in an unrestricted way. These are some of the photographs from various painters from across the world. There is a saying that goes “a picture is worth a thousand words”.

Well a painting is worth a million.

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

BY SIGHT: PHOTO BY RHONDAK NATIVE FLORIDA FOLK ARTIST

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BY SIGHT:

PHOTO BY MARKUS-SPISKE 86

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BY SIGHT: PHOTO BY NICK-FEWINGS

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BY SIGHT:

PHOTO BY STEVE JOHNSON 88

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BY SIGHT:

PHOTO BY TIMON KLAUSER VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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THE NARRATIVE : AT THE END OF A CORRIDOR

ART, a Utopic Abstraction

A

rt depicts the raging storm residing in our inner core. Those suppressed emotions that run out of control. Utopic abstraction, cascading hues brought into action. Like a selenophile worshipping her beloved moon, showcasing her collateral beauty amidst chaos. Beauty and madness depicted on a giant canvas, a symphony of colours, shapes, symbols, and textures. Where differences lead to harmony and bliss once a masterpiece is born out of one's tireless passion. Being the very essence of being, art affects eternity. It is the very essence of being. For even the tiniest pebble on the shore can be part of a bigger picture, a lone pebble which adorns a canvas, brushstrokes giving life to what was once a blank page. Art makes one vulnerable to the madness of the world. It shocks the senses, calms the nerves, soothes a tired soul, mends the broken, and quenches the thirst for truth. Art leads to utopia when one truly sees the hidden beauty beneath the abominable surface.

Art does not make one only see the inert charm, it also teaches how to discover pure beauty in all forms.

By Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo snowy19ph@gmail.com

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THE NARRATIVE:

NDANGE NDIRI MUBUTIRO PROGRESS MUWADUZIRI

NDANGE NDIRI MUBUTIRO PART 2 & 3 VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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K

uridza kwakaita Hwiza mhere kwakakoromotsa vavakidzani vose. Kufa kwambuya vake kwakatyisa vazhinji avo vainge vambovaona kuchakachena.

"Ko vagokoneiko munhu wange achingogiya masikati ano?" Vamwewo ndovaiti, "Mukati vafa zvechokwadi here tichavaona vofamba."

Vanhu vakanga vavhiringwa nezvakanga zvaitika zvokuti havana kuona babamunini Tirivangani avo vakasvika vakatungidza dura uye danga nechirugu chembudzi nechehuku. Rakava gangaidza mukwenyi mhezi yavavira mudumbu umwe neumwe otiza noupenyu hwake zvinova izvo chaizvo zvakanga zvakarongwa nababamunini. Chinangwa chaiva chekuti kana vanhu vatiza ivo vopinda maiva makarara mbuya votora zvombo zvoushe zvaichengetwa nambuya zvakamirira kugadzwa kwamambo waitevera.

Mudunhu makanga mava nemakore anechitsama musina mambo mushure mekufa kwasekuru vaHwiza avo vakanga vafa baba vake vachiri svava.

"Vakomana ndashaya zvandanga ndichitsvaka. Hwiza ndiye watiza nazvo chete. Waridza mhere akazoendepi? Mutsvagei nyangwe mukamuuraya chikuru torai chero chaanacho mudzoke nazvo".

"Asi Tirivangani unoti angatore chiiwo mwana mucheche iye uya. Icho chombori chii chaizvo, hatinganotori nyoka tikarumwa tirisu?"

"Nyarara iwe Muswewembira, itai zvandataura munyerere. Wati bufu zvakare ndinomudimura rurimi”, izvi waitaura achivhomora bakatwa rake mumuhara. Vakomana vaiziva kusakwana kwemukuru wavo kana ane chaanoda nokudaro vakangofuratira votsvaka matsimba ake.

"Dei ndange ndisina kutungidza dzimba zvimwe ndimo maamune ngundu nebakatwa,", Tirivangani wakakungura kupaparika kwake agere muberere remba yaive nechitunha uye imweyo yakanga yasara zvokuti waimuona waiti zvokwadi huyai muone mwana anoda mukadzi wababa vake kudarika mai vake vaasina kana kubvira kundari kubva musi wavafa kusvika musi wavavigwa. Wakauya wotobatwawo maoko kunge wange akafamba rwendo.

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"Nhaiwe Tirivangani, wadii wachitoti zvii zvii uchienda kumadzisekuru? Havavigwi ava vekumusha kwavo vasipo.”

Vaingotaura voga vaChitanda, Tirivangani wainge agura matunhu neinoera mundangariro.

"Kana Hwiza akangowanikwa chete zvangu zvaita. Iye ndomuendesa kwaenda mbuya vake, ini sare nyika ndotonga. Handingambokotamiri svava iya. Dei ndatomuwana mbuya vake vasati vavigwa, Munondo wakandiudza zuva riya kuti kana ndikaviga mbuya nemuzukuru mubwiro bwumwe masimba angu anowedzera saka chiregai ndichitoenda ndomene. Paakati nyamwi akaona Chitanda akamira akamutarisa, "Nhaiwe Tirivangani, unoziva kuti handibvi panzvimbo kana ndisina mhinduro, zvandataura wazvinzwa here?"

"Ndange ndatorwa nendangariro. Watii nhai Chitanda?"

"Ndati chienda unoudza madzisekuru ako kuti mukunda wavo hakuchina."

"Hoyu mukana Tirivangani ndotowana mabvire apano…"

"Uchiendepi kusiri kumasekuru nhai...?" Tirivangani haana kuziva kuti zvaaifunga muromo waitaura. Wakapatika onzwa Chitanda achipindura fungiramumoyo yake.

"Aaaa ndingagoendepi kusiri kumasekuru, hausiwe here wati mai vangu havangavigwi kana verudzi rwavo vasipo zvino ndokondoenda ndinodzoka navo risati rabuda mangwana". Wakasimuka kuti aende asi asati akanda nhanho mbiri wakaoma akadaro apo akanga avhunduswa nemubvunzo waChitanda.

"Nhai Tirivangani, unozivawo here kune mwana womukoma wako, chatangonzwa imhere asi iye haasati avonekwa nazvino.

Ukati haana kuitira zvimwe imi akaita mariro maviri."

"Hameno Chitanda, iwe chisara uchimutsvaka ini ndoenda kumasekuru."

"Zvakanaka, wofamba zvakanaka ini ndichamboedza kutsvaka VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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Hwiza." Vakabva voenda uyu kwake uyu kwake.

Munguva dzemashambazhou madzisekuru akasvika asi chakashamisa vazhinji ndechokuti Tirivangani wakanga asipo zvakare vaipupura kuti havana kumbobvira vamuona. Kuuya kwavakanga vaita mukunda wavo ndiye akanga avatungamira mukurota, kureva mbuya vaiva seri kwesasa. Madzisekuru akaviga mukunda wavo ndokusiira mumaoko ehama dzangu zvekutsvaka kwandaiva. Vanhu vakabvunzana vabvunzanazve asi mubvunzo usina wakapindura. Vanhu vakanga vangoringa nzira vakamirira Tirivangani kudzoka kwake kana aingewo asina kudyiwa nechakanga chamedza Hwiza sekufunga kwavo.

Kumirira kwakapera apo bamunini Tirivangani vakadzoka zuva retatu. Wairatidzika semunhu wakanga ava negore achigara mugomo. Nhau yavakapa kuvanhu yakachemedza chero chisvava chakambopfuura nemumaoko aHwiza.

"Zvandaiva munzira kuenda kumadzisekuru ndakasangana nemashura chaiwo vehama". Vanhu vose vaiva vakati noruvazhe rwambuya vangu chee vakangoramba vakatarisa kwakanga kwakamira babamunini Tirivangani.

"Ndichangopota chemheni ndakaona mutumbi waHwiza wakati rapata pabwe guru riri padivi penzira. Maonero andakaita unenge wakanwa nduru yegarwe".

Hapana kana wakafakanyika vanhu vose vakaramba vakangoti meso kuna babamunini dzvutu ivo ndokuziva kuti 94

hapana waitenderana nezvavaitaura vachibva vatanga kupfikura pedzisire vochema zvakabata moyo yavanhu vochema Hwiza mupenyu.

"Chibvai machingoita ini mambo..."

Vakadaro babamunini vomoyo wegarwe uku vachingopfikura.

"Tisu vananiwo kukurambira," akadaro Chitanda achisimuka onanga kumana kwake.

Zvekuchema dzakava ngano kuna vaTirivangani avo vakatanga zuvaro kugadzirira kugadzwa kwavo.

PART 3 Ndichiri kuyeuka kuti ndakakanda nhambwe mbiri ndichipinda muninga ndokunzwa gotsi rangu raoma, nzeve dzichiita kunge marudzirwa hwamanda nhatu. Ndakaona muvaivai mumeso angu rima ndokuputira uso hwangu ndichibva ndowira pasi.

Pandakapepuka ndainge ndakarara pachitovo mukamba kemapango kairatidza kuti kave kekare kare. Meso angu akanga achinerima asi ndakakwanisa kuona kwaibva nechiedza ndichibva ndochitevera, ndokubuda panze. Hana yangu yakati tibvu pandakabuda ndichiona ndiri ndega mukati mechakasara. Ndakabata musoro iwo waiita kunge urikuvezwa apa uchirema kunge shamba rakombodza, rudzungu rwakati kumeso name ndichibva ndobatira chidziro chemba ndogara pasi. Kwenguva refu ndakaramba ndigere mushure ndakaVACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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zounganidza nhembe yangu ndotevera madziro ndichidzokera mumba.

"Nhai ambuya mati nhamo yamandisiira iyi ndinoikunda iyoyi. Madii mangoti tiite rwendo vaviri?"

Nomufungo uyu misodzi yakaerera namatama, zvoti kutya zvikati kufunga ambuya vandaisazoonazve. Ndakapinda mumba ndakananga kubutwa randainge ndapiwa nambuya ndofundunyura nhorwa yangu.

Pamusoro paive nenhembe yambuya yavaifarira uye gudza rakanaka chose, kwarainge rabva handaiziva nekuti rataiva naro ndiro rainge rasara mbuya vafuka voga.. Maiva nezvuma zvendarama, mhete zvakare maiva nengundu uyewo zvipfeko zvekumbisa mashave. Zvese izvi zvaisava nei neni nokudaro ndakazvidzorera mubutu ndoringaringa kuti ndione zvaiva mumbamo, ndakaona ngoma nehosho uye zvitovo zvembada nezveshumba zvainge zvizere chidziro chose. Pachoto pairatidza kuti painge pamboveswa moto mazuva mashoma ainge achangopfuura, padivi pemoto paiva nemunondo nengundu yadehwe reshumba zvakare museve yaive kumadziro. Mainge musina kana chokuti ndingadya ipapo nzara ndopayakanga yoita mwana wamanenji.

Ndakapakatira miseve ndokusungirira munondo muchiuno ndakatorawo gano pazvinhu zvandainge ndapiwa nambuya ndoenda kunotsvaka chokudya. Handaiziva zvekuvhima asi ndaingoti zviro zviedzwa.

Ndati fambe fambe ndakanzwa zvikara zvesango zvichipembera mumoyo ndikati iko kuda kudya kwangu uku nhasi ndichadyiwa ndirini.

Ndakambeya sango rose chokudya chikati wakandiwanepi. Makumbo akaramba kunditakura ndichibva ndatseyama pasi pemuonde. Pandakapepuka zuva rainge rovira, kwandainge ndabva waive mutunhu.

Ndifunge kundovatazve nayo, moyo wakaramba. Ndakatatarika ndichisimuka meso angu achibva angonanganawo nechitsiga chaiva nezai pamusoro pacho. Ndainyatsoziva kuti nderegondo asi ndainge ndapera nenzara. Chandaiziva ndechokuti gondo raizonditevera rigondiita kanyama kanyama asi nenzara yandaiva nayo ndaingoti chauya chauya.

Ndati fambe fambe ndakanzwa kwee-kwee ndikaziva kuti kwaipa, ndakamhanya zvisina mukare wakamboona asi ndisina kure kwandati ndaenda makumbo akaramba basa ndikaziva kuti pangu papera, imwe pfungwa ndokuti chinoda kufa chinovingira. Zvino chikara chakanga chachiva mugotsi mangu, ndakabva ndangovhomora munondo ndokuriti napachifuva juu richibva rangoti rikiti ndiye pfari pfari sarai. " Dei ambuya variko, ndinovimba vaizofara". Ndakadaro nechomumoyo ndichipakatira uno mutumba wegondo. Ndakasvika kudumba iro richitiwo nyaaa ndichibva ndangosika moto ndobvura gondo pamwe VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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nekurigocha ndikachiti ndoriitei. Ndakaridya rose kusiya mabonzo chete.

Ndakavhara sasa ndokukotsira. Uyu ndiwo wakava muraramiro wangu kubva zuva iri. Ndakatanga kurarama ndisina kana tariro yokuringa kwandakabva asi bundu ramatsive kurungano rwandaisaziva nhoroondo yarwo raiva pahuro. Nechekure moyo uchivavira matsive kana ndaupiwa mukana wokubuda musango. Nekufamba kwenguva ndakava muvhimi zvandaionawo kana neni kuti ndave shasha chaiyo. Imba yangu yakashanduka kubva kuimba yamapango kuinda kuimba yamatehwe emhuka dzandaiuraya misi nenguva.

Nguva yose iyi ndaiedza kutsvaka uye kufunga kuti ndainge ndambopinda sei musango dema rakadai risingaonekwi kana kwarinoperera.

Ndaigara zvangu musango umu asi chandaiziva ndechokuti ndaisava ndoga musango umu. Paiva newaivamo musango iri waitarisa zvese zvandaiita zvakare achitambira kure kuti ndisamuona.

Nguva yekunaya yakasvika ikadarika ikasvikazve ikadarika... Kufamba kwenguva kwaisangoonekwa chete nekunaya nekupisa uye kutonhora, ini pachangu ndainge ndaakuratidzika kuti ndava munhukadzi sezvandaisingoona mhandara dzomumusha medu dzakaita ndichishaya kuti vakambosikwa sei. Ndakatanga kuita chimiro chandaiyemura chero ini pachangu. Panguva iyi ndipo pandakatanga kunzwa kuti zveshuwa musango umu maiva newaivamo. Rimwe ramazuva ndichibva kutsime ndakaona pabwe guru raive pakati penzira pagere uno mutumba werume.

Handina kuvhunduka, zvikandishamisa. Ndavapedo ndakabvunza mufaro murumewo ndokudavira ndichibva ndopfuurira norwendo rwangu.

Na Progress Muwadzuri progressmuwadzuri48@gmail.com +2367788524330

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WORDS IN VERSE IV: KUMUSHA KWAMAI Hanzi; "muzaya wanga warova semazino ehuku!"

Hameno kuti huku rudzii?

Jongwe kana tseketsa hameno!

Ndabva ndabatigwa riri jongwe zvokwadi kumusha kwamai kwakangoita setsvarakadenga kunaka!

Kubva ndapiwa riri romusha rekusevesa, Ndanga ndati ndere sadza jena wanikwe, Aaaah!

Rabatwa richaseveswa nerenjera.

Kumusha kwamai kana kumbozeza kuti ndiro guru racho, Vatongofara kwakubata racho romusha!

Ndanzwa kudokwaidzwa Mufunge!

Ndakarara ko nezuro, Pekurara nechekufuka ungati muhotera, Ndabatwa kunge zai Mufunge!

Iko kwamai vangu, Kwakanaka kuita tsvarakadenga chaiyo yomusha!

Ikwo kwamai vangu, Kumusha kwakatosiyana nekumwe kana ndashanya!

Ndanzwa kudziirwa kupfuura kudziirwa nhandi!

Kurova kwandanga ndaita semazino ehuku kwaita Ndibatwe samambo.

Kubva ndabatirwa riri iro ndinyatsoona mazino aro paari chaipo!

Na Griot Kunyora Kutaura tallencesanyangowe@gmail.com Facebook:griotkunyorakutaura.com 0776648176

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WORDS IN VERSE IV: NHETEMBO

PFUMBAMWE REMINWE Posi Piri Tatu Minwe Pfumbamwe Chimwe chigunwe Chabhadhara Ndopaunoona Ganda renhengo Mutengo waro Wakachecheudzirwa Mahara.

Kuzvidya nyama Urimupenyu!

Hwako hupenyu Ndowazoenda Mahara!

Hunzi Imbwa yakakora Ndoyakadya Muswe wayo Kwete mazai!

Kuzvipedza rudzi Nekuda ramangwana Rako nhasi.

Mangwana Mwana pasi!

Mangwana Mwana pasi!

Haiko mhiko Isingadye Chiriporipotyo Kunyangwe nechakadya Manonoko.

Na Shorai Matambanadzo aka Shogo Agogo* shoraimatambanadzo.wixite.com shoraimatambanadzo@gmail.com +263 784891476

Kunanzva nhengo Haisi nzara Kudzinga nhunzi.

Kana dziri nyora Dota revakafa, Muvapenyu Rinomhanya Neropa

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UNLOCKING GREATNESS:

INSPIRED LIFE NUGGETS WITH FRANK NYAMUNDERO

BE THE STAND OF LETTING THE LIGHT SHINE "Leadership is about laying the groundwork for others to strive, standing back and letting them shine."

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here have been many theories put on the table when it comes to leadership principles and how one should lead. One speaker once said, “ to be a leader at times is not a choice but it’s our DNA ." There are two groups of leaders: some learn and choose to be leaders, and some are born with leadership skills in their blood. With all the many theories in regards to leadership, I would like to add that leadership is all about going out of your way to empower others to become successful. In most cases, to make individuals better people or leaders so that they are able to stand on their own confidently and successfully. _Motivate your team to work to the best of their abilities for themselves and not for you._

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

UNLOCKING GREATNESS:

FRANK NYAMUNDERO FRANKSPIRATION

"building dreams into a lasting legacy" Never reach a point of thinking that when you are a leader, you are the boss of your followers or subordinates, but rather a servant is what you are. When we get to understand this, we will have great impactful leaders and be better leaders.

Step up your game so as to take your followers to their respective desired destinations in life. Once you find yourself in a leading position, be sure to improve yourself at the same time improving those that are under you to become empowered and self-dependent.

Your success as a leader is not measured by what you have accomplished individually, but by how you managed to lead your subordinates to achieve results. Being the leader in a team does not make one a superstar. Do all you can to embrace each member so that they feel part of the bigger team in order to have a collective success – value of sharing. I once had to lead a team which had its hope lost and buried. Failure seemed inevitable. The hardest thing to do in such a case is to motivate yourself as a leader, so as to become a source of inspiration to the whole group. As a leader you have to go down to the deepest part of yourself and find that which you can put before the group, to motivate the team. If you can comprehend all these aspects of being a leader, you will realise that it all reflects on you as the man behind the scenes, a servant to your followers so as to serve them to become the best they can be, at the end of the day.

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

Be a leader for the team’s success With my work as a Family counsellor, I came to realise the greatest satisfaction to a leader is being a backstage superstar.

When we watch a movie or theatre production, we get to enjoy the play and actors so much that we think they are the real superstars and give them public recognition. Personally, I believe most of the credit should go to the ones who work behind the scenes because they are the ones who really represent the kind of leaders we should be in our society. There is no greater proud person than a leader that is there to serve the people and let them shine. It is best to see someone shine because of the input and work you invested in them behind closed doors.

The greatest accolade you can ever receive is seeing your follower making more impact and progress in life with you being their backstage superstar hero/leader.

By Frank Nyamundero +263776115291 rangraytgd@gmail.com

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ZIMUNAMATO (A VERY BIG PRAYER):

CLERGYMEN ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR LIVES

THEY HAVE UNPRECEDENTED LOVE FOR THE LOST SOULS 102

VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

UNLOCKING GREATNESS:

PREACHERMEN'S SON MOTIVATIONAL SERMON

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atthew 11: 1, "And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and preach in their cities."

The above citation is ample evidence that the core business of Jesus Christ was preaching God's word. Of course, with it miracles would be performed by way of healing all manner of disability, but the key note is "...and the poor have (had) the gospel preached to them." Verse 5 .

The dictionary definition of the ministry is that it is a group of clergymen in a certain church considered as a collective. With these men and women, discipleship is the order of the day everyday, helping out lost souls to turn back to Jesus Christ, to repent.

Most of them if not all are guided by the following ten principles of ministry:

1. Character is the foundation; 2. Service is its nature; 3. Motive behind is love; 4. Sacrifice is the measure; 5. Submission gives them authority; 6. Purpose is to the Glory of God; 7. Tools made use of are the word of God and prayer; 8. Privilege of ministry is growth; 9. Ministry is powered by the Holy Spirit; and 10. Jesus Christ stands as the role model.

A befitting conclusion comes from Proverbs 11: 30, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he or she that winneth souls is wise." Let's consider our clergymen to be blessed and highly favoured of the Lord to be hugely taken by soul winning and saving each passing day as they do.

By The Preachermens’ Son tawandamanyati@gmail.com +263772815211 VACHIKEPE AND THE 100 SAILORS: 12.06.2022

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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

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

Building artsists with humility, transparency, teamwork and trust.

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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.

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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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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: 12.06.2022

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