Thou Art Prosper!

Everything we do in life springs forth from a source of inspiration and I would not make myself an exception. I was inspired to write by Mr Giles Kuimba’s book, Tambaoga Mwanangu, which I read when I was doing my Ordinary Level in 2014. At that time, writing was something interesting to me, although it was not profitable.

Prosper Njeke is a young man who grew up in Muzarabani in Murota Village but now lives in Harare, Kuwadzana 2. He went to Keche and Chadereka Primary schools in Muzarabani then did his secondary education up to A-Level at Gevstein Park College in Tynwald South, Harare. Now he is studying for a Bachelor of Social Work Honours Degree at Midlands State University.

So far I have managed to publish 3 novels namely, Dura, Munongonzwa Imi and Mahedheni which I co-authored with Joseph Marawu. Moreso, I featured in a number of poetry anthologies, like Nduri DzeNduri, Chitubu and in two short story anthologies namely Hausundi and Gangaidzanwa.

If you check on my profile, especially on Twitter, you’ll understand, writing is like breathing to me. It means writing is my passion, therefore whether I get profit or not, I will always write. The statement emanated from the publication of a poetry anthology

dedicated to me by various Zimbabwean poets in 2019, entitled, "The Writer’s Birthday – Bhavhadhe reMunyori." As a young poet at that time, I felt so loved by fellow poets both published and some up-and-coming poets, who featured in the book. As far as I knew, there was no Zimbabwean writer who had celebrated a birthday in a writeful way like that, therefore I will always write.

I’ve also been able to venture into short story and novel writing. Munongonzwa Imi is a short story I wrote and Dura is a novel. On Munongonzwa Imi, I was inspired by the introduction of ZUPCO buses into the transport industry in Zimbabwe, which were very cheap and also the challenges women encounter in their marriages. Dura, is an old world story. It was inspired by the way people lived back then during a time of witchcraft.

During my writing process, I encountered financial constraints: like, the money to pay the editor, cover designer, illustrator and even the publisher. I learnt that coming up with a good book, needs the writer to take time on research, and engage with people who can proofread the work before submitting to a publisher.

I have collaborated in different anthologies and, yes, whenever people are in a group, conflicts arise. But in Nduri DzeNduri, I worked with focused and mature poets. The likes of: Abel Mauchi; Tinashe Muchuri; Biggie Chiranga; Oscar Gwiriri; Simbarashe Kavenga; Jameson Tabeni; Tonderayi Matema; Simbarashe Chirikure; Norlan Makwarimba; Simbarashe Jongwe; and others who understand the importance of coming up with a good work of art, therefore we had no disagreements. Nevertheless, we had new young, up-and-coming poets like: Rosemary Abigail Maseko; Mutsawashe Mazai; Munashe Dhliwayo; Shepherd Chidima; to mention a few, but they were all committed to the project and everyone was respectful to each individual member, hence, no conflicts.

I have learnt that poets should unite and treat everyone with respect regardless of their age or gender so as to create rapport amongst themselves. Different writers, write in different languages. Others write in more than one language and in my case, I only write in Shona. One issue that should 48

be up for debate is whether English has greater impact over vernacular languages. What I can say is that English poetry has an impact on local readers to a greater extent. This is so because there are many different languages in Zimbabwe and not all individuals are able to read and understand all local languages. However, English is a universal language and the language of instruction in schools and can be understood by many local readers, hence an advantage. More needs to be done to promote writing in local languages in schools and society. People need to change their negative attitude towards local languages and culture by supporting writing of poetry and novels in vernacular languages.

Back on the inspiration story, locally, I am inspired by Norlan Makwarimba a.k.a “Chitopota” on written poems. His writing style is different from many other local poets. The way he describes an event, is just fantastic! I enjoyed his pieces published in Nduri DzeNduri and Mutakunanzva weNhetembo. On spoken word, I draw my inspiration from Tinashe Muchuri.

People in our country take poetry lightly and that has led the industry to not function well or to its full potential, especially written poetry. As a way of tackling the issue, artists should write or record educative pieces, tackling current issues so that readers and listeners will appreciate the importance of poetry in our daily lives.

As a writer and a human-being, it is not wise to move without a vision and I’d say, I have my plans for the upcoming years. I see myself being among the best local writers. I’m not saying this just because I’ve been asked, no! I’m considering what I have achieved in this short period of time, and my plans for the future. In future I’m expecting to attract as many readers as possible and get all my books published and realise the profit I deserve.

My words to fellow and upcoming artists is: "Let us continue writing, even if it seems unprofitable. The time to make profit will come. Do research, before you put your information in writing. Let us engage in collaborations with fellow writers or poets. Let us utilize social media as a way of marketing our literary works. Creating good relationships with other poets or writers is essential, in a writer’s life. Let us have book launches and even donate our books to some libraries. Let’s convert our poetry or novels into video or dramas as a way to attract as many followers as possible."

To get hold of me, my social media handles are as follows: Facebook account; Prosper Njeke Facebook page; Prosper Njeke – writer Twitter; @Njekepropser TikTok; @prosper-njeke Instagram; @Proper-njeke YouTube; Prosper Njeke WhatsApp; +263774638602

Interviewed by: Martin Chivaku @DA_Scripta

chivakum@gmail.com +263718777471