Online Reporter
Laura Maposa
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
UNITED States-based Zimbabwean writer Shingi Mavima, 37, has urged the literacy fraternity to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle to survive in the sector and tap into the international market.
He has been reflecting on his novella titled “The Leak.”
Born in Dangamvura, Mutare, Mavima has published several books which were inspired by true events. The first two were poetry anthologies. The third one is a largely autobiographical novel, Pashena, that tells the story of his community as a child. Mavima writes stories about Zimbabwean and African people with a focus on the day-to-day thrills.
“Zimbabwean writers must become digital nomads, utilising online platforms while preserving the authentic essence of their stories. l believe that nurturing relationships with international literary agents, participating in global book fairs, and leveraging social media can help local writers share their narratives worldwide.
“Last year, I released the novella “The Leak” so I’ve been pushing that over the past year. Right now, I am mainly working on my first love, which is poetry.
“I also routinely provide commentary on Zimbabwean popular culture with my musings published on various platforms, including Earground Africa and Riddims & Raps.
“We all have the things we are good at, or perhaps just enjoy, or things that you believe are your calling. If you are blessed enough to find a pursuit that sits on that nexus, you’d be a fool not to pursue it.”
Mavima narrated his path to becoming an author.
“Where do I start? I honestly cannot remember but growing up in Dangamvura there were always books around the household.
“Two of my uncles were high school teachers, one in Shona and the other in English, so by the time I was in 4th Grade, I had worked my way through the likes of Feso, Maidei and still working on the English texts too. Then I started writing versions of some of the Western adventure texts I was reading at the time (Famous Five, Hardy Boys, Babysitters Club etc), where I would change the setting to something familiar and replace the characters with my friends. By the time I was in high school, I was beginning to distinguish myself as a half-decent writer, with some well-loved pieces in the school paper.
“The short version is that I have always been drawn to words and storytelling and was fortunate enough to be in an environment that nurtured that.”
