dyton mupawaenda
Valerie Mpundu-Arts Reporter
Author and novelist Takudzwa Humphreys Sambo says he has many stories to tell and that he is determined to change mindset of readers around the culture of reading.
He has decided to focus and pursue a career in writing and along the way help others publish their books.
In an interview with The Herald Arts, Sambo said 2024 is going to be a great year in the world of literature and Zimbabwe would not be left out.
“I want to write different things this year. I want to happily share with the world. I would be publishing a collection of children’s books as well that will be available in all formats,” he said.
“It is high time as authors that we reignite the reading culture for the younger generation. Let’s promote the reading culture and we all have a story to tell.”
Sambo and his team are working on publishing books every two months.
“I began expressing my feelings through writing and used to write letters at school. I have written and published three books and have never looked back. I have written a lot of unpublished work, which we are also in the process of publishing.
“I always believed that I have a story to tell and this also stems from the environment I come from. I am much inspired by societal settings. Growing up I could not express myself even by saying a word, but because of opportunities availed to me now, I am using the pen to express myself. I have a passion for children and have seen in this literature world they are not left out.”
Sambo who has recently bagged the Literary Award and the Inspiration and Motivation Award at the prestigious Gumiguru 2023 Awards highlighted that he was privileged to have met other leading authors across Africa, the Middle East and the United Kingdom last year.
“2023 ended on a good note on my side. It had a positive impact on my writing skills as I managed to meet some of the renowned authors from many countries, some of whom I idolised, It opened my eyes and shaped my writing”.
“We must act locally while thinking globally as authors. As Africans, we must be part of the global literature. Our books must be immortalised and adopted for cartoons, documentaries, and movies aired on channels such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Showmax, among others.”
He added that writing was an art and it took skills to perfect.
“I have the confidence that as Africans we are natural storytellers therefore our team is now to be a shining beacon of literary excellence,” said Sambo.
“I would also want to call upon the leading brands that are interested in literature to come through and partner us to make these projects a reality.”
“Over the years the literature industry has not received the same attention as other disciplines such as music, theatre, film, and television and if care is not taken the former will die a natural death.”
Sambo paid tribute to Book Café which was promoted by the late Brick Hill.
“During the Book Café days, it was lit. The culture of story-telling was alive. We must continue with the legacy left by forefathers who put their efforts to make reading a culture.”
“I do believe that this is possible if literature lovers come together with the help of partners as publishing needs resources.”
Online Reporter