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IT is through the work of men like Ignatius Mabasa that the tradition of Shona literature remains alive, with books that are crafted with finesse, daring to challenge society in an extraordinary manner.
Mabasa’s third Shona novel “Imbwa Yemunhu” is a masterpiece that has reminded me of how rich the language is with its unique style and gripping plot.
Making use of the stream of consciousness, the story is told from the perspective of Musa Sikireta, an alcoholic bachelor grappling with the notion of getting married and settling down amid efforts by family members who encourage him to stop his carefree lifestyle.
When he finally falls in love, the scenario reeks of scandal since the woman who has stolen his heart, Juli, is married to another man.
Juli’s character is introduced in a sinister way, with the narrator labelling her as the devil who has come to tempt him.
“Satani anondishanyira, asi asiri nyoka. Anouya ari munhu. Satani anozvishandura ove Juli mukadzi waRichard, okanda chirauro chake kwandiri. (The devil pays me a visit, not in the form of a snake. He comes as a person.
“The devil transforms into Juli, Richard’s wife, enticing me),” says Musa.
Making use of the dog metaphor, Mabasa expertly explores characteristics of an individual whose behaviour matches that of the canine.
The protagonist is full of regret for not following the path taken by his friend George, who abandons the life of partying – or the ways of the dog, as the author puts it – and instead opting for admirable stability.
Musa’s brother, Hamu, thinks little of his sibling: “Hanzi namukoma Hamu, hupenyu hwangu huzere hurombe, kurwara nekudhakwa zvekuti zvinotofashukira.”
Musa seeks refuge in bars and revelry and at one point he speaks of his desire to bake bread using alcohol to have with his tea.
Mabasa’s wordplay is splendid and his use of metaphoric language makes the reading experience exciting.
Fusing the narration with poetry the author displayed his unlimited writing abilities, which captured my imagination and kept me flipping the pages.
In one of the chapters, the protagonist finds himself in hell after a brief visit to the afterlife before bouncing back to the land of the living.
In this chapter, Mabasa made use of a politician’s wife who meets Musa in hell to illuminate how some writers in Zimbabwe carelessly package our problems and sell them to foreigners for monetary gains.
“Sei vamwe venyu vanyori, kunyanya varikunyora nechirungu vavekutengesera vemhiri nhamo yedu, hurwere hwedu, hondo dzedu, nezvimwewo zvakadaro kuti vapihwe mari, mbiri nemibairo? (Why are some of you writers, especially those writing in English, selling foreigners our problems, sickness, wars, among other things for money, fame and awards).”
This book is a classic page turner, loaded with mischief, prostitution, love, alcoholism, missed opportunities, fear and it also takes a dive into the spiritual world.
In this modern world we are living in, there are demons, which tend to haunt us and Mabasa uses his craftsmanship to mould a character struggling with his vices and is in search of salvation.
“Imbwa Yemunhu” is a Shona novel that is daring, thought-provoking and hilarious.
With animating diction and a mesmerising storyline, I flipped to the last page in awe of the writer’s talent.
The multi award-winning artiste’s “Imbwa Yemunhu” won a National Arts Merit Award in 2014.
Online Reporter