Chirikure speaks on fading reading culture

Maria Chiguvari

POET, songwriter and author, Chirikure Chirikure, reckons the downfall of the reading culture could have been influenced by several factors, including the internet.

Chirikure said lack of motivation, peer pressure and entertainment are the other factors.

He also highlighted that the allure of entertainment on TV or online videos could have drawn people away from books.

“Most youngsters prefer surfing the internet and visiting social media sites. There are also environmental factors, such as family and friends that may influence reading habits.

“Families and communities strongly and positively influence the reading habit and interest among students,” he said.

Chirikure said reading is an action that a person does to obtain a wider knowledge through his or her experience and this process may lead that person into an eye-opening self-discovery.

“People continue to shun books because technological advancements have pushed them towards social media.

“Students are now engrossed with technology, and inculcating the reading habit becomes challenging.

“It’s no longer the question of blaming each other, it takes appreciation from the youngster.

“Creating a reading culture should not be the responsibility of an individual. It takes dedication, perseverance, and effort,” he said.

As a way of helping revive the reading culture, Chirikure opened a library in his home town of Gutu.

“I have a library in my home town which has 3 500 books and four computers to help instil the reading culture.

“At the moment we have an online session that helps interact with students,” he said.

Chirikure worked with one of Zimbabwe’s leading publishing houses as an editor/publisher for 17 years, until 2002.

He now runs a literary agency and also works as a performance poet, cultural consultant and translator.