Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
UP-AND-COMING poet and writer Cleopatra Pamela Lindile Ntini, who uses stage name Imbongikazi uMaNtini, is determined to make her mark in Zimbabwe’s poetry landscape, a space she says continues to be largely dominated by men.
The 19-year-old creative, who grew up in Ntabazinduna and is now based in Bulawayo, is building her profile through poetry and literature while working towards establishing herself as one of the country’s leading female imbongi.
Imbongikazi uMaNtini said her passion for poetry has been shaped by celebrated cultural figures, including Um’Africakazi, acclaimed author Barbara Makhalisa and her former Ndebele Literature teacher, uMahlabayithwale.
She said her inspiration also comes from television, with some soap operas sparking ideas that she later develops into her creative works.
“Sometimes, soapies on television inspire me to write, with the aforementioned people taking centre stage in influencing my type of art and why I actually want to pursue this as a career,” she said.
Recently, the youngster collaborated with fellow writers on Umdlewadlewane, a literary project that was launched on June 20. She said the team is already working on another publication, this time a collection of short stories.
“We’re now working on another book, this time with short stories. We hope everything goes well so that we can launch it next June as well,” she said.
She said one of the biggest obstacles she faces as an emerging artiste is the lack of support, noting that building a successful creative career largely depends on having people who believe in and back one’s work. As a result, she is focusing on promoting herself to increase her visibility and attract a wider support base.
Looking ahead, Imbongikazi uMaNtini said her ultimate goal is to publish and launch her own books independently while continuing to grow as a writer.
“In the near future I want to work hard to an extent that one day I’ll be able to launch my books alone. It’s not that I have a problem with collaborations, but I want to learn to stand on my own, of course with people’s support. This year I am focusing on the next book and making sure it will be one of the best short story books,” she said.
Colletta Dube