Poet revives Marshall Munhumumwe’s legacy

Latwell Nyangu
NAMIBIA-based poet, Stuart McMangani, has vowed to keep his late uncle, Marshall Munhumumwe’s legacy alive through poetry and literature.

Stuart, who is also a school teacher, said he dreams of raising awareness on contemporary issues affecting society, in the same way his uncle did through music.

“I dream of raising awareness on contemporary issues that affect individuals, including sexuality and gender-based violence through poetry, literature and choreography.

“Marshal expressed his feelings through songs, he also raised awareness on different societal issues. For example, his Pfimbi Yangu song aims to educate people on keeping deep secrets.

“So, I decided to expand it, not only through music, but through writing, performing arts, painting and poetry. I long for people to listen to the voice and message through my artistic work,” he said.

Stuart, who is also a choreographer, started his career in 2017.

“Apart from being a teacher in Namibia, I perform poetry and African dance in most Southern African countries.

“I also write articles for different firms and literature items as well. I have performed poetry and African dance in Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe between 2018 and 2020, raising awareness on women’s rights and development.

“I have written various articles in the Namibian press raising awareness on sexuality and gender-based issues between 2020 and 2021.

“I also wrote a book “I am your mother” which is very rich in English literature and can be used for GSCE purposes, in universities by people who study literature in English as well as sociologists, philosophers and for entertainment purposes.

“Along the way I have painted work, which communicates various themes taking place in African society and they are yet to be judged and exhibited,” said the performer.

The poet believes in helping people with traumatic experiences to overcome through music and dance.

“It is also my role to help people who have gone through traumatic experiences to overcome through dance and music.

“I do that as part of charity and I don’t request for any payment. That has helped a lot of individuals. Even though it doesn’t take a day, but gradually these individuals carry some testimonies with them.

“I have a diploma in education attained from the University of Zimbabwe in 2016 and advanced certificate in teaching with mathematics attained at North West University in South Africa in 2021.

“I also have an advanced diploma in special needs education attained from the North West University in 2022.”

Books he has published include “Was It Supposed to End That Way?”, “Demon of Corruption”, “The Stranger” and “I Sacrificed My Life for You”.