adminArts Correspondent
Rising author Tabeth Manyonga officially launched her first book “Passage of Life”, a collection of stories, poems and a play, last weekend.
The presence of Tabeth’s parents, fellow authors, notable motivational speakers, friends and relatives, Hermit Muyambo the artist in a corner engrossed in putting final shades to Tabeth’s portrait, and the book-shaped cake surrounded by brand new copies of “Passage of Life”, gave the venue Batanai Gardens’ B2C conference room an artistic aura of celebrating literary achievement.
With Ellen Chirindo an exciting young woman as emcee, the programme ran smoothly. From different perspectives, the panellists hailed the book as a valuable piece of work both for young and adult readers. Young poet Ashley Mazena fluently recited the title poem “Passage of Life” and when Tinashe Muchuri got to the stage to perform his ‘whistling poetry’, the room got “frantic”. Oscar Gwiriri, a poet also, performed a congratulatory piece for Tabeth.
Although Phillip Chidavaenzi, editor of “Passage of Life”, who was expected to be guest speaker could not make it, he sent his brief speech in which he said it has been such a pleasure working with Tabeth as her work demonstrates that she has applied herself diligently given that her script was largely clean, something that is not common among upcoming and even full time writers.
And standing in as guest speaker, award-winning and internationally acclaimed life coach Blessing Duri had profound words for all those who were present. He congratulated Tabeth for taking the time to produce a book and urged people to re-think about their lives and take themselves as brands. And to grow as brands, he said, one should attend meetings like this launch.
The panellists critically examined the book from different standpoints. Noah Mangwarara, a celebrated motivational speaker and author, picked out poems like “Time Lost is Never Re-gained” and “On My Way” to show how the poet encourages readers to use their time carefully and keep moving on despite difficulties.
“I take Tabeth for an advisor who takes you through a particular story and out of that particular story you must be able to draw meaning. There is a lot that we go through as we get to our final destiny but there is need for us to maximize on every second, every minute, right through life,” he said.
Mind-opening ideas were also drawn from the book by another panellist Geraldine Eve who dwelt particularly on the author’s gender concerns. In one of the short stories in “Passage of Life” a 16-year-old girl is raped and Geraldine said it is sad that the person who was supposed to protect her didn’t perform her role. She said there are lots of gender issues such as the oppressive “husband-inheriting” culture being raised in the stories.
Tabeth’s aunt, Mavis Manyonga Makuwe, a former primary school teacher, said the stories will certainly change the girls who will read the book. She also said Tabeth’s writing talent is a legacy and therefore, the gift of writing is a legacy in itself.
“When you have a writing gift, you have a legacy that will live beyond your own life,” she said as she gave examples of celebrated Zimbabwean writers such as the late Solomon Mutsvairo and many others. She encouraged new writers to be observant all through their life and write and keep their notes for future use.
This writer, The Herald’s Bookshelf columnist and founder of Writers International Network Zimbabwe, expressed his views on the social value of “Passage of Life” and urged the author or her publishing agent to market the book thoroughly so that the message reaches its target readers.
The panel discussion was moderated by Stern Zvavamwe.
Online Reporter