Chronicle Editor
Yvonne Ncube,Showbiz Reporter
Even if you have not discovered it yet, everyone has a dream. It could be as convenient as raising a family, or it could be as challenging as winning an Olympic gold medal.
Some people deny themselves their deepest desires because they enable situations to define who they are or who they will be for the rest of their lives.
People succumb so easily because the upside is a life of excuses.
Someone may be exceptionally talented in one area, but their dream may be entirely different.
Kenias Munyaradzi Chigombe was faced with a dilemma two years ago to continue working in the laboratory or pick up a pen and notepad and pursue his aspirations.
The 22-year-old refused to be a victim of circumstances thus he chose his dream to change lives and influence lives through poetry.
Despite him being a science student up to Advanced Level, Chigombe started off his journey as an artist in high school where he was an outstanding debater, actor and public speaker.
He won a lot of competitions and had four national appearances which qualified him as one of the best speakers.
“At school, I did sciences (Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry). Generally, society has planted a normality that when someone does well at Ordinary Level they should continue on that route.
The priority that is given to STEM subjects had infused our minds so this was what I did.
As I was doing A Level, I discovered that I was a better speaker and writer. I battled with my inner desires until I had to make an unexpected decision after A Level.
I followed my passion and chose to follow what my heart needed more,” said Chigombe who learnt at Chipadze High School in Bindura, Mashonaland Central.
“My presentation skills have always been quite exceptional which gave me higher rankings in competitions.
From my school, I captained the debate team to the top three of all tournaments and competitions we took part in.
At provincial level, in public speaking I came first and second in 2016 and 2017 respectively. This achievement qualified me to represent at the 2017 National Competitions held in Gweru at Chaplin High where I took the ninth position overall.
For me, this was a hint to show the path I should follow as I qualified for provincial competitions in all debate competitions with rankings between number one and three,” said Chigombe.
He said although he was in the Science department, he was always hands on in the arts field.
“I also went to the drama nationals when I was in Form Six and we came fourth. I’ve written a drama script and coached the drama club as well. This was the second after the first which I wrote when I was in Form Two.
While others in my department were busy in the lab, I was always chasing activities in the arts side,” he said.
Chigombe said it was after school that he officially announced that he was venturing in poetry in response to his calling.
However, his announcement was not met with open hands as family and friends had a hard time in accepting his decision leading him to fall into a depression.
He has further enhanced his career in poetry, as he continuously releases written poems, audios and participating in a number of open mic shows and slams which has seen him winning quite a handful of slams over the years.
“I am now known professionally as Kenias The Meraki. I’m a spoken word poet, author, songwriter, photographer, filmmaker, graphics designer and entertainment business entrepreneur. I initially gained recognition mainly as a poet following the release of my debut trial anthology titled Pleasure or pain? in 2018.
“In 2020, I initiated an entertainment company called Meraki Life Ent which makes me the founder and CEO. I then worked on my debut spoken word EP, My Redemption and Winter Psalms this year and I’m humbled to say that this has made my name worth mentioning in the industry.
“In two years, my company has managed to sign and develop a lot of local artists with an aim of creating a global status in the entertainment business. Meraki Life Ent’s biggest artist on agreement is Harare-based Dancehall chanter Iratty aka Mwana WaMambo whom I signed when he returned to Zimbabwe in September,” Chigombe said.
The young poet said his works have displayed societal ills and played a pivotal role in women advocacy.
“My fight against depression has always been an element I’ll never miss to address in my works as I say art, mainly poetry has been a crucial method in my recovery and keeping me off continuous suicidal thoughts. I’ve dedicated myself to living the Meraki Life which consists of creativity, selflessness and love abundance.
I have travelled to different countries such as Botswana and Kenya in search of myself.
“I also had an opportunity to meet different people in some of the countries that I have travelled to.
That gave me a different view towards my career and how I’m supposed to push from here.
The other thing is performing outside gave me a new set of following that is crucial in pushing my goals,” he said.
Chigombe encouraged other youths to choose their careers not the other way round.
“I encourage my peers throughout the country to follow their dreams and not allow obstacles to hinder them from achieving their dreams. Another thing that we often take for granted is allowing our professions to choose us which is not good because that is not our greatest point. We end up doing what we do not love for the rest of our lives,” Chigombe said. – @SeehYvonne
Online Reporter