Online Reporter
Laura Maposa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
CHIKOMBORERO Mawaro, 25, has published her fifth book titled “Mukudzei”.
Marowa is an enthusiastic writer who creates exciting stories inspired by Africa’s vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes.
With a love for adventure and discovery, Chikomborero invites young readers to explore new worlds and learn valuable lessons through fun-filled journeys.
In an interview with Zimpapers Entertainment Hub, Chikomborero said writing helps her overcome the pressures of life.
She said her goal is to become the next Tsitsi Dangarembga or the legendary Charles Mungoshi.
“Before I became a writer, I was a reader first. I loved all these books and I completely lost myself in them.
“What gave me the drive to write my book was a deep desire to share stories that reflect my culture, experiences and values.
“I never, not once, paused to think about why my world was not reflected back to me in the books that I read.
“None of these books had people who looked like me in them and it did not bother me at all, however, that’s how my love for literature started.
“My friend lent me her book ‘Nervous Conditions,’ by Tsitsi Dangarembwa and I believe she loaned me her personal copy of the book, which I read and was forever changed.
“To say that I was mortified would not be to do it any justice at all. How could such a brilliant book exist, a book written by a fellow countrywoman and I did not even know about it?
“Where has it all gone wrong?”
Marowa added:
“I’ve written five novels, some are books and some are yet to be published.
“I wanted to inspire others, especially young readers, by showing them that their background and history are powerful and worth telling.
“My reading culture in Zimbabwe had been shaped by a settler colony’s desire to stay in touch with the mother country and the larger western world.
“Writing became my way of preserving memories, exploring ideas and making a difference through storytelling”.
Her writing adventure started in 2014.
“I write traditional and modern African tales for children. I started writing my first pieces in 2014.
“One of my favourites has to be a book I wrote about this character feeling like I could give more to the story of ‘Mukudzei.’
“With his bicycle and a heart full of curiosity, Mukudzei is ready to explore Zimbabwe’s hidden wonders. He was inspired by the stories of his grandmother.
“She told him about the country’s beauty and heritage so he sets out with his bag and along the way he explores iconic places like the Victoria Falls and Nyangani mountains just to mention a few.
“Breathtaking landscapes but also the rich history, culture and wisdom of his homeland ensures his journey is a tale of courage, curiosity and pride in one’s roots.
“From magical caves to breathtaking waterfalls, every twist of the road brings new surprises.”
Marowa said some of the problems she is facing as a young writer is the the internet, social media and screens that have taken over people’s lives.
“The local book industry was dying because of the advent of the photocopying machine.
“The tariffs on book imports had become so exorbitant that most bookshops could no longer afford to buy books.
“To make it worse, the country was going through a prolonged economic downturn that made buying and reading books a luxury that very few people in the country could afford.”
