Thabiso Nxumalo
MASVINGO- Popular poet and songwriter, Ngonidzashe Paradza is set to release a compilation of his poems in a book and an album next month as he seeks to cement his place in the arts sector.
The book, a compilation of his poems titled Kumberi Takamirigwa’s launch will coincide with the release of the album running with the same name in October this year.
Paradza popularly known as Mambo Guramutunhu in the Arts industry specializes in contemporary poetry since 2010 and has since explored storytelling and script writing.
He says his upcoming offering is a motivational piece that seeks to inspire individuals from all lifestyles especially considering how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected people in all spheres of life and as such seeks to be the voice of hope.
“Poetry is more than the spoken word, it is spiritual and hence my upcoming album and book seeks to appeal to the spiritual wellbeing of people in a more contemporary way.
“Those who are going through difficult times will be motivated to wake up and face their challenges head on because tomorrow is waiting for us, Kumberi Takamirigwa,” said Paradza.
The 27 year-old, a Bachelor of Education degree student at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) specialising in secondary school teaching also teaches poetry to upcoming poets.
“I have platforms on social media where I mentor and teach upcoming poets. Before Covid-19 struck, we used to host poetry slams and other events physically. However, due to lockdown we have not been able to meet physically,” said Paradza.
He also bemoaned challenges affecting his trade saying it is a tough task for local poets to commercialize their work.
“Pioneering commercial poetry is not an easy job. People think poetry is talking and it should be done freely, there is no sponsorship coupled with little publicity and because of the pandemic there are no more small shows we used to do,” he said.
Other than poetry and singing, Paradza also performs roles like events director, storytelling and writing scripts.
He has also worked alongside non-governmental organisations like Christian Care doing awareness campaigns against gender-based violence, child marriages as well as encouraging people to embrace the on-going Covid-19 vaccination programme in and around Masvingo province.
