Excelling in English poetry
Poetry in Malawi has been growing. Of late we have seen a number of poets sprouting from all corners of the country. Most of the poets have been those who write in Chichewa. However, one young man, Marumbo Sichinga is an upcoming poet who specialises in English poems. He recently released a number of poems which got the attention of Nation Publications Limited Entertainment Editor EDITH GONDWE who caught up with the young poet for details.
Q
: Who is Marumbo Sichinga? And when did you start developing an interest in poetry?
A
: I am Marumbo Sichinga and I am a poet. Recently, I finished studying electronics and computer engineering at the constituent college of the Univesirty of Malawi, The Polytechnic. I am the first born in a family of two. I am a devoted Christian.
I have always loved to read and always enjoyed listening to poetry. I just never used to write any of my own. I even used to perform my friends’ poems at poetry shows. Then eventually I wrote my own poems and performed them. I loved it and I have been a poet ever since.
Q
: What topics do you discuss in your poetry?
A
: I talk about God. I also write about life through the eyes of a young man, my identity, my version of love and current affairs. I talk about it all. In other words, I talk about life from my perspective.
Q
: Poetry has gone through quite a revolution. Of late, we have seen more and more poets coming out. What do you say about the quality of poetry that Malawi is having these days?
A
: The quality of poets in Malawi is great. I think the industry is growing and improving and more poets are being appreciated. The level at which poets are working to make their art and get known is also very encouraging.
Q
: There has been a concern that at times we are confusing comic with poetry, especially vernacular poetry. What is your take?
A
: My honest take is that poetry is a tool for entertaining as well; hence poems can be funny. At the core of it, poetry tells stories and experiences and people react to those experiences, and if the reaction is laughter then great. But that’s not all that poetry does. So I think there should be a balance between making people laugh and delivering good art.
Q
: Who inspires you in your poetry? Do you have specific poets you look up to both local and international?
A
: I will keep my muse hidden for now.[Laughs]
However, locally I look up to Q Malewezi, Yankho Seunda, Chris Msosa, Yolanda Kaluma, Robert Chilemba and most recently a new poet by the name of Rabie Kondowe and many others. Internationally, I am inspired by poets like George the Poet, Def Jam Poets, Alyssia Harris, Jackie Hill-Perry. I also came across two South African poets I like; Koleka Patuma and David Ngwenya aka Pages. The list is long.
Q
: What does the future hold for you as a poet? Are you going to release an album?
A
: The future looks bright, working hard to chase my poetry dreams. I am planning to release my next Extended Playlist (EP) next year. Recently I released a video called Poetry in Africa. I also plan to work on collaborations and many other plans. I am sure this won’t be the last you will see of me. Follow me @marumbopoetry Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. n
