Mlembi Press Media (Pvt) Ltd has unveiled Rhythms of Thought Volume 1, an anthology of contemporary Malawian writing and art.
The launch, held on Saturday in Blantyre, marked a significant milestone in the country’s literary landscape.
In his speech, William Khalipwina Mpina, Mlembi Press co-owner and editor of Rhythms of Thought, emphasised the importance of documenting Malawian stories which he said have long been overlooked or lost.
“Malawians have fascinating stories. However, these stories are not properly documented and we have lost many of them,” he said.
Mpina said Mlembi Press seeks to fill this gap by providing a platform for Malawian writers to share their work.
He said the anthology features poetry, plays, short stories, a song, artwork and a diverse range of voices, tackling tough themes such as economic struggles, identity and social change.
Mpina highlighted challenges of independent publishing in Malawi, including limited funding, expensive printing and complicated distribution networks.
Despite these obstacles, he said Mlembi Press has partnered African Books Collective (ABC) of UK to ensure international visibility and distribution.
Mpina further affirmed their commitment to showcasing the complexity and truth of Malawian experiences, rather than sanitising narratives for comfort.
during discussion. | Caroline Somanje
“We are not interested in the version of Africa that has already been published,” he declared. “We are interested in what writers in Malawi are actually thinking, feeling and brave enough to say.”
Rhythms of Thought Volume 1 is the first step in Mlembi Press’s mission to create a vibrant literary ecosystem in Malawi.
Mpina said Rhythms of Thought is an annual publication planned for release every January.
The anthology is available locally for K30 000, with international distribution through ABC.
The launch celebrated the bravery of the writers featured in the anthology, who have shared their stories and perspectives with the world.
Mpina told the writers: “You did something brave. You finished the work.”
University of Malawi Associtate Professor of Literary Studies Wesley Macheso, who was the guest of honour, congratulated contributors, describing their complication as “a revival in literary expression” for the inclusion of different languages.
He said: “Colonialism suppressed the use of indigenous languages and culture, recognising only English and Chichewa. This worked negatively in literary output.
“When I bought the book, I was impressed with contributions in Chichewa, Chitumbuka, Chilomwe, Tai and Nkhonde.”
Macheso also marvelled at the combination of authors in the book, suggesting a learning opportunity between veterans and the new generation.
He challenged the younger generation to develop their own identity through original productions rather than confirming to Artificial Intelligence(AI).
“Ask yourselves what it is you want to communicate and what are you going to be known for? Get your names out there and let’s consider translating to infiltrate international recognitions,” said Macheso.
Rhythms of Thought has about 100 contributors including Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga, Colin Namuelo, Nick Mdika Tembo, Martin Chrispine Juwa, Mathews Mhango and Rhoda Nyundo-Zulu.
The three-hour event was spiced up by an art exhibition, question and answer session, music and poetry performances, including University of Malawi, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Delaims, Agorosso, academic Dr Timwa Lipenga and a book auction.
