The name William Khalipwina Mpina is not new in writing circles for he has written and published many poems, short stories and books in the country and beyond. This time around, Mpina has established a book publishing company with a Zimbabwean colleague. In this interview, Mpina shares some insights about the company. Our contributor, AUBREY THOM VAKHANI has the excerpts: Q. Tell us about Mlembi Press Private Limited?
A: Mlembi Press and Media Private Limited is a duly registered company in Malawi under the Companies Act.
It is under the able hands of I, William Khalipwina Mpina and Tendai Rinos Mwanaka. This publishing house will combine both traditional and digital publishing. Traditional, because we can print, but on demand. Digital, because our books will be made available online through African Books Collective (UK). It adopts a modern publishing model, but situated in Malawi.
We are open to any book in any language of Malawi. It can be nonfictions, scholarly, fictions, art books, plays, poetry, mixed genres and other media. However, the work should be unpublished, no multiple submissions and above all, not artificial intelligence (AI) generated.
Q. Why did you think of coming up with this company?
A: The idea was hatched after noting that despite the great enthusiasm among writers to publish, ‘traditional publishers’ are much into publishing academic books. Since the country cannot run away from the need of publishing fiction and nonfiction books which are not academic but issue-based, Mlembi Press felt it necessary to come in. Let me mention also that my colleague [Tendai] has a similar company in his homeland which has extensively published both Zimbabweans and other African writers. And it was felt necessary to bring a similar publishing house in my homeland.
Q: How ready are you to take on the growing number of writers aspiring to publish their work?
A: Writers from Malawi should engage us anytime they are ready. We are interested in writers who not only write a book, but who have a plan to make a change in the writing industry. We want writers who will work as hard as us the publishers to take their dreams into the world, to propagate their dreams, to change the world. We want authors, writers, artists who are change agents and dreamers. Otherwise, Mlembi Press and Media is already on its feet. In addition to books that will be submitted by individuals, we will also be publishing an annual anthology.
Q: But when is the first call of the anthology?
A: Mlembi Press and Media Private Limited are currently inviting submissions for Rhythms of Thought, Volume 1, a new anthology celebrating contemporary Malawian creativity. We welcome work from both emerging and established Malawian poets, writers, visual artists, songwriters, and playwrights. The deadline is November 30 2025. We are seeking work that explores the diverse cultures and languages of Malawi, including Chichewa, Chiyao, Chitumbuka, Chilhomwe, Chinkhonde, Chisena, and English. This anthology aims to showcase the vibrant rhythms of Malawian thought.
Q: What is the distribution network?
A: Our books will be distributed by African Books Collective who will cover the international market.
Q: Let us talk about some of your literary works?
A. I have published several books, some of which are Shattered Dreams, 2019, Blood Suckers, 2019, Princess From the Moon, 2020, a poetry collection that explores the human experience through metaphors and everyday life experiences, Mooning the Morning, 2022, a collection of 44 verses that take readers on a wild ride, touching on themes of life, death, and human emotions, Stranger in Her Own Skin, 2025, a collection of stories that explore the human condition, documenting pain, loss, happiness, and sadness in daily life and Kamwala Kodabwitsa, 2024, a children’s book created for the Invisible Child Project, funded by PEN International and many other books. I have also co-edited some anthologies such as Walking the Battlefield, 2020, a bilingual poetry anthology on Covid-19. My work has also been reviewed and featured in various international literary magazines like Kalahari Review, Literary Shanghai, Writers Space Africa, African Writer, Nthanda Review, Scribble Publication, Atunis Galaxy Poetry, Poetica Magazine and Expound Magazine.
Q: Your final words?
A: Mlembi Press and Media Private Limited are ready to empower writers, connect stories, and celebrate our culture. We invite Malawian writers to be part of the story.
