Entertainment News

Academia, authors celebrate Msadala’s literary works

It was a day of joy when the academia, authors, friends and family on Friday united in celebrating Alfred Msadala’s literary works and his contribution to creative writing in the country.

The works, written in the past five years, comprise two novels titled Second Chance and Malangano and two poetry anthologies titled Someone is Coming and Two Poems, co-authored with Cecelia Hasha Dube.

Has written four books in five years: Msadala

Speaking on behalf of Friends of Msadala at Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre, former University of Malawi registrar Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga, who is also a celebrated writer, shared with the audience how Msadala remains one of the most passionate writers in the country.

He said: “He is a man I can call a moving encyclopedia of literature. There is no literary genre he does not know. If you ask him about plays, he will engage you in a literary conversation about plays. If you go to novels, he will surprise you with characters you would not expect him to describe. The same applies to poetry and the short story.”

Malunga said Msadala’s contribution to creative writing lies in his determination and commitment to write poetry, fiction and publish literary criticism in The Sunday Times.

In his brief presentation, University of Malawi (Unima) Associate Professor of Linguistics Dr Winfred Nkochi said Msadala inspired many people to write and publish books.

“On behalf of authors who published books under the guidance of Msadala, we say he is a well of knowledge we shall continuously visit for guidance,” he said.

On her part, Unima Associate Professor of Literature Dr Asante Mtenje, who reviewed Two Poems, hailed Msadala for writing about issues that affect society such as the neglect of children.

Another academic, Dr Damazio Mfune Mwanjakwa, also from Unima, said Msadala can now be placed among Malawi’s literary giants such as Ken Lipenga, James Ng’ombe, David Rubadiri and Dede Kankondo.

“Previously, we knew Msadala as a poet and essayist, but with the publication of these four books comprising two poetry anthologies and novels, he has finally been inducted into the league of other great writers in the country,” he said.

Mfune echoed remarks made by James Chimwaza earlier on that writers can inspire a nation to greatness.

“It is, therefore, right that writers and arts in general, should be supported,” he said.

Just like the previous speakers, Professor Francis Moto, who was the guest of honour, said a nation without strong writers is a dead nation.

“Writers are mirrors of society for they critique society’s ills. A society with vibrant literature thrives,” he said.

In his speech, Msadala thanked his friends for organising the function.

“I urge writers to get united and write to change society because that is the noble duty of writers,” he said.

During the celebration, The Friends of Msadala also bought a minimum of five books to donate to schools or individuals to promote reading culture in the country.

Related Articles

Back to top button