Chiwamba’s poetic moment

Poet Robert Chiwamba will tomorrow officially unveil 58 of his new poems which form his latest album Kuchokera Ku Chanco ndi Kachirombo. The event will take place at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.

The latest package is his third offering after the release of Chanco Mu Nthawi Yanga in 2012 and Kwa Mai Chiwamba in 2015.

The Udzafa Imfa Yowawa creator reckons he has learnt a lot since he started writing. He says this is the right moment for people to assess how much he has gained over time.

Chiwamba said: “The life of an artist involves continuously getting feedback both positive and negative. This criticism has made me better as I have tried hard to improve in areas where I have fallen short.”

In addition to the duet he will have with Sangie, the poetry feast will also be spiced up by some of the respected names in the trade such as Nyamalikiti Nthiwatiwa, Mada Nyambo, Jedidiah, Phindu Zaie Banda, Yona Gondwe and Fanny Mbewe.

Chiwamba said the album has been dedicated to public university students who are dropping out of school because of what he called an ‘inconsiderate fee hike’.

“It comprises diverse themes, from corruption to love, weddings to sorrow. But most importantly, HIV and Aids and the rapid population growth take centre-stage. People should expect thought-provoking pieces on different issues affecting us,” he said.

Chiwamba said his profile as a poet has accorded him several opportunities which has seen him headline both local and international festivals, scooping awards and acting as a representative for Unesco and European Union’s Step as their ambassador.

He said: “These experiences have opened my eyes to new ways of doing things. The interactions with different people who hold different perceptions of life has helped me shape a better understanding of the world and what I do,”

Musician Faith Mussa is one of the many people who have been left amazed with Chiwamba’s poetic genius and he says the poet has brought a significant variation to the art.

Writing on his Instagram, Mussa said: “I call him a sensei of poetry. Most of the Chichewa poems have a common thing. But he came up with something that we had never heard before and for that he stands out.” n

Chiwamba said: “The life of an artist involves continuously getting feedback both positive and negative. This criticism has made me better as I have tried hard to improve in areas where I have fallen short.”

In addition to the duet he will have with Sangie, the poetry feast will also be spiced up by some of the respected names in the trade such as Nyamalikiti Nthiwatiwa, Mada Nyambo, Jedidiah, Phindu Zaie Banda, Yona Gondwe and Fanny Mbewe.

Chiwamba said the album has been dedicated to public university students who are dropping out of school because of what he called an ‘inconsiderate fee hike’.

“It comprises diverse themes, from corruption to love, weddings to sorrow. But most importantly, HIV and Aids and the rapid population growth take centre-stage. People should expect thought-provoking pieces on different issues affecting us,” he said.

Chiwamba said his profile as a poet has accorded him several opportunities which has seen him headline both local and international festivals, scooping awards and acting as a representative for Unesco and European Union’s Step as their ambassador.

He said: “These experiences have opened my eyes to new ways of doing things. The interactions with different people who hold different perceptions of life has helped me shape a better understanding of the world and what I do,”

Musician Faith Mussa is one of the many people who have been left amazed with Chiwamba’s poetic genius and he says the poet has brought a significant variation to the art.

Writing on his Instagram, Mussa said: “I call him a sensei of poetry. Most of the Chichewa poems have a common thing. But he came up with something that we had never heard before and for that he stands out.” n