Poetry is undergoing dynamic transformation in the country driven by digital innovation and evolving support systems.
Traditional barriers are being dismantled as poets are leveraging social media platforms to reach global audiences, foster collaborations, and promote their work.
Despite challenges, including limited resources and infrastructure, the poetry community is embracing new opportunities with resilience and creativity.
In recent years, the local poetry landscape has experienced a profound shift, catalysed by the rise of digital platforms and enhanced support systems.
Poet Robert Chiwamba, reflects on this transformation, noting: “Most poets are sharing links of their work and connecting with other poets from around the world through these platforms.”
The advent of social media has revolutionised the way poets disseminate their work, enabling them to bypass traditional media channels that often entail significant costs.
“This shift has allowed poets to bypass traditional media channels, which often come with high costs, and instead use social media and online performances as cost-effective means to reach audiences,” Chiwamba explains.
He adds: ‘‘This digital revolution is not only reducing
ex p e n s e s b u t a l s o broadening the reach of Malawian poetry. Poets are leveraging social media to showcase their work and engage with global audiences, which opens up new opportunities f o r e x p o s u r e a n d collaboration.”
Support systems play a crucial role in this evolving landscape. Non – g o v e r n m e n t a l organisations, businesses, and arts associations are instrumental in providing opportunities and advocating for poets.
A c c o r d i n g t o Chiwamba, government provides policy direction that helps to shape the art industry, while various organisations offer platforms for poets to perform and gain recognition.
T h e s e s u p p o r t networks are essential in nurturing the growth of poetry and helping poets navigate the challenges they face.
As Malawian poets look to the future, their aspirations shape the trajectory of their craft.
Asserts Chiwamba: “The future depends on what the poets want it to be. Poets can compete at any level; the sky is not even the limit. If they put interest in their craft, the future will be great.”
T h i s o p t imi sm reflects a broader belief that the dig i tal era offers unprecedented possibilities for the growth and evolution of Malawian poetry.
Spoken word artist Cliff Kawerama, popularly known as Cliff Ceekay, echoes this sentiment, e m p h a s i s i n g t h e importance of social media in promoting poetry.
“I mainly use my social media platforms and rely on friends and family to share my work across various networks,” he says.
This approach mirrors a wider trend among Malawian poets who are increasingly turning to platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to connect with both local and global audiences.
Despite these efforts, Ceekay acknowledges that many poets still struggle to make a significant impact on the international stage.
Ceekay also highlights the challenges faced by the poetry community i n M a l a w i d u e t o limited resources and infrastructure. “Most poets are beginning to under s tand that expensive gear isn’t always necessary,” he notes.
Many poets are using accessible tools l ike smartphones and social media platforms to create and share their work, particularly in spoken word.
W h i l e t h i s r e s o u r c e f u l n e s s i s admi r a b l e , Cee ka y observes that most poets still lack adequate skills on how best to leverage social media platforms.
Support networks are vital in fostering the growth of poetry in Malawi. Ceekay points at organisations such as the Poetry Association of Malawi, Sapitwa Poetry, and the Vili Panganga Poetry Movement as c r u c i a l s o u r c e s o f o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d recognition.
“ N e t w o r k s l i k e these help bring more o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d provide platforms for publication, such as Poems from Malawi,” he says.
For aspiring poets, Ceekay advises: “The industry is evolving, and poets who succeed will be those who find creative ways to use social media and technology.”
He also emphasises the importance of addressing societal issues in their work.
“People connect with what resonates with them, so poets should focus on important topics in their society,” Ceekay suggests.
Poet Gracious Lungu s h a r e s a h o p e f u l perspective on the future of Malawian poetry. He notes the resilience of poets who have adapted to challenging conditions by organising shows and promoting their art despite infrastructural limitations.
“We have seen poets organising shows, coming together promoting their own art, regardless of lack of infrastructure,” Lungu says.
