Poetic charisma on the rise in Malawi

An almost empty hall was the order of the day for poetry performances in the past few decades. A warehouse with few patrons was the best poetry performances could attract, but the days of empty seats at poetry shows, it seems, have come to an end.

Last Sunday, after holding poetry shows in smaller venues such as The Steers gardens, Nanzikambe and Mibawa premises, the poetry fraternity bet it all by daring a bigger and challenging venue—Robins Park.

In an awe that almost erased the memories of a miniature following, Malawian poets recited before an audience packed like sardines in the auditorium of the Robin’s Park.

What is it with the latest poetry sensation?

Renowned Malawian Poet Nyamalikiti Nthiwatiwa says it is not by accident that the art has increased its patronage, saying perseverance and determination have taken it this far.

“For those who have been around since the days of audience indifference, they would know. It is the consistency of the practitioners, persevering to perform even in empty venues, and to themselves. We knew things would look up one day,” says Nyamalikiti.

The Dziko Liri Mmanja Mwa Agalu composer argues that the art is going towards the right direction, but pleads for originality from his fellow poets.

“The problem is that as poetry booms, it will do so with a lot of imitators. But that’s a small price to pay for something on the rise… That’s true for any pop culture,” states Nyamalikiti.

He further cautions the overuse of humour in poems which, he says, has become trendy.

“There is more that can be done stylistically and thematically and the poet must not build in people the impression that it’s all about humour,” he cautions.

Radio presenter of Matindi FM radio poetry programme Bwalo la Alakatuli, Moleni Nazombe, argues that poets have made an impact in people’s lives because they are writing social themed poems.

“Poets are writing without having a lot of figurative speech, imagery or riddles. They are writing straightforward poems that are easy to understand. Radio stations such as Matindi FM are also doing a great job in giving poets a platform to be heard,” says Nazombe.

Hudson Chamasowa, who doubles as a poet and a radio presenter for Tsokwe La Pakamwa programme on Ufulu FM concurs with Nazombe that radio programmes have played a significant role in promoting poetry.

“Back in the day, it was only Joy Radio and MBC Radio that featured the art. But now most radio stations have included poetry in their programming. So, when poets go to different venues to hold shows, the audience wants to see the poets who fascinate them on radios,” argues Chamasowa.

Chamasowa, author of Zochitika ku Simongoliya poem, admits that poetry has been diluted to humour to the extent that a poet who recites humourless poetry is booed by the fans on stage.

“We are to blame for the overuse of humour in poetry, but one cannot dismiss it; it is just a revolution of the art,” said Chamasowa.

He said poetry, like any other art, responds to the needs of the audience, such that poets have had to give their audience what they demand.