Preaching against homosexuality

With an aversion he has to homosexuality, budding poet Robert Chiwamba has an undertaking, which is to encourage homophobia as much as he can.

According to his debut album Chanco Munthawi Yanga, carrying 31 poems, released early in 2013, the poet tackles issues concerning his study life at Chancellor College with the famous poem tackling homosexuality, a practice still illegal in the country.

Chiwamba’s poem Udzafa Imfa Yowawa prophesies doom for homosexuals, people who do not see anything wrong in the practice as well as any other person who embraces the practice.

The prophecy in the poetry, which is recited with a touch different to the common vernacular recitals, talks about a painful death the people involved would experience.

“The poem stems from the hate I have for homosexuality. What I hate most in all these homosexual campaigns which might as well have played a part in the production of the poem is that homosexual activists paint a picture that this is an issue of concern for majority Malawians, yet there are many pertinent issues to be addressed,” said Chiwamba.

The poem could be considered hard-hitting in its condemnation to the extent that one would think the poet went overboard with his hyperbole.

Some lines in the poem go: chinsomali chachikulu ndi chonenepa chidzakubayani pamutu ndi kutulukira kuchibwano/ndipo magazi osakanikilana ndi ubongo adzayenda pakhosi panu mothamanga ngati mtsinje wa Shire…/ anthu m’mawa mwake adzamva kuti mwafa chinkhopechi ndi chimimba chili chotupa zedi/ mukusewera ndi Mulungu wa makamu (which basically speaks of a gruesome death that homosexuals would face)

The poet says he would not worry if Udzafa Imfa Yowawa encourages homophobia.

Chiwamba is positive that as a poet, he can be a vehicle of change or advance the fight against homosexuality, arguing the voice of many on the issue is muted by their education background and poverty.

He said: “In the case where homosexuality is legalised, I will still be happy that at least my stand was well-articulated through my poems. Thus, I am not part of that decision.”

While artists are believed to be the voices of the voiceless who throughout their artistic career try to lobby for the rights of the minority, Chiwamba says he does not see any reason he should be doing something because others are doing so.

He says many people like his poem and it has been a force that has catapulted the whole album to greater heights and popularised poetry to some extent.

“Udzafa Imfa Yowawa

has been recommended by people of all walks of life implying that it is speaking what many Malawians, including the voiceless want. In this case, people would be better judges. Further, I stand to be corrected, but I have never heard any artist who has done his work in support of homosexuality,” said Chiwamba.

The poet said artists have got a role to play in promoting good governance and human rights, but caution has to be made in considering some cultural aspects.

He says much as rights are not negotiable or inalienable, he believes Malawi’s culture needs to be respected as Malawians are generally against homosexuality.

Other notable poems in Robert’s Chanco Munthawi Yanga, which is one of the top selling poetry albums in the country, include Kwa Inu Mahope Anga Ndilira, Zibwenzi, Adzaima Pena Pake, Mlonda Lero Sikucha.

Chiwamba is the last born in a family of six and was born on May 27 1990 and he is pursuing his final year in Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration at Chancellor College.

He is an Anglican, who comes from Nkaweya Village, Traditional Authority Chimwala in Mangochi.

Robert did his primary school at Chatuwa in Lilongwe’s Area 18 from where he was selected to Bwaila Secondary School in 2003. In 2008, he went to Kings Foundation from where he was selected to Chancellor College.

Chiwamba said his interest in poetry developed when he was at secondary school after listening to Joy Radio’s ‘Patsinde’ programme by the late O’brien Nazombe.

“I never thought of writing poetry until in second year at Chancellor College where I recited at church and was encouraged by people’s response; consequently trying it at a bigger stage,” says Chiwamba.