Wry wise-cracker: Ovixlexla Bunya takes aim with words

There are a few women doing poetry in Malawi which has resulted in poetry being a male dominated art.

One of the few women excelling in English poetry is Ovixlexla Bunya. Affectionately known by the shorter version of her name, the poetess has also been instrumental in the emergence of the Living Room Poetry Club in Lilongwe, one of the rare spoken word gatherings in Malawi.

She describes her two years in the poetry, during which she has carved a name for herself, as insightful.

Ovi joins Evelyn Pangani, who delivers Chichewa poetry, among the swarm of men.

But how did this trained journalist find herself in poetry?

“I embarked on this journey when I was seven years old with a political poem Politician Politician…Who is a Politician. I got my first standing ovation and after that I dedicated my free time to writing, be it drama scripts, short stories or poems,” she tells On the Arts.

Ovi says she is a natural writer and it did not come as a surprise that she found herself in poetry.

“I enjoy writing in both English and Chichewa, it comes naturally, I think of an idea, it pops out in a language it wants to, transcends and flows just like that,” she explained.

She draws inspiration from happenings around her and attempts to deliver her artistry in a humorous style.

Ovi is also a self-confessed feminist and through her work, helps to bridge the divide between the two sexes.

Gender issues, she says, “are the cause of most problems in this country.”

Ovi has been in serious poetry ever since she co-founded the Living Room Poetry Club together with Q Malewezi, Chris Msosa, Edness Kenamu, Andekuche Chanthunya and Andrew Kamwambi.

She was also instrumental in the organisation of DiverCity 1 and 2, English poetry shows in Lilongwe.

“We have unearthed new talent. And when it comes to DiverCity, I am always part of organising as well as writing poetry that is worth the audience’s money. I took interest in poetry for change, to speak out on issues of national concern through my poetry and ever since my brain keeps my pen running and it won’t stop scribbling. I have no regrets at all, actually I am so proud of myself for taking such a step and with how the audience have embraced my writing, I see no reason to even think twice about that choice I made, instead I am inspired to write more.”

The poet describes herself as a controversial artist who loves to explore paths that most people would not dare take.

“I am not apologetic about it. I am passionate about politics, socio-cultural issues and pan-Africanism although, just like any other being, I brag about love and other simple things that life ushers in my way,” she affirmed.

But how has she managed to stay strong and relevant over the past two years to her audience whether big or small? “Apart from writing on themes that I am interested in, I come up with topics that are relevant to everyday life, appeal to the common Malawian, mostly current affairs. I read intensively, a wide range of books, mostly African authors and I always explore different styles of writing every time to give each of my pieces a unique touch,” claimed the poet.

Other than poetry, she a journalist. She has worked with the defunct Guardian newspaper, Galaxy radio, MBC Television as producer, presenter and reporter.

Looking ahead, Ovi thinks the future of poetry in Malawi is bright as Malawians have embraced poetry.