The Sunday Mail
Book Review
Edmore Zvinonzwa
WHEN I first met wordsmith Tinashe Muchuri, it was after the publication of his debut book Chibarabada and, later, when he sent audiences into bouts of laughter with his rendition of a poem titled ‘Chigaro’ at a Zimbabwe International Book Fair.
Fast forward to 2022, and the artiste, whose stock is rising with each passing day, published ‘Auntie Mazvita’.
This is a children’s book that was nominated for the National Arts Merit Awards back in February.
While it will remain an important contribution to children’s literature, Aunty Mazvita is a book that should not be missed by any age group.
By adopting an unusual style of using a person living with disability as a protagonist, Aunty Mazvita should be anyone’s choice for their bookshelf.
Muchuri says the Essential Books Publishing Company product came about after interactions with a friend.
“The book was inspired by Soneni Gwizi, a friend in the media. She is doing a lot of awareness campaigns in society on the inclusivity of people living with disabilities.
“It was this appreciation of talent among people living with disabilities that inspired me. They possess skills and talent that society can benefit from,” reckons Muchuri.
The book seeks to dispel stereotypes society has created on people living with disabilities.
Despite her disabilities, children from her village gather around Aunty Mazvita to listen to her stories and their singing is laden with gems of wisdom.
Her storytelling and counselling have enabled the community to be aware of a multiplicity of issues that include domestic violence, environmental concerns, various forms of abuse, marriage and divorce, education and the quest for knowledge, as well as working for the community.
The narrator says: “I was born with weak legs. I cannot walk like others. Doctors said I suffered from polio.
“This does not mean I cannot walk. Sometimes I crawl from one place to another and other times I use a wheelchair … I am like everyone else. I am glad with the role I play in my family and village. I am their storyteller. They allow their children to always gather around me singing, dancing and playing different games.” (pp 1-2)
The 18-page book, which is available at Best Books as well as the National Gallery of Zimbabwe offices, is replete with illustrations.
This helps in making clearer the ideas the author is communicating.
Muchuri was born to Tizirai and Sarah Muchuri on March 31, 1970, as the only son in a family of nine children.
He is an accomplished artist, storyteller, poet and journalist.
The artiste is also a former chairperson of the Budding Writers Association of Zimbabwe and an ex-secretary of the Zimbabwe Writers Association.
He is married to Stembinkosi, and the couple has two sons, Tinaye and Anesu, and a daughter, Gugulethu.
Muchuri has been a staff writer with Parade magazine, and has written for several publications, including The Southern Times, The Herald, NewsDay, Spike and Kwayedza.
Following his education in Zaka District, Masvingo Province, where he grew up, Muchuri went on to study for a diploma in Journalism and Communication with the Christian College of Southern Africa.
He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University, a certificate in Marketing and Sales from the Southern Africa Institute of Marketing, a certificate in Applied Economics Working Environment Management from the Harare Institute of Technology and a clerical course certificate from the Central African Correspondence College.
Muchuri is also the writer of ‘Zvipfuyo Nevana Vazvo’, and has contributed to and edited several poetry anthologies. He has contributed to several short story collections in English and Shona.
One of his short stories, ‘Suicide Notebook’, was adapted into a short film by Shingi Manyengavana in 2021.
His poem ‘Ibhinya’ was used by Katswe Sisterhood, in collaboration with Musasa Project, for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
It had been recorded on a CD.
Another poem, ‘Mbeu Yenyu Baba’, has been adapted by Teni Chitanana, in collaboration with other artistes.
He is also an actor, and has starred in ‘Tanyaradzwa’, ‘I Want a Wedding Dress’, ‘I Will Survive’, ‘The Husband’, ‘Playing Warriors’, ‘Nyami Nyami’ and ‘The Eggs of the Evil’ and ‘The Story of Nehanda’.
