By Harold Kapindu
Saddened by the absence of National Poetry Month celebrations in Malawi, Poet Tendai M Shaba has embarked on a mission to increase awareness, appreciate and redefine poetry in the country.
The month of April was National Poetry Month, introduced and organized in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets in the United States, which has gone on to become an international celebration.
Poetry Association of Malawi Vice President Daniel Dama was recently quoted by local media saying the body was caught unaware hence they had not planned any national event.
However, Shaba said he wants to address the significance of poetry going forward and how local poets can use their story telling skills to address burning social issues and current affairs.
“This is a creativity and the wealth of language must be celebrated. We need to encourage Malawian storytellers to produce Nobel Prize worthy content,” he hinted.
Shaba has officially been involved as an activist in various campaigns mental health awareness, women and youth empowerment, GBV elimination, labor and productivity, climate change and safe motherhood.
He has previously shared his poetry with President Lazarus Chakwera, Former President Dr. Joyce Banda, Health Minister Khumbize Chiponda Kandodo, Minister of Gender Patricia Kaliati, among others.
Tendai M Shaba is a celebrated poet, activist and author of Moments to cherish book which was published in 2020.