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Happias Msinde wins poet slam competition

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HAPPIAS Msinde of Masvingo outclassed other 26 poets to be chosen this month’s winner of the poetry event dubbed House of Hunger Poetry Slam held at Book Café.

HAPPIAS “Bravoman” Msinde of Masvingo outclassed other 26 poets to be chosen this month’s winner of the poetry event dubbed House of Hunger Poetry Slam held at Book Café.

Winstone Antonio

Msinde, who is also trying his like in the ongoing Star Bright Show, said he was overwhelmed at winning the competition.

“This is my first time to participate in this competition and I was amazed to be declared the winner. Despite coming top, I have learnt something from taking part in such a slam that featured veteran poets and this will go a long way for me as a poet,” said Msinde.

During the competition in each of the three segments Msinde collected 30 points. In the first round they were 26 poets, the second round had nine before the three of them being announced the winners in the third round were Arnold “SoProfond” Chirimika and Shabba secured the second and third position respectively.

During the competition, various peace-related messages were conveyed including pleas against gender-based violence, public violence and political violence as the nation heads towards the harmonised elections on July 31.

The event was co-hosted by Artistes for Democracy in Zimbabwe Trust (ADZT) and Pamberi Trust, running under the theme Celebrating Peace and Unity.

The two entities have partnered to advocate for peace among citizens through music and poetry.

Meanwhile, ADZT information officer Nyaradzo Muchawaya said they are dedicated to work with artiste and poets to preach the word of peace to the populace.

“Poets and musicians play a pivotal role in educating the people as they can give passionate voices in calling for peace and unity among citizens through their works,” said Muchawaya.

“This slam has provided a platform to upcoming poets, offering them an opportunity to share the stage with seasoned performers and has help young poets to take initiatives in forming poetry movements around their communities,” she added.

The popular monthly event has grown tremendously over the last years, highly supported by the new breed of protest poets who found a safe platform to horn their skill as well as articulate issues that affect them and the communities they live in.

Names like Xapa, Linda Gabriel, FlowChyld, Aura, Ticha Muzavazi, PSP, Biko Mutsaurwa, Mutumwapavi, Cde Fatso, Outspoken, Upmost and many others voices have risen above through the platform.

Pamberi Trust and African Synergy based in Johannesburg, representing Pamberi Trust’s regional dimension have given the slam a new life by facilitating regional platforms that allow poets from different countries to meet and showcase their talent.

This has seen poets attending festivals like Arts Alive (SA), Poetry Africa (SA), Bushfire (Swaziland) and Thubalethu/Nguva Yedu Youth Festival (Zim) among others.

Apart from partnering with poets to preach the gospel of peace and love, the organisations has also engaged various musicians who include Peter Moyo, Somandla Ndebele, Tryson Chimbetu, Chiwoniso Maraire, Jah Prayzah and Sulumani Chimbetu among others.