THE local literary scene which has been struggling to recapture the glory of the late 1990s and early 2000s is set for revival with the establishment of Zambezi Book Expo — a regional book and educational fair set for September 10-12 — co-ordinator Joy Madewu has said.
BY ARTS REPORTER
Madewu said there was need to restore the glamour of the literary arts which were among the most popular forms of art.
She stressed the importance of celebrating writers the same way musicians are celebrated today.
“That is the reason why writers like Patrick Chakaipa, Giles Kuimba, Tsitsi Dangarembwa, Thompson Tsodzo, Mordecai Hamutyinei (late), Aaron Chiundura Moyo, Yvonne Vera (late), Chenjerai Hove and Dambudzo Marechera (late) became revered names,” she said.
She also noted that Zimbabwe’s literary events were ranked among the best in Africa.
“However, over the years we have become mere shadows of ourselves. This sad reality coupled with the impact of technological developments on the book industry over the last two decades, motivated us to find solutions to leverage book publishing and reading amidst these challenges,” she said.
She said they were not out to compete with the Zimbabwe International Book Fair, but wanted to compliment by putting Zimbabwe and Africa at the pinnacle of world literature.
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Two literary awards, the Great Zimbabwe Book Awards and Mosi-oa-Tunya Literature Award for Women Writers in Africa will be launched at the event.
She said the Great Zimbabwe Book Awards will be open to all Zimbabweans at home and abroad, while the Mosi-oa-Tunya Literature Award for Women Writers in Africa is open to all African women writers.
Besides the book exhibitions and awards we have also lined up a number of activities including performance by an international musician and comedian, author and readers interactive sessions, workshops; performances; panel discussions; competitions; book market; education fair and film shows.
