With the lyrical flair of a poet and the curiosity of a seasoned traveller, Gerald Shorayi invites readers on a magical journey that begins deep in Zimbabwe’s evergreen Chirinda Forest and soars across the nation’s most treasured landscapes.
Popularly known as G Boss the Poet, Shorayi blends imagination, culture and education in his latest novel, Mukanyawashe’s Big Adventure — a story crafted to delight young readers while subtly encouraging tourists to explore Zimbabwe’s natural wonders.
Shorayi is a multifaceted scholar whose academic journey spans the University of Zimbabwe, Renmin University of China, Beijing Institute of Technology and Beijing Normal University. He holds two Master’s degrees — one in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language and another in Public Management.
During his years in China, Shorayi developed a deep appreciation for folktales and narrative storytelling as powerful tools for education and entertainment. This passion is evident in his growing body of work, which includes Chikuni Chempangara, Hadyana, Bhanan’ana reNhorimbo, Art is Life and The Bleeding Tree, among others.
At the heart of Mukanyawashe’s Big Adventure is Mukanyawashe, a young baboon living in the ancient Chirinda Forest. Like many children, he dreams beyond his physical limits. Though baboons cannot fly, Mukanyawashe longs to soar across Zimbabwe and view his homeland from the skies.
His dream takes an extraordinary turn when he discovers a pair of magical wings hidden inside a massive tree, granting him the gift of flight.
But adventure does not come without danger. Powerful winds push Mukanyawashe off course, plunging him into frightening situations beyond his control. Just as hope begins to fade, he is rescued by Hungweyashe, the fish eagle — Zimbabwe’s revered national bird.
Hungweyashe becomes both friend and guide, and together they embark on an aerial tour of the country’s iconic destinations.
- Prove how we ‘rig’ polls: Zec
- CCC youths camp at Chin‘ono home
- Travelling & touring: Darker side of travelling and touring
- Social Commentary: Chiredzi villagers struggle with hunger, food insecurity
Keep Reading
Their journey takes readers to breath-taking sites including Mutarazi Falls, Nyanga, Mana Pools, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Matobo Hills, Great Zimbabwe and Gonarezhou.
Through these vivid encounters, Mukanyawashe learns about Zimbabwe’s landscapes, wildlife and rich history, gaining wisdom and confidence with every kilometre flown.
By the end of the journey, Mukanyawashe is no longer the timid dreamer who left Chirinda Forest. He returns home braver, wiser and grateful, carefully returning the magical wings so that another dreamer may one day use them.
Shorayi’s story gently encourages children to dream boldly, embrace courage, cherish friendship and take pride in Zimbabwe. Like the whispering trees of Chirinda Forest, Mukanyawashe’s Big Adventure lingers in the reader’s heart, calling on young minds and curious travellers to explore, imagine, and believe.
Beyond its fantasy, the book doubles as a gentle tourism map, inspiring families, schools and visitors to see Zimbabwe through curious eyes. It positions storytelling as a bridge between heritage and adventure, reminding readers that forests, rivers and monuments are living classrooms worth protecting for generations to come.
