AWARD-WINNING poet, Tatenda Chinoda, popularly known as Gwenyanduri Dhege, brought life to Heroes’ Day Commemorations held at Magunje Heroes’ Acre after putting up a scintillating performance that left the rural folk in stitches.
BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA
The poet, who was also part of a Heroes’ Day holiday traffic safety campaign, took over the stage and recited a poem laced with mockery and comic lines coupled with some body antics, much to the delight of the gathering.
Dhege told NewsDay after his act that he stepped into the limelight with the Tsamba YaBabamudiki Dhege Kuna Maiguru poem.
He said he used words and expressions that resonated well with the audience.
“These were Heroes’ Day celebrations and one feels like some kind of an entertainment hero when you do a performance like this. The choice of words, content relevance and delivery styles make up the magic behind a successful poetry performance. This resonates with the heart and soul of the audience,” he said.
“The atmosphere becomes electric and floodgates of emotions open non-stop. The resultant rapport with your audience is magical. Gone are the days when we did art just for its sake. Art must be meaningful.”
Dhege, who usually performs at private functions, has also posted his poems on social media. He won an accolade in 2013 for outstanding poet in the National Arts Merit Awards. He has one music album, Loud Silent Killer, which carries the popular track, Pandakamuona.
