It's a New Dawn for Young Writers, a New Dawn for Students, It is Mapambazuko Ya Machweo.
Hello Africa?
Saturday, the 7th of May 2022, could have been any other day for you and me. But it will undoubtedly go down as one of the finest days for Mapambazuko ya Machweo na Hadithi Nyingine Editors and Authors.
Mapambazuka ya Machweo na Hadithi Nyingine anthology is one of the mandatory Swahili set-books approved by KICD to be studied and examined in Kenyan High schools between 2022-2027 that was launched on the 7th of May 2022 at Alliance Francaise Nairobi, Kenya, in the presence of Swahili lovers, students and creative writers.
But hey! What is worth a story about this book's launch?
Well, well, well! First off, what caught my eyes is more about the collection of various and diverse types of writers way beyond the collection of finely weaved fictional stories in this Swahili Anthology.
Here are a few facts, statics and accuracies as shared by one of the main editors, D.W Lutomia, during the launch;
a) This book is edited by the youngest duos in Swahili history. We are used to Swahili Methuselahs and Wahengas rocking the Swahili space and have made some of us believe to somehow nothing can go anywhere without their Midas touch. Mapambazuko ya Machweo proves that the ground in the Swahili landscape has shifted to usher in a new era that is centred on creativity and dynamism regardless of their age. This Anthology involves many young writers. The main editors, D.W Lutomia and Phibian Muthama, are under 35, down to a fourth-year student from Kenyatta University-Dominic Maina.
b)The collection of the story in the Anthology strikes gender balance expectations. The ratio of women to men involved in writing this Swahili Anthology almost balances the gender, which is a remarkable sense of equality. A constitutional need that many sectors, including government and private, struggle to balance.
c)The Anthology has also brought together different types of writers, cutting across budding to veteran writers who have cemented their identity in the Swahili space.
From the young editor D.W Lutomia to Mr Mzamane Nhlapo from Lesotho, who was confirmed to have written his Anthology in 1992; From a veteran and a top-notch writer Prof.Clara Momanyi to a fourth-year student from Kenyatta University Dominic Maina; And from a seasoned and Crème De La Crème writer, Pauline Kea to the Peacock-Phibian Muthama. This says so much about the age and experience of many creative writers involved in this Anthology.
d)Lastly, their creativity goes without a say. If either of the writers will not motivate you, I confirm upfront that the problem is you!
As the famous Julius Ceaser aptly put it, Veni, Vidi, Vici. They came, they saw. They conquered.
Back to you, Mr/Mrs.Reader.
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