The University of Malawi (UNIMA) in Zomba was abuzz with powerful words and soulful music on the evening of November 15, as poets from all walks of life gathered for the Hello Zomba Poetry Tour.
This unique collaboration between the UNIMA Writers’ Workshop and the Vilipanganga Poetry Movement transformed the campus into a haven of artistic expression, captivating an active audience for three hours of poetic brilliance and cultural connection.
According to Alfred Kamwendo, President of the UNIMA Writers’ Workshop, this collaboration was born from Vilipanganga’s vision to spread the magic of poetry beyond the capital.
“The idea was to give a platform to UNIMA Writers’ Workshop poets while treating poetry lovers in Zomba with a lovely set of expressions,” Kamwendo explained.
William Shumba, Activities Coordinator for Vilipanganga, highlighted their shared inspiration.
“Our passion has always been to uplift poets and raise the flag of poetry in Malawi. Yesterday’s event was breathtaking; people showed up in large numbers, exceeding our expectations.”
Themed to ignite conversations in a poetic manner, the show tackled issues of love, mental health, economics, and satire. “The words we crafted were indeed medicine,” Shumba shared.
What set the Hello Zomba Poetry Tour apart was the seamless integration of student poets and seasoned wordsmiths like well-known TV presenter and poet, Yankho Seunda, and poetess, Refilwe Ntopa.
This interplay of emerging and established talent created an electric atmosphere.
“Leaning on each other, we have learned and shared so much. Such value exchanges not only build strong communities but also encourage cultural exchange,” Shumba noted.
For the UNIMA poets, the event was more than a performance; it was a transformative experience.
UNIMA Writer’s Workshop President, Alfred Kamwendo commended, “Sharing a stage with well-known poets was a challenge, but the process boosted our members’ confidence as well as give us room for improvement.”
The audience was treated to an array of languages, styles, and voices that kept them engaged from start to finish.
“We managed to keep people for about three hours, listening to poetry and music. The lively performances caught us by surprise,” Kamwendo admitted.
The success of the event was further amplified by the generous support of partners like Ekhaya, who provided food vouchers for the participants.
Shumba extended heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Such commitment by the corporate world to uplift the creative society can never go unnoticed.”
The impact of the Hello Zomba Poetry Tour is expected to resonate far beyond the event.
For students, it served as a platform for showcasing their work and gaining valuable feedback.
For the UNIMA Writers’ Workshop, it was an opportunity to envision similar events, including outreach to secondary schools in Zomba.
In Shumba’s words, “Words have great power to make or break, and the performances last night undoubtedly touched hearts and inspired minds.”
