* ‘Nasiwero ndi Ndakatulo Zina’, ‘Taming the State of Mind’ and ‘Writing Odyssey’
* He encourages Malawians to cultivate a culture of reading saying it acts as a bridge connecting the writers to their audiences
By Mussa John Witness, Malawi News Agency (MANA)
Renowned Malawian poet, scholar, translator, and higher education administrator, Dr. Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga — best celebrated for the poem; ‘Ndidzakutengera Kunyanja Ligineti’ — has launched three books adding to a trove of literature he has authored.
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Launched on Sunday at DMI-St John the Baptist University in Mangochi, the three books are ‘Nasiwero ndi Ndakatulo Zina’, ‘Taming the State of Mind’ and ‘Writing Odyssey’, which are being sold at minimum prices of MK25,000, MK25,000 and MK30,000 respectively.
He encouraged Malawians to cultivate a culture of reading, saying reading acts as a bridge connecting the writers to their audiences.
Malawi Writers Union (MAWU) vice-president, Foster Benjamin, described Dr Malunga as a veteran poet whose commitment to literature deserves admiration.
“Dr Malunga has shown strong commitment to art and literature even at a time technology and artificial intelligence have taken shape.
“This is a rare development that deserves admiration,” said Benjamin, who appealed to government to continue supporting the arts industry.
He described the recent establishment of the National Arts and Heritage Council as a demonstration of government’s commitment to developing the industry.
The event attracted politicians, academics, faith leaders, traditional leaders, publishers, book lovers, and students, among others.
Present was Minister of Information & Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba, who described Wokomaatani Malunga as a national treasure for his contribution to Malawi’s literature and cultural preservation.
Namalomba said Malunga’s ability to write and translate artistic works into various local languages was crucial in preserving Malawi’s cultural heritage.
“Dr Malunga is capable of writing in different local languages. He can write in Sena, Yao, and Chichewa among others. His art is very essential in cultural preservation,” he said.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the arts industry, poetry in particular, describing it as a pivotal means of communication that falls within the mandate of his Ministry.
Namalomba, also encouraged writers to embrace the digital platforms to monetize their creative works and expand their readership and reach wider audiences.
Widely regarded as one of Malawi’s most influential literary figures, Wokomaatani Malunga is renowned for his mastery of the spoken and written word.
Beyond his profound contributions to African literature, he has spent decades in university leadership at UNIMA.
The academic for the University of Malawi (UNIMA),was appointed as Malawi High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in May this year.
He has written three highly acclaimed anthologies of Chichewa poetry widely used in Malawian secondary schools and universities.
His notable poems include ‘Nkhalamba’, ‘Ndidzakutengera Kunyanja Ligineti’ and ‘Misozi ya Chumba’.
Wokomaatani famously translated Chinua Achebe’s legendary novel ‘Things Fall Apart’ into Chichewa, under the title ‘Chipasupasu’.
His poetic works carry a lyrical depth as his poem ‘Ndine Yemwe Uja’ was adapted into a hit song by legendary Malawian musician Billy Kaunda. He also composed the first-ever official anthem for the University of Malawi in 2015.
His writing frequently addresses complex social themes, including advocacy for women’s voices, the trials of aging, human relationships, and national development.
In 2002, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) honoured him with an international award celebrating his artistic creativity.—Editing and additional reporting by Duncan Mlanjira; Maravi Express
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