Sh-h-h-h, Munyori Editor working...

I am reading submissions for the next issue of Munyori Poetry Journal and so far I am impressed by the quality of the submissions and their global representation. That's the main goal of Munyori, to be home to incisive global voices...

There are more Zimbaweans submissions than ever before, and India is leading in country submissions, followed by the United States, Zimbabwe, Canada. South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, where are you? I have seen Australia, Ireland, UK. Not every country is represented, of course, but I can confidently say all the continents are represented. Why the emphasis on globality? It just feels good hearing diverse voices, you know.

The next issue of Munyori is scheduled for October 15.

Comments

Sarudzai Mubvakure said…
I had a look at the Munyori Poetry Journal and i was startled by one of the comments made by a person called Nhamo Mhiripiri. He was disheartened by the fact that a lot of good works that he has read would probably not get published unless it is a book that will be made a part of the secondary school curriculum - which is the biggest market. If Secondary Scool curriculum books are the biggest market, does that mean that people in Zimbabwe are no longer reading for leisure because they cannot afford to? Or is it because Zimabaweans only read if they have to e.g. going to school?
October 21, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Emmanuel Sigauke said…
Sarudzai,

The setbook market has always been the leading audience for the Zimbabwean writer. I remember in the 90s there were efforts by the Zimbabwe Publishers Association to promote reading in all corners of the country, and I have started arguing that just as we are promoting writing, we should also figure out ways to nurture reading for pleasure in Zimbabwe. I also urge Zimbabwean writers to expand their genres; sometimes I think we are too literary for our readers, who might just enjoy a John Grisham, Daniel Steel kind of story (I know there is a market for such books in Zimbabwe). The music and film industries have taken the lead in diversifying styles, and I think out writing lags behind genre expansion. The good thing though is the setting of the literature has begun to expand, thanks to writers like you, Petinah Gappah and others.

Again, congratulations for your publications and good luck in your future projects.
October 21, 2008 at 5:22 PM
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