shloboe boe
Mbulelo Mpofu, mbulelo.smpofu@gmail.com
PROMINENT Bulawayo author, Philani Nyoni, known for his thought-provoking literary works, is on the brink of winning his third award in just five months. Nyoni has been nominated for the prestigious Botswana Literature Awards under the SADC category, with the ceremony set to take place at the Pretoa Hotel on 14 December.
This year’s awards will carry the theme, “Celebrating our Unique Stories,” underscoring the importance of diverse narratives in the literary landscape. Nyoni’s nomination in the SADC category positions him for a potential third award in just five months.
In recent months, Nyoni’s literary prowess has been recognised with significant accolades. He won the Phoenix Authors’ Award at the Phoenix Publishing Book Awards in Harare and received an Honorary AfriCAN Authors’ Award in South Africa from Anthea Thyssen, both acknowledging his latest work, The Testament of Black Jesus. This book has sparked critical discussions and is available for purchase online and in bookstores across Bulawayo and Harare.
According to Nyoni, The Testament of Black Jesus is not just another religious text; it challenges traditional views of Christianity by comparing its spread to colonialism, suggesting that it has often been imposed upon people without a genuine understanding of its identity.
“Personally, I don’t think that’s very Christ-like,” Nyoni stated, emphasising the need for a more nuanced approach to faith and cultural identity. He elaborated, “One does not need to believe in the Bible to enjoy the poetry of Solomon, or be Buddhist to appreciate the Ubuntu teachings that Jesus espoused in the Bible.”
Nyoni’s exploration of these themes is deeply personal and thorough.
“I wanted to explore the Son of Man’s side of Him,” he reflected, showcasing his desire to redefine Jesus as a metaphor for broader human experiences rather than merely a religious figure.
The creation of The Testament of Black Jesus has been a significant journey for Nyoni, taking six years of dedication and refinement.
“When I began the project, I wanted to structure it as an epic,” he explained.
His love for ancient poetic forms influenced his choice to utilise the oldest written form in the world, making it an apt choice for the subject matter he wished to tackle.
Nyoni’s passion for writing is evident in his commitment to his craft. He described himself as a multi-faceted creative, engaging in various forms of art, yet identifies writing as his truest love.
“In the gospels, they talk about how using one talent opens up other talents. All these other things that have become part of my life are an extension of my literary pursuits,” he noted.
Despite his recent successes, Nyoni candidly shared the challenges he has faced throughout his career.
One significant hurdle has been accepting his talent and figuring out how to leverage it effectively.
“It’s a process you have to improve every day, especially if the dream is huge,” he admitted, revealing the
struggles he faces with Imposter Syndrome.
“Sometimes I feel like I don’t belong in some spaces, or deserve the good things in life.”
Nyoni’s journey illustrates the complex nature of artistic success, where self-doubt often accompanies achievement. However, he remains resolute in his belief that persistence and passion can lead to fulfilment.
In addition to his literary talents, Nyoni is also conversant in multiple languages, a skill that he believes enriches his creative output.
“Languages open you up to ideas, cultures, and nuance,” he stated, highlighting how this linguistic versatility makes the world more interesting and less intimidating.
Although he admits that some languages have “fallen off his tongue” due to lack of practice, he recalled how earlier works were infused with the nuances of different languages, providing depth that translation often lacks.
Nyoni’s experiences were further enriched during a recent trip to Malmö, Sweden, where he participated in a cultural exchange programme. This opportunity allowed him to broaden his horizons and share his work on an international platform.
Despite his impressive accomplishments, Nyoni humorously describes himself as “a very boring person” who spends his time reading and writing.
“I just read and write some of the most annoying books known to mankind,” he quipped, showcasing his self-deprecating humour. This modesty reflects his genuine passion for literature, rather than a desire for fame or recognition.
As a seasoned author, Nyoni is keen to inspire the next generation of writers.
“Just write. Write every day of your life,” he advises aspiring authors. He stressed the importance of consistency and the dangers of procrastination, stating, “The saddest words in the English language are ‘I used to . . .’ especially when you mean something that gives you a lot of joy.”
His own journey has been laden with accolades, including the Bulawayo Arts Award (BAA) for Outstanding Literary Work and several National Art Merit Awards (Nama). He has collaborated with South African spoken word expert, Xitha Makgetha, on the co-authored book, Pen Still Inking, launched in 2022.
Additionally, his works have been translated into Swedish and published in over ten countries, further solidifying his status as a global literary figure.
While preparing for the upcoming awards, Nyoni reflects on 2024. “I definitely have had a fantastic year,” he said, although he hesitates to label it his best.
“After experiencing a series of tragedies some years back, I’m very grateful not only to be alive but to respond to the demands of my talent.”
His pride was evident when he spoke of his book being recognised as required reading at California State University in Los Angeles, alongside works by literary giants like Chinua Achebe. —@MbuleloMpofu
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