dyton mupawaenda
Arts Reporter
Zimbabwean actor-cum-author Tendai Maduwa has released his debut children’s book, ‘Makwizha and the Black Mouse’, which he said wishes to teach young readers the importance of loyalty in family relationships, work and school.
Maduwa who is based in Los Angeles, United States, revealed in an interview that he wants to address the erosion of values that he observed in contemporary society.
“I realised that loyalty and integrity are becoming rare in this generation,” he reflects. “Morals are being overshadowed by the pursuit of attention, and I felt a responsibility to redirect the future generations.”
This personal conviction ignited his passion for storytelling and inspired him to write his children’s book. Set in a fantastical era where trees converse with humans and animals coexist harmoniously with nature, the story unfolds a powerful lesson about betrayal and redemption. The narrative follows Makwizha, a compassionate hunter who bravely rescues a black mouse from a death trap.
However, once freed, the mouse betrays Makwizha, teaching a stark lesson about the consequences of one’s actions.
“Through this tale, I hope children learn about loyalty, hard work, and the importance of standing by one’s principles,” Maduwa shares, emphasising the moral core of his story. The journey to publication was not without its challenges.
“It took me seven years to write this book,” Maduwa explains. “Every lesson was meticulously woven into the fabric of the story.”
His perseverance bore fruit when ‘Makwizha and the Black Mouse’ was published by Roots Press and Studios, a publishing house with roots in both Zimbabwe and the USA. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone in Maduwa’s life, validating his years of hard work and commitment. Maduwa’s literary pursuits are deeply personal and rooted in his upbringing. He fondly remembers his late grandmother, Mbuya Nyamutovera, as his greatest inspiration.
“She taught me the values of hard work and integrity,” he reminisces.
After his mother passed away when he was just eight months old, Mbuya Nyamutovera became his guiding light, nurturing him with love and sharing folktales that sparked his passion for storytelling.
“Listening to her stories made me realise the power of narratives in shaping one’s character,” he reflects. He said is now working diligently to ensure that the book reaches its intended audience in Zimbabwe.
“We are implementing systems to combat piracy,” he states, keenly aware of the challenges that authors face in making their works accessible. The first batch of 500 copies is set to be released, with 300 already ordered.
“I want to make sure that children back home have access to these stories.”
Despite his success, life in the US comes with its own set of challenges.
“I miss the simplicity of village life in Makosa,” Maduwa admits. “I long for the countryside and the taste of traditional dishes that remind me of home.”
Yet, he remains focused on his mission to uplift the literacy sector in Zimbabwe.
“Improving literacy is a collective effort,” he asserts, emphasising that it requires collaboration among all stakeholders in the industry.
In addition to the new book, Maduwa has penned several other works, including, ‘Marry My Language’ and ‘Nuggets of Success’, further establishing himself as a voice of inspiration.
Currently, he is involved in a television series for the 2024 Emmys, titled, ‘The Sure Rules’, along with two other undisclosed projects.
“We have to keep pushing boundaries,” he says, “and sharing our stories with the world.”
