A ZAMBIAN GENRE

On literary arts in Zambia-focus on fiction writing

 

M

ost countries in Africa have effectively shared their fundamental nature through works of art. Countries like Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, just to mention but a few, have developed specific genres of fiction over the years, rendering this group of countries leaders in African literature. Nigeria and South Africa for instance has gone from the script to the big screen, leaving Zambia trailing far behind.

Zambia does not have a specific genre of fiction that she can be identified with. Any form of literature especially prose, drama and poetry should be a conduit for the transmission of people’s culture, language, religion, traditional values and any other aspect that defines their lifestyle and evolution. In the absence of sound literary identification, a country is likely to experience gaps in the development of the things that describe its core existence. Nations have preserved their history, morals, beliefs and customs through writing. The absence of Zambian fiction writing has contributed to a large extent the lack of proper documentation of its cultural development and the transmission of such cultural beliefs through the passing of time. ‘If the current Zambian authors are anything to go by, Zambia is still miles away from literary autonomy. There is a notable dearth of authentic Zambian authors’. ^[1]. It can be said that the present generations are easily swayed by so called western cultures because of the absence of a strong literature that should have otherwise transmitted the beliefs that should act as a backbone of cultural identity in every generation.   

Where are we coming from? Despite the few collections of fiction, the country can still trace its literary history back to the colonial days, when selected Zambian die-hards, put together some work and had them published.  However, the lack of documentation makes it very difficult for some of these works to be traced. By the 1960s, the likes of Steven A. Mpashi had published a few books that people still refer to as being the most entertaining stories that were narrated with such great skill. ^[2] There were also other colonial writers like Fwanyanga Mulikita. By the 1970s, there were only about twelve known published works of fiction.

One would ask, what has been the challenge for Zambia? Is it the lack of authors? Could it be that there is nothing to write about? Every country has something to say about itself.  Recently, there has been a rise in Zambian writers both within the country and in the diaspora. Although growing at a slow rate, there is literary potential in the country. The problem has not really been who or what to write but the issues lie deeply in the lack of support systems for those who aspire to take up this noble undertaking. Zambia for instance has a young publishing industry. The existence of private publishing companies can only be traced to the 1990s, when Zambia’s economy was liberalised. Before then only one publishing house had the monopoly, Kenneth Kaunda Publishing House and priority then was the provision of educational materials to schools in the post independent era. With the coming of private publishing companies like Macmillan and Longman, the situation has not improved because the publishing costs are still very high. In recent times, more publishing companies have been established and they mostly want to survive on a guaranteed education market. Besides, without regulatory bodies, the quality of material goes unchecked more often.

Some individual writers have opted to self-publish. With the internet providing so many opportunities, several works have found themselves on the open market and sadly some are substandard. Well, even if someone succeed at publishing an excellent piece, there are still more hurdles to jump; the poor reading culture and low literacy rates. If we are to head ‘Toward a Zambian Genre’, the writing industry must be made a reality for those who are ready to take it up. Both government and the private sector must invest in making the journey from the script to the book shelf a reality.

MAKE READING A LIFESTYLE

January is coming to an end. Officially we have been in the New Year for close to 31 days. How far have you gone in implementing your resolutions? Have you even started yet? As time lapses, the fervor and interest slowly wan, which is followed by excuses and before you know it, the plans are shelfed. Keeping promises is not easy. Sticking to plans is difficult if you do not write them. The effort of committing your idea to paper and referring back to it constantly keeps the initial passion alive. It compels one to eventually do something about it. If you decided to make reading a lifestyle, you need to know exactly what kind of books you wish to read, then list the titles. This way soon as you come across the book, you will get it and read it!

Plans should not be about the money but about succeeding, about achieving your goals, it is about breaking through to the next level that you planned for. Most plans have been parked because, when it comes to the budget, people get overwhelmed. They pay more attention to how they will obtain the money that is needed to execute the plan. When your emphasis is on the money rather than on what must be accomplished, it is easy to quit, because generally, money is hard to come by. By all means, include a budget but focus more on what must be achieved. Money is just one of the enablers. If you concentrate on what needs to be done, you will begin to implement the part of your plan that does not require finances. For example, if your resolution is to make reading a lifestyle, you must understand that not all books need to be bought. Join a book club, get library membership, exchange books with friends, use social media to connect with other readers so that you can exchange books and when you have the money, buy the book! By making the first steps, you will have completed 50% of the plans and the rest will fall into place. Resources get attracted to plans once there is commitment and when achievement is on the horizon.

Finally, avoid things, places or people that will sway you away from your plans.  Create the time for reading. For instance, television can take away the much needed time. Spend more hours with other readers, talk about your books and share ideas. A lifestyle is made by repeating actions that build into a recognizable pattern. Eventually others will identify you with that particular style, she or he is a reader. When you become rooted, you create a foundation upon which you can build. You could start recruiting other readers or could just start teaching others how to read. If we are to head ‘Toward a Zambian Genre’, then we need avid readers. In 2018, make reading your lifestyle!