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‘KOLOBEJA’ - Folktales from a Ndebele Past Thursday 29 July 2010, 5.30-7pm The Book Café, Fife Ave Mall, Harare
On Thursday evening, 29 July at 5.30-7pm, Harare’s Book Café will be hosting a Story- Telling event in partnership with the Embassy of the Czech Republic, with stories from the book ‘Kolobeja’, Folktales from a Ndebele Past, published by the embassy in 2009. The book is a collection of twenty-eight riveting, hilarious and scintillating folktales from the world of AmaNdebele. Story-telling open mic events are held once a month at The Book Cafe, established by Pamberi Trust to give story-tellers a platform for the revival of the ancient art. This month the microphone will be reserved for two well- known Zimbabwean writers, Virginia Phiri and Barbara Nkala, reading wonderful stories from the book at an early evening event, suitable for the whole family.
Folktales are an important component of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Non-literate societies used folktales to socialize their young; they are an important part of tradition, which is an essential aspect of the identity of every ethnic group. Folktales have a multifunctional role, especially in African societies where they entertain, educate and bring out critical thought, world view, philosophy and values.
The folktales in ‘Kolobeja’ were researched, collected and translated from theNdebele language by author Pathisa Nyathi who will also attend the event. Pathisa Nyathi was born at Sankonjana in the Kezi area of Matobo District and taught at several secondary schools before being appointed lecturer at Gweru Teacher’s College and later becoming head of Gloag High School in 1985. He subsequently became the Deputy Provincial Education Director, a post he held until his retirement in 2004. Presently, he works as a consultant and resource person for the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust. Pathisa is a published poet, playwright, actor, historian and biographer. The two readers Virginia Phiri and Barbara Nkala have a respectable background in the arts. Virginia Phiri was born in Mzilikazi Township, Bulawayo and now lives and works in Harare. Virginia is well known for her three books 'Desperate', 'Destiny' and 'Highway Queen'. Barbara Nkala is an author, editor, translator, motivational speaker and elder in her church who holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and Management. She is the former National Director for International Bible Society Zimbabwe and currently sits on a number of humanitarian boards. The Story-Telling event is free, and all people are welcome.
By Extra-Blessings Kuchera Pamberi Trust The Book Cafe & The Mannenberg Fife Ave Mall, 6th St/Fife Ave, Harare www.zimbabwearts.org, Office Cell - 0914 435 272
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"You will not find poetry anywhere unless you bring some with you," truth or lie? House of Hunger Poetry Slam, a project by Pamberi Trust will be able to answer that question for you. This Saturday 14 August, House of Hunger Poetry Slam celebrates 5 slamming years of rhyme at The Book Cafe, 2-5pm.