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Little-known author Elias Machemedze seem to have achieved fame overnight after his debut novel, Sarawoga, was adopted as a feature film and also a song that was done by the legendary musician, Oliver Mtukudzi. The same book is currently being used as a setbook for Ordinary Level, Shona. Entertainment Editor Ruth Butaumocho (RB) spoke to Machemedze (EM) on this and other issues.
RB: Can you tell us about yourself?
EM: I was born on December 4, 1977. I grew up in Shamva and did my primary education at Magadzi and Chindunduma primary schools. I completed my secondary education at Zvomanyanga and Madziva Mine schools also in Shamva, where I am currently based.
RB: How did you get involved in writing?
EM: I started by writing poems that used to be read on the then Radio Four (National FM) in 1995. I was in Form Three. I then got encouragement from my then Shona teacher Mr Enock Kalani at Zvamanyanga Secondary School to write a book. My first book, Sangodema, never saw the light of day with the publishers saying it was not marketable.
I did not despair, but started working on another project, which culminated in the production of Sarawoga. I did that with the assistance of Mr Kalani.
RB: Sarawoga is a legendary story about a greedy leader who sold his motherland to the whites, much to the chagrin of the spiritual mediums who eventually killed him. At 33, you were barely born when the country was at war, so why did you choose to write on the subject?
EM: It’s a book that seeks to remind the young people on the liberation struggle of Zimbabwe. They need to remain steadfast in defending our sovereignty as a country.
They should realise that no matter how educated they are, it is their sole responsibility to guard against forces of imperialism bent on stealing their birthright — the land.
Of course, my book is a political satire that depicts the current political situation. I had to make use of folk tale to indoctrinate the young generation on the importance of their birthright.
RB: Who inspired you?
EM: I was inspired by the late Joseph Kumbirai, a Roman Catholic priest, and the late Patrick Chakaipa. They eloquently wrote about traditional customs and culture and showed that they had abundant knowledge on the subject.
Coming from a family where cultural norms and values are highly revered (under Chief Chipadze), I developed a passion to write on cultural issues. I am, however, grateful for the moral support I have been getting from one of Zimbabwe’s prolific writers, Aaron Chiundura-Moyo.
He has been urging me to research and write more on different issues and I am extremely humbled by the support that I have been getting.
RB: I notice that your book is being used as an O-Level setbook since 2008. The same book was adopted into DVD film currently running on ZTV, in addition to a song that legendary musician Oliver Mtukudzi did.
In 2005 the book also clinched the Zimbabwe International Book Fair 2005 first prize in the Outstanding Creative Work category. How do you feel about such an achievement, considering that you are just a novice in the industry?
EM: I am extremely humbled by the developments that have seen my career change overnight, and I want to thank the Lord for that. It is my first novel, yet I am already gracing television screens on different interviews. That alone has inspired me to do more and work even harder.
By winning the coveted ZIBF prize, I feel I have contributed to the development of Shona literature in the school curriculum.
RB: Has the fame achieved earned you fortune?
EM: Not yet, but it is a stepping stone to bigger and greater things. I am being approached by a number of people and organisations that are interested in my work and want to develop it further.
I believe that once I have got enough connections, I will start earning money.
RB: You once accused the music superstar Mtukudzi of trying to dupe you after he assisted in the production of the feature film and releasing a song based on the book Sarawoga. Can you tell us what happened?
EM: What happened is that my publisher didn’t fully explain to me what the involvement of Pakare Paye in the feature film meant.
I felt that I was being duped, by having my book adapted into a feature film, and later into a song. So naturally I was very angry and went to the newspapers with my story.
It was only when I met Mtukudzi personally that I realised that I will benefit from the whole project. Let me take this opportunity to sincerely apologise to Tuku for the misunderstanding. He is a good man. He has since assured me that he will continue to assist me whenever I need his help.
RB: Your second book, what is it all about?
EM: The book, titled “Nherera Zvirange”, is also on cultural issues. I don’t want to pre-empt what the book is all about, but I am just urging the readers to get a copy for themselves once it is out.
RB: Apart from writing, what else do you do
EM: I am a small-scale farmer in Shamva, but I am planning to apply for an A2 farm.
RB: Are you married?
EM: No, but I am planning to marry this year.
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