Njabulo Moyo
He
was raised in the dusty and chaotic streets of Mzilikazi, right in the midst of
the Okapi lifestyle, a young man with a different vision has emerged and today
he shares his vision with the world. Coming from a fairly middle class
background and in history filled with contestations, he however, did not allow
such to be a hindrance towards his vision. He grew up wanting to have an impact
in the lives of people and having influence to those that do not even know him.
The
young author /speaker is affectionately known amongst his close friends as The
Inspirational Motivator, has been using poetry as a niche in redefining his
motivational aspect. In a statement by Chris Mlalazi, Njabulo Moyo;
…uses
poetry as a motivational tool that challenges and encourages, provokes and
prunes. His poetry has a unique style that is inspired by contemporary affairs
and the need for society to see opportunities in challenges. The anthology
signals the birth of motivational poetry. Through this anthology (The
Inspirational Motivator) vividly demonstrates his belief that poetry is a
language that needs to be guarded jealously and practiced on a daily basis to
ensure that it survives for ages.
Moyo
is not new in the poetry circles as he was featured as a performing poet in the
Action Youth “Listen to Youth Project 2010” DVD compilation which was done by
Jermaine Ndlovu under the British Councils Global Change makers. He has participated in the Premier Festival
of Intwasa as a performance poet since 2009 under the British Councils Echoes
of Young Voices youth group which promotes the arts and creativity. He was a
finalist during the Power in the Voice 2006 High Schools competition where he
was a competed with Bulawayo’s young talents.
His
inspirational talk has led him to have an impact in various platforms, for
example, in Sweden, Denmark and Lebanon. So far The Inspirational Motivator has
published one book under his name, called African Sketches. The book is unique
and contains the fresh approach to poetry, and attempts to set break the virgin
ground that has not been done before. It is this context that the book has been
viewed as a pace setter and a direct encouragement to other young people in
Zimbabwe.
African
Sketches explores the mis-told truths and the ills that other people have dared
not explore. John Eppel, a renowned author upon reflection of the African
Sketches, noted that:
“Sketches”
is an apt description of these laconic poems, which range in content from
domestic issues such as family relationships, through a meta-textual awareness
of words (the tools of the poet) to the sensitive, and sometimes dangerous,
issue of Zimbabwean politics.
These
sketches are deeply African, not only in content but in form, since the chief
influences of the poet’s style are praise poetry (connecting us to our oral
tradition), and rap: a style created by Africans in the Diaspora, in particular
the West Indies and the USA.
Njabulo
Moyo is one of a group of talented young poets from Bulawayo who dare to be
noticed. We, the older generation of
writers, are very proud of them.
It
is such modern touch that the book has been much more relevant to the young
people in particular. The impression that Moyo gave in the first book, has made
him gain recognition even amongst the seasoned poets like The Protest Poet. In
reviewing the book, The Protest Poet marvelled at the book and commented that:
African
Sketches is a book with a lot of marks and traces. It meanders with different
themes which exude the theme of hope and motivation. The poems are written in a
unique manner which is simply but imbued with intellectual sophistication that
seeks to speak to you and all.
The
Inspirational Motivator (TIM) has been highly motivated by the influential
Motivators like, Milton Kamwendo and Kenn Annandale. It is in that regard that
he has shown deep passion in motivating young people to be creative and
influential in their communities. He has been involved in Motivational Talk in
schools like, Mzilikazi High, St Gabriel’s and Metro College. It is from these
platforms that he has made a critical mark amongst the young people and has
been viewed as more transformation. His
belief in motivation has seen him conducting a book talk series, popularly
dubbed: “From Moaners and Groaners to Movers and Shakers”. The Book talk was
conducted in partnership with the American Corner.
Currently
The Inspirational Motivator is working on two compilations’. The first being a
joint partnership with the young artist Keith Mpatha, whilst the second one is
what he terms Motivational leadership. The book already promising book shall be
entitled: Motivating the inner soul
Njabulo
Moyo can be contacted at:
www.njabulomoyo.blogspot.com
Follow
him on twitter: @njabulomoyo.
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