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Arts & Academia

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Shaping the Narrative One Story at A Time

By Adedoyin Jaiyesimi

Recently, something remarkable happened in my country. Nigerian track and field athlete Tobi Amusan set a world record at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon. Her win wasn’t just personal; it was a national victory. For a nation plunged into a bad news hurricane, Tobi’s win felt like a much-needed break from the cycle of negative news. The win shone like a ray of hope that resonated in the hearts of Nigerians, and the buzz was everywhere. Everyone rode on that wave of hope from social media posts to think pieces on the power of a vision. And for that day at least, a different narrative about the nation was circulated. This incident got me thinking. As a communicator, I think a lot about how my work contributes to shaping a narrative, not only in my country but in Africa. I thought about how one win brought to light a story of grit and overcoming the odds, showcasing the resilient Nigerian spirit. Several media platforms amplified this story and were also a source of inspiration for several corporate communications professionals. I should also add that Tobi’s win was part of several wins that had women at the forefront.

Zimbabwean Novelist, NoViolet Bulawayo Shortlisted for Booker Prize 2022

Celebrated Zimbabwean Novelist, NoViolet Bulawayo has been shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize. Violet was shortlisted for her novel, Glory, an Animal Farm-inspired political satire narrated by a chorus of animals. The judges called it “a magical crossing of the African continent in its political excesses and its wacky characters.” The chair of judges, Neil MacGregor described the shortlist as the group of people who “speak powerfully about important things”. Others on the shortlist include one Irish writer, one English writer, two Americans, and one from Sri Lanka. The panel of judges trimmed down the longlist of 13 books to the following six titles: Glory by NoViolet Bulawayo Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan The Trees by Percival Everett The Seven Moons of Mali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout Treacle Walker by Alan Garner Announcing the shortlist live from the Serpentine Pavilion in London, MacGregor…

Bank Marketer by Day, Expressionist Artist by Night

By Tanya Maswaure “It won’t be worth it until you invest something into it”, Nyasha Chidavaenzi Choga stated in an exclusive interview with Amazons Watch Magazine. Nyasha has persevered in her corporate work, graduating from the University of Cape Town, University of Natal and leading Corporate affairs in one of the largest banks in her country; she has sold artwork that has crossed the shores of Africa. Nyasha has found success in her passion, and this is how she did it. “If you asked me at the age of 8 what I wanted to be, I would say artist. No two ways about it!” Nyasha explained. She shared that from a young age, she knew what she wanted to do and all through high school, she worked well towards it. Nyasha remained determined on that path working towards O levels and A levels in art. Being an African daughter from…

Hope Masike: Shaking the world of African Literature

By Tanya Maswaure

Hope Masike, a Zimbabwean musician, poet, and writer, showed up to the cultural stage, stirring the peace and creating an exciting buzz. Prior to Valentine’s day of this year, she is launching her very first Shona anthology called Dzevabvazera. And just as the name suggests in Shona, the book is not for the young, but it is specifically for individuals who have come of age. In our conversation with her, she broke down her journey to writing this trailblazing piece of literature and how, as controversial as it may seem, she is only trying to reignite the culture and heritage of Shona speakers around the world.