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Chiwamba takes on football nicknames

 

Everywhere, in the world of entertainment, nicknames are a core part of artists.

Musicians have adopted nicknames as components of their public personae. Familiar nicknames are a dime a dozen and reinforce the notion that the practice of assigning nicknames has much to do with establishing an informal intimacy between artist and audience.

More interesting, however, are the names that performers were granted, or took on, in order to play up personal characteristics. The habit of giving nicknames has been around a long time and can say a lot about the recipient.

It is in the light of this premise that sensation poet, Robert Chiwamba, creatively coined a poem which pokes fun at some of the diminutives associated with local football stars.

Chiwamba: I strive to write what people identify with
Chiwamba: I strive to write what people identify with

In the poem, Chiwamba satirically argues that it is such nicknames that have led to the football team’s poor showing.

Titled Ma Nickname, the poem takes a swipe at people who glorify local football talent with wrong nicknames.

In an interview, Chiwamba said he assumed the role of a Flames fan who is constantly disappointed with the team’s performance.

“To begin with I should say I like using humour in communicating my messages. In this poem, the persona is a staunch Flames fan who is constantly disappointed whenever he goes to watch his favourite Flames.

He has heard all reasons that coaches and other football commentators give which he is not satisfied with and ends up suggesting jokingly that may be the problem is the names,” he said.

The poet, however, said there is a big underlining message in this satirical piece, which was necessitated by the fact that football remains the most loved and followed sport locally and internationally.

“People enjoy the humour part of it of course, otherwise the irony is like, come one Flames, we are tired with your losses! This is because football is the most loved and most funded sport irrespective of the poor results that our national team brings. So, as an artist I strive to write what many people will easily identify with,” explained Chiwamba.

While some may wonder as to what is the reaction or response that the piece has received considering its hilariously scathing nature, the poet is at peace.

“Most people love it especially football fans. Actually I have heard a number of radio stations playing it in sports programmes whenever the Flames lose. They all know that it can’t be the nicknames, but they sympathise still with the persona in the poem who ends the poem by saying ‘Timaikondabe Flames yo ngakhale amangoigaza’. This shows how passionate the persona is despite the losses and pains inflicted,” he stated.

Chiwamba came into the poetry limelight with Mudzafa Imfa Yowawa and Moyo Si Wophweka, which were part of his first album released in 2012. n

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