Poet Pangani releases album

She may not be among celebrated local poets, but her name is not new on Malawi’s poetry scene.

Evelyn Pangani has been presenting Joy FM poetry programme, Patsinde, since the death of iconic bard O’Brien Nazombe last year.

One of the few female poets that have left footprints on a terrain, Pangani releases her first poetry album Nyongaza Bongo on Sunday.

While she is yet to set the date for the official launch, the 18-piece Chichewa volume first goes on the market when she makes a cameo appearance at a stand-up comedy show slated for Afro Motel near Wenela Bus Depot today.

As the title suggests, the volume is not just about hyping strength of a woman but also the creative faculties of the human brain amid mind-boggling technological inroads.

“Some poems in the new album include Tekinoloje  in which I praise inventors of hi-tech things, such as aeroplanes, gramophone, telephone  for the great job they did. At the same time, these inventions were just polished editions of things that were already existing in Africa and they occurred in form of magic,” the poet said in an interview.

On the poem Moyo Wina, she satirically ponders on the existence, roles and relevance of politicians in the afterlife. Tied to the theme of life after death is Atauka Kwa Akufa in which she wonders what would happen if the dead came rose from their graves.

 

Seemingly born of the fear of the Judgement Day, Landireni is a penitential prayer from a contrite heart.

Other poems are Timasauka Ndife, Ndichani Malawi, Chitanyu, Ndine mboni, Mmaminibasi, Mankhwala Azitsamba, Chikhalidwe and Ululuwa Chikondi.