Litfest International Literature Festival: A Celebration of Zimbabwean Literature and Culture
The 11th edition of the Litfest International Literature Festival, held from November 27 to 30, at the Nhaka Gallery, Alliance Française, and the Harare City Library, proved to be a monumental gathering of literary minds. The event, a celebration of Zimbabwean and African literature, showcased the vital role literature plays in shaping society and fostering cultural understanding.
The festival’s official opening was graced by the esteemed Petina Gappah, a renowned academic, researcher, lawyer, writer, and literature editor. As the guest of honor, Gappah captivated the audience with her recitation of favorite literature quotes and Shona riddles, emphasizing the significance of literature in helping people understand the world, their history, and promoting cultural and religious tolerance.
In her address, Gappah underscored the importance of broadening the scope of Zimbabwe’s historical narrative. She reflected on how the country’s story had often been written from a narrow perspective, and how she aimed to add her own strand to the complex tapestry of Zimbabwe’s past. Drawing inspiration from Chinua Achebe’s notion of “the balance of all our stories,” Gappah discussed her contributions to contemporary and historical fiction about Zimbabwe. She explained that Zimbabwe’s story extends far beyond its modern political history, dating back to ancient times, even to the era of the Great Zimbabwe and Guruuswa, a legacy shared with neighboring nations through common cultural ties.
Throughout the event, various speakers celebrated the power of well-written literature. Chirikure Chirikure, the director of the festival, reflected on the continuous growth of Litfest, thanking sponsors for their unwavering support. Solidarity messages from figures such as Napoleon Nyanhi, director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, and Alliance Française director Fanny Gauthier reinforced the importance of literature in preserving cultural identity and fostering societal growth.
In addition to Gappah’s speech, the event was enriched by a series of poetic toasts and performances. Mambo Guramatunhu, a celebrated author and spoken word poet, took to the stage with Shona poems that praised African beauty and customs, while Dr. Malinga’s poignant poem Lerato resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the emotional complexity of love. Mzansi poet Nomonde Sky also captivated the crowd with her powerful portrayal of cultural asceticism, demonstrating her respect for the stage as a sacred space.
Music performances added to the festival’s vibrancy. Gugulethu Garwe and Lovedale Makalanga set the tone with their energetic musical performances, while music producer Mono Mukundu spoke about the importance of the festival in promoting the culture of reading.
The festival also provided a platform for new voices, with Rumbidzai Dunduru (Rumbi Chen) sharing insights into her latest work, Landing in Fifteen Minutes, an aviation thriller co-written with Elliot Chatima, which tackles issues like family secrets and drug abuse.
Former beauty queen Brita Masalethuni led the proceedings, bringing a touch of elegance to the event as the host. The festival not only highlighted Zimbabwe’s rich literary heritage but also served as a reminder of the enduring power of stories to shape society and preserve history.
The 11th Litfest International Literature Festival was a resounding success, celebrating Zimbabwean literature and culture while fostering a deeper understanding of the nation’s complex and diverse history. With its powerful performances, thoughtful speeches, and vibrant discussions, the festival reinforced the role of literature in promoting dialogue, understanding, and cultural unity.
