Local author, Phodiso Modirwa’s newly released poetry book interrogates themes of fatherhood, religion, mental health, identity and the possibility of language.
This read is specifically very much parallel to Modirwa’s life experiences. Having grown up Christian, she narrated that it has been interesting to look back at scriptures and the fundamentals he has been taught. “I really just wanted to write our own stories, in a local climate meaning it features our everyday living in a sense,” she explained.
This is his first chapbook ever and he is happy to share that it has been selected by the African Poetry Book Fund and Akashic Books and published as part of the New Generation African Poets Box Set. “I cannot overemphasize the encouragement that this has given me to keep doing what I do. I believe that writing is an art through which we express ourselves and pass a lesson onto another person,” she said emphasizing that being recognized on his first published work means a lot to him.
The chapbook was published in July this year as part of the New Generation African Poets Box Set: Tisa. The eleven poets included in this box set were Modirwa, Samuel A. Adeyemi, Nikitta Dede Adjirakor, O-Jeremiah Agbaakin, Rabha Ashry, Jakky Bankong-Obi, Hazem Fahmy, Alain Jules Hirwa, Jay Kophy, Tawiah Naana Akua Mensah, and Nneoma Veronica Nwogu. This book was therefore published by Akashic Books, NY, USA. It is a book written for anyone who loves poetry.
It can be read by both young people and the adults. Modirwa hopes that the book reaches as many people as possible and encourages them to write their own stories and read material that reflects and represents them as well. She reiterated that reading and writing is very important and directly informs people to better their lives.
He is so far content about great feedback that he has received so far regarding the book. “The cover is by an amazing Nigerian artist, Victor Ekpuk whose work I have also fallen in love with,” shared Modirwa. The book was successfully launched recently on August 12th at the Art Residency Centre in Gaborone.
She looks forward to continue telling more stories through writing. Modirwa believes that the reading culture in Botswana should should be revived and more authors should come out to share those stories.